CHAPTER 21: Back and Forth Part Two!

HILARY, GARDENIA, AND SERENA

"Whats the plan for today, hun?"

Gardenia is slowly sipping her coffee, as we lounge on the back deck of Bill's house.

We are watching the sun rise, watching as the sky turns from navy, to orange, to pink, to red, then finally to blue.

"Not sure, i was thinking of training to be honest, but i also want to adventure a little before i have to leave." She sighs, sipping her drink.

Pulling my blanket a bit higher up, i lean forward.

"I have a cool hangout i could show you..." I say, laughing as her eyes flick to me.

"Cool hangout, you say?" She scooches forward a little.

"Yeah, where i found the twins, actually." As if on cue, the Noctowl fly into our line of sight, playing and twirling around mid air with each other.

"That would be so cool! How far is it?"

"I'm not sure how far it is by flight, I'll ask Bill." I stand up, heading inside, to find Bill already in the kitchen.

"Hey babe! I'm just making breakfast!" He smiles as i walk up, and kiss him gently.

"What a sweetheart! Actually, i have a question for you!"

"Oh?" He puts his spatula down, and continues shaking the eggs as they cook.

"How far is Pewter City from here, by flight?"

"Maybe an hour, two? It's just getting around Mt. Moon, which honestly isn't very hard to do." He smiles, and i kiss him again.

"Thanks, hun." I walk back out to Gardenia, who is now laying on the grass, enjoying the sun in her P.J's.

"We could be there by lunch time." I say, startling her as i lay beside her.

"Well, i'm down for some adventure." She smiles, as we hear Bill call from in the house.

"BREAKFAST!"

We rush in, and Hilary is already mowing down.

"HEY! NOT FAIR!" Gardenia practically pushes Hill's to the side, trying to get some food.

I walk behind the counter, grabbing some tupperware containers and loading them with eggs, toast, hash browns, and more.

"Hm? Where are you going?" Hilary asks.

"I made breakfast plans with Melody and Jakob, told them i'd bring them some. I'll be back soon, then we'll go Gar!"

I grab the containers, then whisk out the door.

ASH, MISTY, AND BROCK

"So, day four! How is everyone feeling?" Brock asks, toast hanging from his mouth.

"Good! Tia is getting strong, and so is Arnarra!" Ash smiles.

"Your not using her for fights, are you?" Brock asks seriously.

"Oh, no! Arnarra runs potions and whatnot back and forth with her Teleport. It's strengthening her mind every day." He smiles, and Brock relaxes.

"And you, Misty?"

"Corsola is doing superb! She just learned Spike Cannon!" Misty laughs as one of Brock's sisters drops ketchup into her lap.

"Sharon!" Brock hands the little girl a napkin, and she giggles as she runs off to clean up.

Sighing, Brock turns to his food again.

"Well, i'm glad to hear it guys! Just a couple more days, then we can meet back up with Serena and the gang."

"I'm so excited to see everyone again!" Misty gasps.

"We saw them like five days ago." Ash laughs, but Misty shoots him a look.

"So? I miss them!"

"Alright, no fighting! Anyways, it's time to open the gym for the day." Both younger kids leg it to their respective battle fields in the maze, as Brock laughs and unlocks the front door.

HILARY, GARDENIA, AND SERENA

"Hey guys!" I wave as i quietly walk in.

You brought food! Jakob signs.

Of course, i told you that i would! I put the containers down to reply.

I pass out bowls, and let them eat as much as they want.

"How are you today, Melody?" I ask.

"Good... very... good..." She says through mouth fulls.

I turn to Jakob, signing.

How are you feeling today?

Good

But his face seems down cast for some reason.

Whats up J?

He shakes his head, tears now rolling down his face.

I turn to Melody, but she's already explaining.

"It's Pokemon day at the orphanage."

"Whats Pokemon day?"

"Where all the kids get two pokeballs, and get to go play carefully around Nugget Bridge, trying to catch a pokemon."

"Why is that upsetting?"

"Cause me and him aren't allowed to go." Tears well up in her eyes as she finishes.

"Why not?"

"Because i cant walk, and Jakob cant hear anymore." She quietly sobs, along with Jakob.

"Thats stupid." But i'm already up, heading downstairs.

I walk down the stairs, and right into the office, where an older lady is sitting.

"You the caretaker here?" I growl.

"Yes? Whats the matter?"

I slam my hands on the desk, startling the lady.

"You mean to tell me that those two BEAUTIFUL children upstairs are being left out due to disabilities? Really?"

"Oh, goodness. We cant afford to take them, ma'am."

"What?"

"We cant afford the equipment we need to have for them, therefor, they are left behind. Theres really nothing i ca-"

I reach across the desk, and grab her by the shirt, pulling her close.

"If you wont take them, i will." I growl, as she whimpers and tries to get away.

"I'm sorry ma'am but you cant-"

"Those kids mean the world to me, they are the sweetest kids ive ever met. If you cant take them, I WILL."

