By the time Alex returned to the Pokémon Center, it was already starting to get late, finding Chase already waiting for her in the lobby.
"How are you doing?" he asked.
"A little better," she answered. "I…I had time to think…" She was hesitant to mention Cerulean but knew she couldn't keep the cat a secret. They're going to travel together, but how would he react?
"Is something wrong?"
"Oh, I…" Glancing around for signs of people that may listen in, she leaned closer. "I…I met a Pokémon and she wanted to join."
"Really? What kind of Pokémon is she?"
Chewing her lip, she was afraid of letting the Pokémon out. She should have thought about it more carefully, but it happened so fast.
"Come on, I'll show you in the room," Alex said. Chase nodded, concern showing as he followed her.
He was confused as to why she was being so secretive. What type of Pokémon could she have caught?
Once inside, the smaller Pokémon were let back out minus the newest one. Alex was saving her for later until it's time. As she held the ball in her hand, memories of everything that has happened flashed through her mind.
"Are you sure you're okay?" Chase asked again. He didn't want to repeat so much, but he really was worried.
As short as Nate had been on her team, losing him really hit her hard. His immediate response didn't help. Already he could see flashes of his team being torn apart darting across his mind. She didn't deserve to go through what he's going through.
"I'm not really sure," Alex admitted. She held Cerulean's ball in her hands.
~Remember what we said, what Ansen said,~ Hana reassured. She flew over, settling next to her trainer. She looked at the pokéball, noticing it was newer. It wasn't Nate's, she's certain of that. She doesn't even know if Alex still has his ball or was allowed to keep it.
"I remember," Alex nodded. "While I was out, I talked with Nala… She still wants to stay and keep battling. She doesn't want anyone else to get hurt or worse like Nate had."
The others listened, most looking relieved the water type was staying.
~What's inside that ball?~ Ansen asked. He pointed with his wing, gesturing the ball.
"Her name's Cerulean," Alex started. "I met her on the bridge after Nala asked to be in her ball. We talked and she asked if she could join. She was there when Team Rocket was stealing the wild Pokémon, but all she could do was watch."
~Why watch?~ Ansen asked warily.
"She told me she isn't very strong. She would have been captured if she tried fighting them," the trainer explained. "But that's why she wanted to join. She wants to get stronger so she can be able to protect other Pokémon better. She doesn't want to see others suffer if she can help it. She doesn't want to see others end up like Nate had…"
Chase noticed the hesitation, so decided to chime in so Alex wouldn't have to think about Nate too much. "You said she was special, right?"
Alex nodded, holding the ball up. "I want you guys to know that I didn't catch her to replace Nate. But I want you to meet her and please treat her as a friend." With a press of the button, the ball activated, releasing the Pokémon inside.
When the light faded, a pink kitten was floating in the room. Chase's eyes wide as were the others in the room.
~She's so pretty!~ Hana exclaimed, flying over. ~Hi, there!~
Surprised by the greeting, the cat spun before relaxing. {Hi, you're the Butterfree who got those uniformed adults.}
~Alex called them police,~ the butterfly said. ~Alex said you wanted to join, because of what happened with Team Rocket? And…and what happened with Nate?~ Her voice trailed off a little, antenna dropping slightly when mentioning their deceased friend.
{I did ask to join. I've always wanted to travel and see beyond the city, but after what's happened, now I want to travel so I can get stronger. I want to be able to protect others if I can.}
Turning to Chase, the cat gave the surprised teen a small wave.
"What kind of Pokémon are you? And how can you talk?" the teen asked. He's never seen a Pokémon like her before. He could only imagine just how rare she could be. Now he understands Alex's nervousness.
"She's a Mew," Alex answered. "And she's using telepathy to talk to us."
"You're kidding?" Chase responded. He was familiar with the myth around Mew.
{She's not,} Cerulean chimed in. {I am a Mew.}
"But aren't you a mythical Pokémon?"
{Based on what people say, I guess so.}
~I wonder what makes a Pokémon be considered mythical?~ Lance wondered.
"From what I remember in school, legendary and mythical Pokémon gained those classes based on rarity and how powerful they could be. Mythical Pokémon are species that are harder to find if they exist or not," Alex answered. "They also gain that status because they're sometimes viewed as godlike beings."
~Well, Cerulean certainly exists if she really is a Mew,~ Ken pointed out. ~But, if you're that rare, why are you here?~
{I'm not like most of my clowder. I don't really like hiding and keeping away from people. I enjoy watching them, trainers in particular. I love watching their battles and seeing weak Pokémon becoming strong, especially ones from around here,} Cerulean explained, giving a happy spin in midair.
"Won't they miss you then?" Chase asked.
