Team Wildfire: Darkrai Returns
Chapter Three: Father Troubles (by BigBossMan538)
*Alex's p.o.v*
''So humans need to go to school for twelve years?'' Helioptile asked surprised as I told the group about human school.
''Yeah, and at least four more if you factor in college,'' I responded.
''Wow, it sounds like a really boring place,'' Charmander stated.
''It can be at times,'' I chuckled. ''But I do get to enjoy the sports programs there in addition to seeing my friends everyday. I'm apart of the soccer team.''
''What's soccer?'' Charmander asked.
''It's a sport where you need to kick a ball into the opposing team's net to score points,'' I explained. ''I'm hoping to get a soccer scholarship in college so I can play the sport professionally.'' I then felt a wave of sadness come over me. ''But to do that, I need to become a human again. How am I going to do that?''
''There's a Slowking here in the Square, he lives at the pond where Whiscash used to live before he died,'' Helioptile said trying to cheer me up. ''He knows practically everything in the world!''
''Really? Can we go see him tomorrow?'' I asked eagerly.
''Of course! We can do that right, Starly?'' Helioptile asked turning her head towards Starly who was turned away from us.
''Huh? Oh…sure,'' Starly mumbled.
''Thanks, Starly,'' I said smiling. ''I really miss my mother and my sister.''
''Whatever,'' Starly said in a quiet, grouchy tone.
''Say, we should also take Alex to Hariyama's Dojo, she needs to learn how to control her powers since she's not used to her new body,'' Charmander suggested trying to ease the bitterness in the room.
''I don't care,'' Starly spat angrily while glaring at us out of the corner of his eye. ''I'm going to sleep. GOOD NIGHT.'' Starly then fell right to sleep. Sheesh, someone has problems, kind of like a certain OTHER person I know, I thought.
''Sorry about Starly's attitude, Alex,'' Helioptile said. ''He's really a good-natured Pokémon. He just doesn't always show it.''
''It's fine, I'm used to it,'' I said smiling a small smile. I then yawned loudly. ''I'm going to bed. A growing lady like me needs her beauty sleep after all.''
''Okay, I can't wait to learn more about you tomorrow,'' Helioptile said cheerfully.
''Good night, guys,'' Charmander said lying down on his stomach.
''Good night,'' Helioptile and I said in unison. Helioptile blew out the candle on the table and curled up. I on the other hand laid down on my back and stared up at the ceiling. I hope we can find some way to turn me back into a human, I thought trying to muster-up tiredness. But if I regain my humanity, I'll have to deal with dad again and I really want nothing to do with him right now. But he did come searching for me before I was abducted by Team Shadow Fire. Maybe he…? Bah, I'll worry about it later. I then turned onto my side and closed my eyes falling asleep.
*Larraine's p.o.v*
I woke up the next morning and stretched. The baby inside me was gently moving around inside of me all the while. ''Good morning, sweetheart,'' I cooed smiling a small smile. I looked behind myself and saw that Anthony was gone. His side of the bed was mostly neat though it was obvious that someone got under the covers. Anthony must be gone looking for Alex, I observed in my mind. Good, he better be putting his best foot forward to find her. I walked out into the hallway and could hear Alice humming in the bathroom. I walked down the stairs slowly due to my pregnancy and walked into the kitchen. I got out the coffee pot and began preparing some coffee. Alex soon came into the room her hair somewhat soaked but ready for school and a school bag was slung over her shoulder. Her uniform was an adorable white button-up collared shirt with a plaid, dark blue skirt.
''Good morning, mother,'' she yawned as she sat at the table.
''Good morning, sweetie,'' I said smiling a small smile.
''Is father here?'' Alice asked.
''No, he was gone when I woke up,'' I answered. ''I presume he's looking for Alex.''
''I hope she's safe,'' Alice said somberly. I placed some coffee in front of her and rubbed her back gently.
''I know, sweetie,'' I said comfortingly. ''I hope so, too. I'm sure your father is doing his best to find her.'' I sat down at the table taking small sips of my coffee. After the incident with Alex, Anthony and I hardly talk to each other anymore. On one hand, it comes partially from my end because of my anger towards Anthony for losing his temper with Alex. But, it's also because Anthony has spent most of his time searching for her with his Pokémon and Napoleon and his family. I too have gone searching for Alex when I'm not taking on challengers at the Gym, but Anthony spends most of his time searching the woods and other areas around Kanto. Alice finished her coffee and got up to leave for school. ''You're leaving already?''
''Yeah, I need to see my Chemistry teacher for help with my homework,'' Alice replied. ''Well, take an apple at least before you go,'' I advised. Alice did so and opened the door.
''Bye, mother! I love you!'' Alice hollered before disappearing.
