Episode 14: The Misty Mermaid
The orange-haired girl sighed as she pulled up her fishing rod, the lure a mini-chibi version of herself. She was kneeled up near the lazy creek, the sun about to set in the sky.
"No new Pokémon, huh Marill?" Misty said. She was sporting her usual yellow top and blue short jeans as she stretched out in the grass.
"Mar! Mar," the Marill said, out of her Pokéball. The blue Pokémon also stretched out, raising her short stubby arms.
"Aw, that's cute," Misty said, giggling. "Maybe the explosions from Mount Moon are scaring the fish. Oh well, we'll try again tomorrow. I can't wait until you can evolve into an Azumarill!"
"Marill! Mar!" Marill said suddenly, tugging Misty's red suspenders. She was pointing towards a tree.
"What's up?" said Misty. "Oh, there's someone crying! Let's check it out."
The two half-walked, half-ran to the tree, seeing the girl sitting with her legs tucked. They couldn't see her face—she buried it in her knees.
"Hey, are you okay?" Misty said. She hesitated before placing a hand on the blonde girl's shoulder and she felt glad the girl didn't object.
"I'm a bad Pokémon trainer," the girl said. Her voice was muffled—her head was still in her knees.
"No you aren't," Misty said. "If you were a bad Pokémon trainer, then you wouldn't be saying you're a bad Pokémon trainer. C'mere. What's your name?"
"Serena," she said, finally lifting her tear-streaked face.
"Hey, I heard about you," Misty said. Serena froze. "Oops, I shouldn't have said that, have I? I've watched a bunch of your Pokémon Performances. One of Professor Oak's assistants brings them over often. Here. How about we go shopping while you tell me what happened? I've always wanted to hang out with a Kalos Queen."
Smiling, Misty held out a hand. Serena hesitated before nodding and pulling herself up.
"My name's Misty."
"Wait, aren't you the Cerulean City Gym Leader?" Serena said.
"Yep," Misty said. She held up two fingers in a V. "Heard of me, haven't you? I'd like to think that I'm becoming famous and I'll fulfill my dream of becoming the strongest water-type trainer. C'mon, we'll be late. The shops will be closing soon."
Serena hesitated again. There was a huge chance she could be Tuck. That Lapras and Blastoise could have easily belonged to Misty, a water-type master. But her smiling face and carefree expression pushed down those thoughts. She nodded again, and the two headed to Cerulean City.
Nearby the Mount Moon exit, there was a strange sight. Some of the wild Pokémon were curious at the two humans who pushed a cart with a gold statue and walked up to take a look. However, Pikachu shooed them away.
"It's Serena's fault," Clemont said. He thumped the handles of the cart, causing the wheels to shake.
"Careful now," Brock said. "And you can't blame her. It's Pokémon Hunter J who petrified your sister."
"But she didn't do anything," Clemont said, rattling the cart even more. "She could've helped us attack the Salamence. She could've at least tried to do something. But she just sat there while…while my sister was hurt. And then she had the gall to yell at her Pokémon."
"Braix…" Braixen said, clutching her stick. Sylveon pawed at the ground, and Pikachu tried to pet and comfort them.
"Your sister isn't hurt," Brock said. "There are ways to reverse it. After all, Hunter J doesn't want to turn in petrified Pokémon to her paying customers. I know a guy who lives near Cerulean City. He'll be able to help."
Clemont just looked at the frozen, horrified face of Bonnie and Dedenne. He didn't thump the cart again, but his grip tightened.
"I just wish she helped," Clemont said, his head hung down. "She didn't even apologize."
"There, there," Brock said, patting Clemont. "I'm sure she feels bad and is trying to find a way to say sorry. After all, look at all of this effort she is putting to try to save Ash. She probably feels even worse about Bonnie."
"How do you know?" Clemont asked.
"Any friend of Ash's is a good person," Brock said. "And don't forget, you're her friend too. There are times when friends argue, but please, try to understand her. She's been under a lot of stress lately."
XXXXXXXXX
"So do you think yellow looks better on me?" Misty said. "Or blue?"