{They know what I'm like. If they haven't already found out I've been captured, they will soon enough and won't be too surprised,} Cerulean answered. Looking at the others, she could see that some already seem to like her, which made her happy. But the avian though didn't seem too impressed with her presence but could tell he wasn't the social type. She was certain he'll warm up in his own way.
~We'll try to help you get strong,~ Hana reassured. ~We made plans on what to do for training with new teammates.~
{You did?}
~Yeah, we'll work in pairs to battle wild and trained Pokémon. You can watch as we take on stronger Pokémon and we'll watch you battle weaker ones until you're able to take on stronger ones,~ Ken added proudly.
{That sounds like a pretty good plan,} Cerulean smiled.
They talked some more, Chase having some questions, grateful that the psychic could communicate through telepathy. It made it easier and hearing her indirectly confirm what Alex said when translating a Pokémon proved that she could understand them. While he wanted to apologize right away, he didn't think right now was the best time.
When it started getting late, they decided to go have dinner then head to bed right after.
Worried about Cerulean's rarity, Alex had her stay in her pokéball while they ate, promising to bring her something to eat in the room.
When it was time for bed, the kids climbed into their respective bunks. The Pokémon found different spots around the room to curl up.
Cerulean curled up on Alex's bed with Ken. Lance was on the floor at the foot of the bed. Ansen was in a basket he deemed nest worthy while Hana chose to sleep on Chase's bed.
Once morning came, they gathered outside behind the Pokémon Center. Alex felt a little more comfortable letting Cerulean out than keeping her cooped up in her ball all the time. It wouldn't be fair to her.
Nala had been let out to join them along with the rest of the Pokémon. The water type was introduced to Cerulean, the situation explained to her. The larger Pokémon was pleased to meet a new friend. They could tell she still felt hurt losing Nate and having someone join so soon, but at the same time, it was good for them. It would help them push forward, the psychic type Pokémon unique enough to not be viewed as a replacement for their timid friend.
While Alex and Chase sat and ate, talking, their moods seemingly improving, the Pokémon chose to sit and talk together some more.
{I'm curious; do any of you know how Alex is able to understand what you say?} Cerulean asked, glancing at their trainer. {I mean, I know I can communicate telepathically, but if I couldn't, she'd still understand what I'd say, right?}
~We don't really know how she's able to understand us,~ Lance answered. ~It happened a while back when most of us were in Viridian Forest.~
{Oh?}
The Pokémon present, minus Ansen, took turns explaining what had happened. They mentioned the possible theory that the professor gave when examining her and Azure.
{That's interesting. I've never heard of anything like that happening before.}
~Do you think anyone from your clowder would know?~ Hana asked.
{I can't really say…} Cerulean hummed.
They continued to talk, the friendlier members wanting to learn more about Cerulean and vice versa. No one was up for training at the moment. While they were starting to feel normal, it seemed too soon to go out and battle right now. Surprisingly, Ansen had refrained from making any complaints about it.
After nearly a week to relax and working up the confidence to head back out, Alex eventually talked with her team. She knew they couldn't put training off forever, not if they had plans to accomplish. They agreed and decided a time when they would resume, wanting to help Cerulean catch up to their level.
She, her team, Chase even, sat together, eating breakfast, discussing where they could go to train. They eventually settled on a couple of places they could try.
They would head north, past the bridge, Alex remembering Azure mentioning a cottage and the geologist living there. She figured if things went well, they could try visiting either sometime today or another day if it gets late.
Decision made, they headed out, crossing the bridge once more. They were near the same area where Nate had been caught.
It wasn't easy being here, the memories of the encounter still fresh, but Alex knew it was possibly the safest place to train. Cerulean knows the area, so would hopefully know some Pokémon to spar with. Once she's gotten used to battling and taking orders, they can try moving to a different location with stronger opponents.
Tossing her pokéballs in the air, Alex called everyone out.
Most of the Pokémon looked around awkwardly, recalling the location.
"I'm sorry, but this is one of the safer spots," the trainer explained.
~I know, it's still a little strange being back here is all,~ Ken commented, his ears and tail dipped down.
{I'm sorry if I'm bringing back any bad memories,} Cerulean apologized.
~It's not your fault,~ Hana reassured.
In an attempt to change the topic, Ansen made a noise, catching their attention, even Chase's despite lacking Alex's ability. ~So are we going to do this?~
Looking at the others, Alex gave him a nod before responding. "Yeah, you guys will split into groups of two. Ken, since we couldn't find any grass types, there's a good chance you'll be leading the whole battle."
~I will?~ the mouse asked worriedly.
"If Roku's Pokémon proves to be much stronger than we anticipate, I'll switch you with someone else. That's why I want everyone to train as hard as they can."