''Bye,'' I said quietly. I hoped Alice would stay a longer while. With everyone gone all the time, the house feels so lonely. To make matters worse (for me), Alice would be going to Vermillion City University to become a Gym Leader and take over my Gym when I retire one day. Alex is still unsure of what she wants to do with her life and…and…I CAN'T TAKE IT! I placed my face in my hands and sobbed thinking about Alex. ''First my father and now Alex! Oh Alex, please PLEASE BE SAFE! I MISS YOU SO MUCH!'' Just then, the baby kicked gently as if it was trying to comfort me. I forced a smile and petted my stomach gently. ''Thank you, dear, I know you want Alex back as well.''
*Charmander's p.o.v*
I woke up to a thick fog in the room. Since our tree house had open windows and an open door in addition to the Square's seaside location, fog is common early in the morning. I got up, stretched, and yawned before walking out to our outside deck. The fog was ever so slowly lifting allowing me to see through it. I hope we can help Alex return to her human life, I thought. She must really miss her family. I remember that I never told her the Growlithe's name 'cuz of Starly's pushiness. I then heard a gentle yawn come from inside the tree house. Alex exited the house rubbing sleep out of her eyes standing next to me on the deck.
''Good morning, Charmander,'' Alex said.
''Good morning,'' I responded. ''Did you sleep well?''
''More or less, yes,'' she answered. ''It's a little chilly this morning. I wonder what time it is?''
''See that sundial in the Square?'' I said pointing towards the middle of the Square. ''It's about seven-thirty right now.''
''Oh, thanks,'' Alex said smiling. I then felt my cheeks feel warm.
''S-sure thing, Alex,'' I said sheepishly. Alex looked at me quizzically.
''Well, I'm going to go back to sleep for a little while longer,'' Alex said going back inside.
''Okay, sleep tight,'' I said. I was all alone again on the deck. She's kinda cute, I thought as my face reddened. Wait, what was that feeling just now? Meh, I don't know. Maybe I'm just sleepy. I then felt myself slumping forward and falling asleep.
*Alex's p.o.v*
One hour later…
I woke up to the sound of grunting and smashing coming from the ground. ''What's that noise?'' I said drowsily. The others woke up with me. Strangely, Charmander was apparently sleeping on the deck.
''Oh, it's Hariyama doing his morning training,'' Charmander said yawning. I went to the deck and saw a large, sumo wrestler-like Pokémon thrusting his massive hands against a large boulder causing it to crumble to bits. Hariyama stood proudly hardly sweating.
''I'll go ask him for training!'' I said eagerly as I made my way to the elevator. I exited the elevator and ran up to Hariyama as he was about to walk into the Dojo. ''Excuse me, Hariyama?'' Hariyama turned towards me.
''Oh, good morning, little one,'' Hariyama said in a friendly tone. ''How may I help you?''
''I'm Alex, a new resident,'' I said. ''Could you train me, please?''
''Of course, it's my pleasure,'' Hariyama smiled. We put a large distance between us. My friends soon joined me and watched from the sidelines. Hariyama and I bowed each other. Hariyama then stomped sumo-style shaking the ground below me. ''Show me what you can do!''
''Okay, um, what moves can Snivy learn?'' I wondered aloud.
''Tackle, Leer, Vine Whip, Leaf Tornado, to name a few,'' Charmander said.
''Okay, Tackle is too easy, let's try Vine Whip!'' I said. Suddenly, two vines came out of either side of my shoulders and flailed about madly. ''H-how do you control these things?!'' The vines snapped at the air and accidentally slapped Helioptile, Charmander, and Starly knocking them off the log they sat on.
''Watch it, Alex!'' Starly yelled fuming. A red mark was on the side of his head.
''Ouch, that smarts,'' Helioptile said rubbing her red cheek.
''Alex, you need to focus on the vines that way you can control them,'' Charmander said caressing the red mark on his forehead.
''Sorry, guys,'' I said. ''Let me try again.'' I pulled out the vines again focusing on them. This time I was able to use them to my will. I snapped the vines at Hariyama who parried them with his massive hands. ''Hey, I'm doing it!'' I then withdrew the vines back into my body.
''Very good,'' Hariyama said impressed. ''Why not try Leaf Tornado?''
''Alright,'' I said nodding.
''Just run around in a circle and you'll whip up the attack,'' Hariyama elaborated. ''Then, send the gust towards me.'' I began running around creating a whirlwind. Leaves began to form inside before I sent it towards Hariyama. Hariyama used Detect to defend himself from the attack. ''Excellent.'' Hariyama looked up and saw me stumbling around dizzily.