"Well, we cant take them, but neither can you, miss. With all due respect, you don't have a criminal record check, or-"

"But i do!" I whip around, to see Gardenia in the door way.

"Um, well, unless you have-"

"Here!" She gleefully skips over, handing her her Gym Leader License.

"Oh my gosh, I'm so sorry, Miss Gardenia."

"Thats okay, but me and my overly angry friend here will be taking responsibility for Melody and Jakob for today."

"Of course! Please, have a great day!"

Gar pulls me out by the arm, dragging me up stairs.

"I'm sorry, i just got so-"

"It's fine, Ser. I would have done the same thing, in your position."

She smiles as she throws open the door.

"Who's ready to go catch some pokemon?!"

Melody starts clapping and crying in happiness, but Jakob looks confused, so i translate for him;

We are taking you and Melody out to catch a pokemon.

His eyes go bright, as he also claps and cries.

"Theres only one problem." Melody says suddenly.

"Oh? Whats that?" Gardenia asks.

"I cant really walk." She sniffles, but i stop her.

"Actually, i have an idea! Gar, stay here, i'll be right back!"

Without waiting for an answer, i quickly take off, and turn to the gym.

Lily, Daisy, and Violet are all out front, drinking coffee and chatting as the sun gets warmer.

"Hey!" They all turn as i run up.

"Hey Serena!" Violet laughs, waving.

"I have a question!"

"Okay? What can we do for you?" Daisy asks, crossing her arms.

"I need a wheelchair."

"IS MISTY OKAY?!" All three sisters jump up.

"It's not for her! Its for a kid in the orphanage, and i only need it for today."

"For Melody?" Lily asks, and i take a step back.

"You know-"

"We donate food and proceeds from our shows to the orphanage to keep it running. We know about Melody and Jakob." Violet says quietly, as Daisy walks inside.

"Melody and Jakob used to come watch our shows when they were younger, and we visit thenm twice a week." Lily explains, as Daisy walks back out with a folded wheelchair.

"We always keep one around, but Melody can have this one." She hands it to me, smiling.

"Thank you girls, so much. It's Pokemon day, and they werent allowed to go, because of their disabilities"

All three girls hug me.

"You are an amazing person, Serena. Please stay that way." Lily waves me off.

I run back to the orphanage, to see Melody, Jakob, and Gardenia sitting on a bench outside.

"Is that a wheelchair?" Melody gasps in excitement as unfold the chair.

"Uh, heck yeah it is! Now, lets go on an adventure!" Gardenia speeds away, taking the girl in the chair with her, as i catch Jakob up as we walk.

Where are we going? He signs.

Route 24, past Nugget Bridge. I answer.

As we get to the bridge, we see all of the orphanage children running around on this side of the bridge.

They turn and stare as we waltz right past, onto Route 24, grinning.

"You cant take them over-" A caretaker starts, but Melody interrupts her.

"Miss Gardenia is a GYM LEADER, Michelle. She is allowed to take me wherever she wants!" With that, she humphs, and we take off across the bridge, laughing.

We finally make it over, and i hand each kid two greatballs.

"Just remember, you have to be nice to the pokemon, and they will be nice to you." Gar says to Melody, and i translate to Jakob.

Both kids nod, determined looks on their faces.

I go off with Jakob while Gardenia goes off with Melody.

GARDENIA & MELODY

"So, what kind of pokemon were you thinking of catching?" Gardenia asks, as Melody quietly searches the bushes around them.

"I'm not quite sure, but i hope it's cute!" She wheels herself a little faster, having spotted something.

Gardenia pushes her to the bush, and Melody reaches in, and pulls out... a little yellow and brown seed pokemon.

"Sunkern!" It cooes, kissing Melody's hand.

"Hi there!" She smiles widely, as the Sunkern giggles.

"What kind of pokemon is that?" Gardenia whispers, taking her Pokedex out.

"Sunkern, eh? What a cutie..."

"Can i keep her?" Melody asks suddenly, snapping Gardenia out of her train of thought.

"I mean, don't ask me!" She says laughing.

Melody leans in on the small pokemon.

"Miss Sunkern, would you like to come with me?" She asks the young seed seriously.

The pokemon makes a thinking face, and wobbles in a circle a little, before exploding in a happy daze as she laughs and nods.

"Yay! I'm going to catch you now, okay?" The pokemon nods again, and Melody gently taps the greatball to the pokemons head, enveloping it in a bright red flash.

SERENA & JAKOB

Any idea what kind of pokemon you would like? I ask, Jakob following beside me.

I'm not sure, but i hope its a strong one! He smiles, laughing breathlessly.

I lightly pat his back and laugh as we continue on.

We walk into the underbrush, and Jakob suddenly goes stock-still.

What the matter? I sign, and he shakes his head, pointing.

He points at a clearing, not far ahead, and in the clearing...

An Abra.