~I understand,~ Hana responded. ~So how are we grouping up?~
"I'd say you and Ken will pair up. Ansen and Nala will train together. Lance and Cerulean will train together. Is that okay with you guys?"
They nodded, agreeing with the plan, the Pokémon splitting up into different sections to train. They kept in Alex's field of vision, Chase staying with her as well.
Some hours passed when Cerulean had to fly back for a few minor injuries to be patched up. Lance followed close behind to ensure she wasn't attacked along the way.
{I didn't think it would have been that tough,} Cerulean commented.
"That's why I want you guys to stay close so I can treat injuries like these," Alex explained. The Pokémon was trying not to wince from the stinging spray.
{I suppose that's true, so long as it does the job, right?} she joked as her trainer finished. Already starting to feel better, she was free to return to training. The first thing she did was dive headlong into a flock of Pidgey, scaring most of them away.
"She acts a lot like Ansen, only better mannered," the girl joked.
"Based on the stories you told me, it looks like it," Chase laughed.
~I can hear you!~ Ansen shouted while pursuing several Bellsprout.
A few hours passed before everyone regrouped. Cerulean looked tired but happy with how much stronger she's feeling. Even Lance confirmed that she had indeed become a lot stronger than when she first started, taking tips he gave or watching how others battled.
Looking everyone over, seeing they were pretty tired, Alex made her decision. "We'll head back to the city to use the Pokémon Center. We can also get ourselves something to eat as well. How does that sound?"
~Sounds great!~ Hana cheered excitedly.
~Food sounds good,~ Ansen nodded.
The others made similar agreements, Alex smiling. "Okay, I'm going to put you in your balls. Be better than making you walk."
Most of the others agreed, allowing themselves to be returned one by one.
"Hey!" someone shouted suddenly. Alex and Chase jumped, turning to see a boy around Azure's age running their way. "Hey, you!"
Realizing Cerulean was still out of her ball, Alex scrambled to grab it and recall her, but the boy seemed to notice and sped up. Before he could reach her, Chase quickly stepped in between, the boy pouting at the interference.
"Is something the matter?" the older boy asked.
"I wanted to battle her, mostly that cat she has. I've never seen anything like it," the boy answered, trying to peek around. He saw the cat zip from his sight, landing on her trainer's shoulders.
"I'm sorry, but I can't. My team's pretty tired right now. Maybe another time?" Alex offered.
"How do I know you'll return?" the boy whined.
"It wouldn't be fair…" Alex barely finished her sentence when a Rattata came out of nowhere. It tackled Cerulean off her shoulders, the psychic yelping in surprise from the attack. In an instant, her mind flashed back to the Machop taking Nate, her blood running cold.
"Yeah! We can battle!" the boy cheered, ignoring the girl's scared look. "Go get it, Rattata!"
"Stop it, she didn't agree!" Chase shouted.
"No way, we're battling!"
"Pika pi!" Ken had leaped into the rat, shoving it off his friend. "Pi pi pi, pikachu?"
"Mew mew, meeew," Cerulean responded.
She was either too dazed to use telepathy from the attack, or she was purposely not using it because of the boy. If he was this eager to battle, if he knew she could essentially talk, he might demand or try to force Alex to trade.
"Mew!"
"Pi!" Ken grunted when the other rodent used Quick Attack, slamming into his side.
"Hey, get rid of your weird Pikachu. I don't want to battle it!" the boy huffed.
"I…" Alex could feel her heart racing, her mind replaying that horrible event over and over. "No. No. No. No…"
Chase ran over to her, grabbing her shoulders, seeing tears falling from her eyes. "Alex, snap out of it! Cerulean's fine, Ken's protecting her."
"What's wrong with her?" the boy pouted. "She's not a very good trainer if she's not giving orders."
The teen immediately turned on him with a glare. "Call your Pokémon off now!"
"No, I want to fight that cat!" the boy shouted, throwing a ball, releasing an Ekans. "If Rattata can't fight it, then Ekans will!"
Cerulean gave the snake a hiss as it slithered towards her quickly.
Chase panicked, knowing the psychic won't handle the attack in her state and Ken won't be able to hold off two Pokémon.
"Alex, you need to call someone else out!"
The girl seemed to snap out of it, her hand automatically grabbing a ball, throwing it, releasing Hana from inside. "Ken, use Thunder Shock! Hana, Confusion!"
~That's not a fair battle!~ the butterfly exclaimed when seeing what was happening.
The Ekans tried to retaliate with Poison Sting, but it barely did damage. Immediately, it was thrown away from the group with enough force to knock it out cold. Joining its side was the Rattata, small sparks dancing off its unconscious body.