''I-I d-don't think I'll be u-using that attack anytime s-s-soon,'' I said before collapsing to the ground.
''Alex!'' Charmander and Helioptile exclaimed running up to me.
''Are you all right?'' Hariyama asked concerned.
''Y-yeah, just fine,'' I said caressing my head.
''You were great!'' Helioptile cheered.
''Yeah, a natural already!'' Charmander added. ''What do you think, Starly?''
''Oh, she was okay,'' Starly said hiding his true feelings.
''Thanks for the training, Hariyama,'' I said brushing off Starly's attitude.
''You're welcome, come back anytime,'' Hariyama smiled. He then walked back into the Dojo.
''Well, shall we go see Slowking?'' Helioptile said cheerfully. I nodded in approval. We then walked towards town. Everyone was outside going about their business either taking advantage of the services in town or just striking up a conversation with someone.
''Everyone here is so friendly and carefree,'' I observed. ''You don't see that everyday.''
''Yes, for the most part,'' Helioptile giggled. Helioptile then bumped into a Blaziken's leg. The Blaziken turned his head and glared at Helioptile. By his side were an Emboar, an Infernape, and a female Pyroar.
''Watch were you're going, missy!'' Infernape snapped angrily. Everyone in the Square turned their attention towards the scene about to develop.
''I-I'm sorry,'' Helioptile said quietly.
''Yeah? Well, sorry's not good enough!'' Infernape snarled bearing his teeth.
''Hey! She said she was sorry!'' I said getting aggravated. Infernape turned his attention towards me and snorted.
''Should I teach these brats a lesson, boss?'' Infernape said clenching his fists.
''Leave them, Infernape,'' Blaziken ordered. ''We'll deal with them on the field of battle, not here.'' Infernape backed off and followed his cohorts towards the post office growling to himself.
''I guess not all of them are all that friendly,'' Charmander said.
''That was Team Blaze,'' a voice said. We turned our attention towards an elderly trio of Alakazam, Charizard, and Tyranitar. ''Pay them no heed, Infernape's breath is worse than his bite.'' The Alakazam's moustache was somewhat longer than normal and his spoons were dull. Around his neck was an orange and purple color on a thread. The Charizard was a dull orange and the flame on his tail was smaller. He had a blue and black stone around his neck. And the Tyranitar was a dull green and had a black and red stone around his neck.
''Team ACT!'' Helioptile said in awe of the elderly group.
''Dad!'' Charmander yelled happily as he leapt into Charizard's arms.
''How are you son?'' Charizard asked happily.
''I'm great! I just formed a rescue team with my friends here,'' Charmander responded. ''In fact, I have a new friend. This is Alex. We're apart of Team Olecranon.'' Charizard and Tyranitar looked at Charmander confused. ''It's an elbow.''
''Oh, it's nice to meet you, Alex,'' Charizard said shaking my hand.
''You new around here?'' Tyranitar piped up.
''Yes, I am,'' I answered. ''I just met these guys yesterday.'' Alakazam stared at me intently causing me to shudder. No disrespect, but Psychic-type Pokémon are so strange to me. I never know what they are thinking! ''Um…hello?''
''Hello,'' Alakazam said mysteriously. ''I hope no one else gives you any more trouble. If anyone does, please let us know.''
''Yeah, I'll bash them in if I-'' Tyranitar said before exclaiming at his sore back.
''Take it easy, you big lug,'' Charizard nagged. ''You're not as young as you used to be!''
''Yeah, well neither are you, you old coot,'' Tyranitar grumbled.
''Enough, let's go,'' Alakazam commanded. Team ACT then marched off to parts unknown. Other Pokémon stood aside letting the team through.
''I guess they're really popular around here,'' I noted.
''Yeah, Team ACT is a famous team around here,'' Helioptile chimed in. ''They're retired now but they can still fight pretty well.''
''You bet they can!'' Charmander beamed. ''Especially my dad!''
''That's cool that you're related to a rescue team member,'' I smiled. Charmander blushed and rubbed the back of his head chuckling. We then resumed our trek to Slowing's place. We arrived at a pond with some stepping stones in its center. The largest one had a gaping hole in the middle. ''What's with that hole?''
''A Pokémon can go inside to evolve,'' Charmander said.
''Pokémon don't evolve normally here?'' I asked.
''No, this island has some kind of force that prevents natural evolution,'' Charmander elaborated. ''Strange, isn't it?''
''Yeah, it's not like where I come from,'' I replied. I turned my head noticing a tomb stone. It read:
Elder Whiscash
June 17, 1962- November 21, 2011
Cause of death: Old Age
''That's where Whiscash, the Square Elder,'' Starly explained landing next to me. ''Ludicolo came over to say hello when he found out the Whiscash went belly up.''