Smiling, i tap his shoulder, and he goes forward.

The Abra see's us, but doesnt Teleport away, which is good.

I stay back as Jakob slowly approaches.

The Abra starts to get closer as well, and i can guess whats happening.

Abra and Jakob are having a conversation telepathically.

I sit down, and wait for a while.

The whole ordeal lasts about twenty minutes, with Jakob hugging the Abra and capturing it in a greatball, then releasing it right after it's caught.

They both stride up to me, huge grins on their faces.

Serena, meet Terrence. Jakob introduces me.

Hello, Serena. Nice to meet pokemon bows low, before shaking my hand.

"It's nice to meet you to, Terrence." Smiling, i shake his hand back.

He can talk to me. Jakob signs quickly.

P-s-y-c-h-i-c type, they speak with their mind. I reply, spelling Psychic as i dont know the sign for it.

After talking/signing for a little bit, we start to head back, when Jakob gestures to me.

Whats up? I ask.

Do you want the other poke ball back? He signs, but i shake my head.

No, keep it. Maybe try to catch another later? His eyes go wide, and i hug him as i laugh.

"There they are!" I hear Melody's voice as they trample over, wheelchair squeaking.

"Hey girls! How'd it go?" I lean down and hug Melody, who's smiling uncontrollably.

"Meet Flower!" She presents a little seed pokemon.

"And what kind of pokemon is Flower?" Gardenia quizzes the girl, who in turn sits up straight and clears her throat.

"Flower is a Sunkern. Her ability is Chloro... Chloro..." She mumbles off, trying to remember, and Gardenia whispers something in her ear.

"Chlorophyll! Her ability is Chlorophyll!" She smiles, and i clap.

"Good job!" Jakob steps up, revealing his Abra.

"This is Terrence, he is an Abra, his ability is Magic Guard." I translate for him.

"I am so proud of you!" Melody says to Jakob, who nods.

We did it. He signs, and she nods.

We take them both back to the orphanage, where all the other kids are just returning.

Everyone has Rattata, Spearow, and i even spot a round pink pokemon, singing to a girl.

They all turn as we walk in, gasping at the different pokemon.

Melody and Jakob keep their chins high as we strut them all they way back to their room.

I gently place Melody on the bed, and put the wheelchair beside her.

"This is for you now, use is when you need to." I say, and tears well up in her eyes.

"And, if anyone tries to take it away, call me." Gardenia hands both kids a small phone, and they gasp.

"Serena's number is in there to, so never be afraid to give us a call, even if you want to chat!" I translate for Jakob, and both kids sniffle quietly, nodding.

"Now, we have to go, but we promise to come visit before we leave town." Again, both kids nod, and we hug them before leaving.

"Where did you get those phones?" I ask as we leave, and she laughs.

"Bought them on the way over, got them set up on my plan so they wont have to pay themselves."

"You are literally the sweetest person on this planet, you know that?"

"Yeah, i figured. Now, lets go see this hangout of yours!"

And with that, i release the twins, we hop on, and take off.

ASH, MISTY, AND BROCK

"Corsola, Spike Cannon!"

The pink coral pokemon sends a sheet of pink spikes at the opponent, a Butterfree.

They slam into the butterfly pokemon, sending her flying back into the pool.

She takes flights again, spluttering angrily.

"Fiona, use Sleep Powder!"

Fiona sends a light mist of green powder at Corsola.

"Bubblebeam, then Ancient Power!"

Corsola sends a quick stream of condensed bubbles at the wave of powder, disrupting it and causing it to miss, then sends an array of large rocks flying at the bug.

They hit head on, sending her into the far wall, unconcsious.

"Good battle! Fiona is REALLY strong." Misty shakes the girls hand, and she smiles.

"Thank you, Misty. Corsola is doing amazing as well."

"Thank you. Will i see you again tomorrow, Gwen?"

"You betcha. See you later!" Gwen waves as she walks off.

"I swear, that girl only comes in to talk to you." Brock says form behind Misty, startling her.

"Huh? What?" Misty whips around, almost tripping on Corsola in the process.

"This is the third day shes come in, and i know your throwing those battles, but she still loses, every time." Brock laughs.

"I know, but she's nice company. I try to lose, i really do!" Misty laughs.

"Well, it's lunch time! Timothy is here to take over for you!" Timothy walks out form behind Brock, hugging Misty.

"Hey Mist! Have a good lunch!" He waves as they walk off.

"So, anything interesting today?" Brock asks as they traverse the maze.

"Not really, just the same old win four lose one." Misty laughs, as they finally make it to the main area, then the kitchen.

Ash is already halfway done his first plate of food, a burger and fries.

"Hfxjsey akaMsifshtn!" He says, and Misty turns her head.

"Ew." She laughs as Ash quickly swallows and repeats himself.

"Hey Misty, hows it going?" He asks, and she laughs.

"Good, ready to eat!"

They all laugh, and sit to eat.