Stomping the ground, the boy began fussing how the battle didn't go how he wanted, Chase becoming angrier as Alex tended to her Pokémon. He stormed up to the boy, glaring at him as he recalled his Pokémon.
"You should be lucky no one got hurt! She said her Pokémon were tired and you attacked her anyway. More importantly, you attacked her Pokémon while she had been on her shoulder. You could've hurt both of them!"
"But I didn't hurt her," the boy pouted, crossing his arms in a huff. "Still not fair, I should get to battle whatever I want…"
"Pokémon battles don't work that way! You could get your Pokémon hurt really badly doing that, or you could seriously hurt another trainer's Pokémon pulling crap like that."
"Whatever," the boy grumbled, stomping off.
Once the boy was gone, Chase turned, looking at Alex with worry.
"Thank you," she thanked quietly. Turning to her Pokémon, she gave them an apologetic look. "I'm sorry for freezing like that. I shouldn't have…"
~It's okay,~ Ken reassured.
"But I'm the trainer, I'm responsible for you!" Alex cried out. She fell to her knees, more tears springing to her eyes. "What if I can't do this? What if it happens again and I don't react quick enough? What if I freeze? What if…"
"Alex, calm down." Chase was down with her, placing his hands on her shoulders. "You'll be okay, they'll be okay. Yes, you panicked, but it's understandable. Anyone would have panicked after what we've been through, what you've been through."
Wiping at her eyes, Alex looked away, doubt still showing, Chase giving her a comforting look. "Come on; let's head back to the Pokémon Center. I think we could all use a rest."
"Yeah…"
He stood up, holding his hand out to her, the girl accepting it. The Pokémon watched, relieved that they have Chase to help. Packing the rest of their things, they headed back to the city to rest. The following day, Alex was uncertain about training more, but her Pokémon insisted they, promising they would train harder to avoid a repeat.
Alex finally relented, grateful that training went without a hitch, repeating it for the next couple days. The girl took notice that the more Cerulean battled, the more she improved. She was moving faster to try and dodge fewer hits or angling her body right to take the softest blow before countering it.
Before long, they moved back towards the maze-like hedges, Alex nervous given this was where Nate had been killed. But reassurance from the others kept her going. Most of the trainers from that day were around, most having picnics or training. They were quick to notice her, eager to battle when she challenged them.
"Nice battle, kiddo," a hiker grinned as he recalled his Onix.
"Thank you," Alex smiled as she recalled Nala.
"Glad to see things are going better for you," he said, pulling something from his pocket. "I saw this on the ground near where it happened. Figured this was what they tried stealing."
Alex felt her eyes widened when recognizing the TM, gingerly accepting it.
"Th-thank you…" she whispered.
"Alex?" Chase said, hoping she's okay.
He placed a hand on her shoulder, the girl looking in his direction as the hiker had already left with a final wave.
"I…I'm fine," she smiled sadly.
{What is that?} Cerulean asked. She floated onto the girl's shoulder after hiding from the hiker, the coast finally clear.
"It's called a Technical Machine, or TM for short," Chase answered. He proceeded to explain in better detail about what they did, trying to make sure the Pokémon understood.
{Interesting, what kind is it?}
"Seismic Toss, but I don't know if I'd use it…" Alex said, looking at the TM. "I was going to use this for Nate…"
{Oh… Sorry,} the psychic apologized, nuzzling the girl's cheek.
"Were you interested?" Chase asked.
{Yeah, I figured it would be nice to have another offensive attack than smacking Pokémon with my tail, or by kicking them,} the legend laughed nervously.
"Do you want it? I mean, I know it was going to be Nate's, but I guess I shouldn't hoard it because of that… He probably would want me to use it for someone who could use it effectively…"
{If that's alright with you, I'll be sure to make the most of it,} Cerulean said with a comforting purr.
"Okay then," the girl nodded.
She explained how it worked, the Pokémon understanding as she was put back into her pokéball briefly as her trainer got things set up. After a few minutes, it was done, Cerulean learning how to utilize her muscles so she could perform Seismic Toss.
{I think I'll enjoy this,} the psychic grinned broadly. {Thank you, Alex. I meant it when I said I'll make the most of it.}
Alex couldn't help but smile. She was not only happy to hear her Pokémon being grateful but held her word as she practiced her new attack when the opportunity arose.
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
I think anyone would agree that if they lose someone, even if their time was short, it would be traumatic. Possibly made worse if the event was traumatizing, and I wanted to have that last on Alex at least. The Pokémon would deal with their own issues, but at the same time, they're somewhat more used to it compared to people, such as Ansen. But others who are more sensitive like Ken and Hana are more likely to react similarly to Alex, yet remain stronger when it comes to actually battling.
Hopefully I did that well enough for others to get a sense at least.
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.