''Oh, I'm so sorry,'' I said sympathetically. ''My grandfather died a few weeks ago from a stroke. He was 60 years old and…'' I sniffled as my eyes moistened. ''It was on his birthday.''
''Wow, I'm sorry that happened,'' Charmander said genuinely saddened. I looked at him and smiled as more tears formed in my eyes.
''Why are you all so sad?'' a voice asked. We looked behind us and saw Slowking walking towards us.
''I-I was just thinking about my dead grandfather,'' I said ready to sob. ''I was really close to him ever since I was little.''
''Don't feel bad,'' Slowking said getting down on my level. ''I know it's hard to lose someone but just remember, he's always watching over you. And he loves you and misses you dearly. So, you're never truly far from each other.''
''R-right,'' I said wiping my eyes. ''Thank you, Slowking.'' Slowking smiled and nodded before standing up again.
''My pleasure, how else may I help you?'' Slowking asked.
''Slowking, Alex here is a human turned into a Pokémon,'' Helioptile said. ''She says that Team Shadow Fire is working with Darkrai and they turned her into a Snivy.''
''That is correct,'' Slowking said getting a serious expression on his face. ''Team Shadow Fire are an evil team and are in cahoots with Darkrai.'' The others stood back in shock.
''No way!'' Charmander exclaimed in shock.
''So it's true!'' Helioptile said getting angry.
''Indeed, Darkrai has every intention on ruling this world in darkness and nightmares,'' Slowking went on. ''Additionally, Alex, he has it out for you and your father, Anthony.''
''I know he wants me dead to get back at my dad,'' I responded nervously.
''Anthony? That's the name of that Arcanine from Team Wildfire all those years back, right?'' Starly asked.
''That's right! He was the most famous member even though he wasn't the leader,'' Charmander exclaimed.
''That's my father's name! My father was on Team Wildfire?!'' I yelped. The others stared at me shocked. I then heard voices in the distance.
''Alex, where are you?!'' a familiar voice hollered.
''Speak of Giratina!'' I exclaimed aghast.
''TEAM WILDFIRE?!'' Helioptile and Charmander shouted excitedly. I ran into the bushes and stayed as quiet as possible. My little heart was beating quickly and rhythmically. I saw through the bushes my father, Blastoise, Lucario, Zoroark, and Gardevoir running up to Slowking and my friends. Charmander and Helioptile stared in awe with their mouths agape.
''Have you seen a human girl?'' my father panted.
''Her name is Alex, she has short, black hair, and blue eyes,'' Blastoise expounded. Please don't tell them I'm here, I pleaded in my mind.
''She's over there but she might be a little unrecognizable,'' Starly replied pointing towards my bush with his wing. STARLY! I yelled in my mind. Dad's eyes lit up happily and ran up to my bush and poked his head inside. I jumped out of the bush and started running.
''Alex?!'' Dad yelped in surprise. Dad then caught up to me and landed in front of me causing me to bump into him. ''What happened to you?!''
''Team Shadow Fire happened, that's what!'' I spat angrily as I backed away from dad. ''That stupid Delphox transformed me with her magic!''
''Well, thank Arceus you're safe,'' Dad said relieved. ''C'mon, let's go home.''
''NO!'' I screamed catching my father and everyone else off guard. ''I hate you and don't want anything to do with you!''
''I know you're upset with me Alex and I'm sorry for saying those terrible things to you,'' Dad said regretfully. ''Please, I'm sorry.''
''I don't care if you ARE sorry!'' I shouted. ''Your apology means nothing to me! I'm staying here with my friends apart of a rescue team and defeat Darkrai!'' Dad got a horrified look on his face.
''No, you're not! He's too dangerous for you to face!'' Dad said seriously. ''I'm going to deal with him and Team Shadow Fire.''
''I can handle myself! I already have training from Hariyama!'' I countered.
''Yeah, a day's worth?'' Dad said unimpressed. ''That is not going to help you in a battle with Darkrai.''
''I don't care what you think, I'm leaving!'' I said turning around. I then felt dad's paw being placed on my tail.
''I said no!'' Dad yelled. I then pulled out a vine and slapped dad across the face sending him reeling. I then ran towards the tree house running past staring citizens. ''Alex!''
''LEAVE ME ALONE!'' I shrieked. ''I DON'T WANT TO SEE YOUR FACE EVER AGAIN!'' I kept running never stopping for dad who I presume didn't follow me as tears streamed down my face.
BigBossMan538: So, like this chapter? Hate it? Thought it was okay? Please tell me what I did right and wrong. Summer's turn is next. In the meantime, check out both of our pages for our stories and follow me on Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube (links on my page.) Sayonara!