"I like the blue dress better," Serena said, cocking her head. "The yellow clashes too much with your hair."
The two were in the Cerulean City mall which had only been built recently. Misty was flaunting off some very pretty dresses in front of a body-sized mirror.
"Eh? Serena? Why don't you try putting something on?" Misty said, stopping in the middle of a twirl. "Here, I think this red will look gorgeous on you."
"Mar! Marill!" the Pokémon agreed, hopping up and down.
"No, it's fine, it's fine," Serena said, waving a hand.
"You're really worried about your Pokémon, aren't you?" Misty said.
"Yes!" Serena blurted out. She covered her mouth, her face turning red. "This isn't the first time it happened. I've yelled at them before. And not just them! I'm worried about my friend. I couldn't help her and it's all my fault."
"You've apologized to your Pokémon before, right?" Misty said.
Serena nodded but didn't say anything.
"And how did they react?"
"Well…we made up…they felt bad about it…"
"Then what's wrong with apologizing again?" Misty said, winking at her. "As long as you don't fight too often, I don't see the big deal."
"Yeah," Serena said, smiling a little. "But there's still my friend. If only I tried harder…if only I was stronger, I could've saved her."
Misty sighed. "All right. I'm going to give you the advice of this one idiot I know. What's the one thing you can improve in this situation?"
"What?" Serena said, unsure if she heard the question correctly.
"Get stronger," Misty said, smiling. "Really, that kid gave some pretty dumb advice. But there's nothing you can do now, is there? But you can get stronger for the future. Here, why don't you apologize to your Pokémon first, and then we can have a Pokémon battle?"
"O-okay," Serena said as they left the store. Serena mused that it was the second time a complete stranger brought her shopping as a way to lift her spirits. "Am I really that simple?" she thought.
Around the corner, Serena spotted the edge of a yellow tail enter a Pokémon Center. "Pikachu, wait!" she called out as raced inside the building.
She met a very strange sight.
"Oh Nurse Joy of Cerulean City, you are a nice sight indeed," Brock said, on his knees and holding the blushing nurse. "May you go out with me on a date?"
"Brock! I can't believe you're still doing this!" Misty said, tugging the alarmed Brock by the ear.
"Croa!" Croagunk said, who evidently popped out of Brock's Pokéball and socked him in the stomach.
"M-Misty?" Brock spluttered. "What are you doing here?"
"It's my home town, moron!" Misty said, giving Brock another tug on the ear.
Misty's sudden violence was scaring Serena a little, and she faced away to see Braixen and Sylveon.
"Braix…" Braixen said, looking at the ground. Sylveon quivered and couldn't muster the strength to say a word.
"Chu! Pika!" Pikachu said, trying to get the two Pokémon to look up. He looked at Serena and waved his hands.
"I'm sorry, Braixen and Sylveon," Serena said, forcing a lump down her throat. "I shouldn't have yelled at you. It was my fault. I got so mad that I was so helpless. I zoned out after the Salamence defeated us so utterly and easily…I shouldn't have. I, I…"
"Braixen," the Pokémon said, wrapping her arms around her trainer. Sylveon extended her feelers, the appendages enveloping some of Serena's fingers.
"And what do you have to say to Bonnie?" Clemont said. He patted the gold statue which Nurse Joy and a Chansey were already investigating.
Serena closed her eyes. "I'm sorry, Bonnie. I'll do whatever I can to make sure you become normal again soon."
"I don't believe you," Clemont said. Serena's heart skipped a beat.
"Well, that's to be expected," Misty said, shrugging. "C'mon, Serena. Let's have a battle so you can train. And Clemont, that was your name right? Watch us."
Clemont took a deep breath before agreeing. The four then walked to the field outside, Misty and Serena and opposite ends. Brock stood near the edges, and Clemont sat on a bench.
"This is a practice match between Serena and Misty," Brock said. "Both trainers are allowed to use two Pokémon. The challenger, Serena, is allowed to substitute while Misty cannot."
"Substitute? Why can't Misty substitute?" Serena asked.
"Since I'm a gym leader, if you beat me you'll get a badge, y'know?" Misty said. She winked. "Even if this is practice. I won't go easy on you! Go, Staryu!"
Serena tilted her head at the starfish-like Pokémon. She never saw a Pokémon that looked so…bland. Taking out her Pokédex, she scanned it.
"Staryu. The Star Shape Pokémon," her Pokédex chimed. "An enigmatic Pokémon that can effortlessly regenerate any appendage it loses in battle."
Pikachu got onto all fours, electricity sizzling from his cheeks.
"Sorry Pikachu," Serena said. "I won't be using you today."
Pikachu fell flat on his face, letting out a sad "Pika."
"Braixen, you're up," Serena said. The fox Pokémon leaped onto the field, already wielding her wand.
"Braixen?" Clemont said to himself. "Why is she using a fire-type Pokémon against a Staryu? Does she not realize the typing disadvantage? And why isn't she using Pikachu?"
"Staryu, Bubble Beam!" Misty said, thrusting out a hand.
"Braixen, dodge it and use Hidden Power!"
A jet of rapid bubbles ejected from the Staryu's jewel but Braixen managed to dodge it in time. Waving her hand, she shot white orbs at the Staryu which connected.
"Staryu, are you okay?" Misty said. The Staryu's center jewel blinked twice. "Great! Bubble Beam again!"
"Counter it with Hidden Power!" Serena said, and the two attacks met in the middle, resulting in a large cloud of smoke.
"Double Edge immediately!" Misty said. Serena grimaced as the move nailed Braixen, too fast for her Pokémon to react. The orange-haired girl continued, "Now follow it up with Bubble Beam at close range!"
"Hidden Power again!" Serena said. It wasn't enough—the Bubble Beam overwhelmed the Hidden Power, sending Braixen stumbling back.
"Why is she using Hidden Power all the time?" Clemont said to no one in particular. He adjusted his glasses. "A Scratch might have been more effective at close range. And despite not being very effective, a Fire Blast would deal more damage. At this rate, Braixen will lose."
"Time to finish it off!" Misty said. "Bubble Beam, and then Double-Edge!"
"Try not to get hit, Braixen!" Serena said. "And use Hidden Power whenever possible! It might help in blocking the Bubble Beam!"
Braixen tried to dodge and weave, her Hidden Power orbs popping some of the Bubble Beam bubbles. But it wasn't enough. When she cleared all of them, Staryu zipped right in front of her, slamming Braixen down.
"Braixen is unable to battle!" Brock said. "Serena is down to her last Pokémon."
"That's expected," Clemont said, lowering his head. "She already would have a hard time using Braixen against Staryu? It didn't help she constantly used Hidden Power…"
"Good job, Braixen," Serena said, raising her Pokéball, the red light bringing Braixen back. She bit her lip. "Sylveon, it's your turn!"
Sylveon walked onto the field, her legs quivering. She looked back at Serena, letting out a nervous "Syl."
"It's okay, Sylveon," Serena said, crouching down a little. "I won't yell at you anymore. I know you're doing your best."
"Keep it up, Staryu!" Misty said. "Start it off with a Swift!"
"Dodge it, Sylveon!" Serena said, but Sylveon couldn't avoid the trail of stars. The fairy Pokémon tried to brace herself as she was pelted.
"Ah, I almost forgot!" Serena said. Sylveon cringed again, shutting her eyes.
"Sylveon…" Serena said, her voice wavering. Her hand tightened when she realized what the Pokémon was thinking. Her voice softened. "It's okay. I won't yell at you, no matter what."
Her fingers started snapping, a slow and steady beat. "You can just enjoy this battle. I won't force you to do anything."
"This isn't a Pokémon Contest, Serena~" Misty said, shaking a finger. "Staryu, now use Bubble Beam!"
Serena didn't need to give any orders. At first Sylveon's dances and dodges were slow and unconfident. After getting knocked back by a particularly large bubble, she looked back at Serena, the Pokémon clearly waiting for a reprimand. Yet her trainer just smiled.
"Don't worry," Serena said. "The Pokémon Center is right next door. I'll bring you there immediately if you get too hurt and don't want to fight anymore."
"Bubble Beam again!" Misty said.
Sylveon's movements were a lot faster this time. She dodged bubble after bubble, her eyes glowing with as much joy as her trainer's. Misty was stunned. She didn't know it was possible to dodge the attack.
"I'll admit it," Misty said. "I'm impressed. Your Sylveon is trained well. But will it be able to dodge this? Use Swift, Staryu! This attack never misses!"
"Fairy Wind, Sylveon!" Serena said. Pausing from her dancing, Sylveon unleashed the pink gust into the stars, both moves neutralizing each other.
"Interesting," Misty said. "So not only do you have a good defense, you have a good offense. Time to change tactics. Staryu, use Bubble Beam and then Double-Edge!"
"Dodge it!" Serena said. The Bubble Beam missed its mark wildly, Sylveon doing a backflip into the sky to dodge the blows. But then Staryu came racing up towards her.
"Sylveon!" Serena said as Staryu collided with the Pokémon in midair.
"And Sylveon has fainted!" Brock said, raising an arm. "Misty has won the battle!"
"Yay!" Misty said as she and her Marill went up to Staryu. "Nice job Staryu!"
Staryu's jewel blinked about three times, and Serena couldn't tell what the Pokémon felt. However, Misty cheered again, so it must have been good.
"Syl…" Sylveon said as Serena and Pikachu approached her. Sylveon flinched at Serena's first touch, but then relaxed when she noticed Serena was just petting her.
"I have a lot to work on, don't I?" Serena said, chuckling. "You were amazing, Sylveon, and don't let anyone tell you otherwise, including me."
"Chu chu pika~," Pikachu said, also giving Sylveon a pat.
"That was a good match," Misty said, walking up to Serena and offering a hand. "Your Sylveon gave me a run for my money. I would've been toast if Staryu didn't know Swift."
Serena shook her hand. "You're strong, wow. You beat me with only one Pokémon, and Staryu isn't even one of your strongest, is he?"
"She," Misty corrected, giggling. Staryu's jewel seemed to flash angrily. "We still have a lot to work on, though. I want this little one to evolve soon, just like her sister."
Serena then noticed Clemont standing near them, quite silent. Serena's stomach tied a knot around itself, but she said, "Clemont? You want to say something to me, don't you?"
"There's a reason why you used Hidden Power all the time with Braixen, right?" Clemont said. Serena just nodded.
"I thought so. You're using it so it can get strong to free Bonnie, correct?"
Serena nodded again, but Clemont shook his head.
"Stupid," he said. "Stupid stupid stupid."
"I'm sorry!" Serena said, a hand clutching her chest. "I…I want to help. I know I can't do anything. But I thought, maybe if I could get it stronger…"
She then noticed Clemont was crying, tears leaving wet trails on his glasses.
"I know," he said. "And I appreciate it. But our efforts—all of our efforts—might not mean a thing. I'm sorry I got mad at you, Serena. I just…I just want to see my sister again…"
"There might be a way," Brock said. "While Nurse Joy says she can't help, I know a guy who lives by the Cerulean Cape. He's a bit eccentric but he might be able to help."
"You mean Bill?" Misty said. "Ah. He hasn't been seeing people recently. He's turned a bit of shut-in recently, or so I've heard."
"But we have to see him!" Serena and Clemont said simultaneously.
"Hmm, I heard there's some event tomorrow at Nugget Bridge," Misty said. "I heard the winner gets to see Bill. That might be your chance."
"I'll do it! You'll be entering too, right Clemont?" Serena said. Clemont nodded.
"I'll tag along," Brock said. "I feel guilty not being able to help Bonnie. It's the least I could do."
"Ah, I can't join," Misty said, scratching her cheek. "Some hotshot challenger wants to battle me for a badge tomorrow. Apparently his dad is a gym leader. Sorry I can't come."
"It's okay," Serena said. "You've helped me a lot anyways. Oh—and is it alright after this that I fight you for your badge?"
"I'll be looking forward to it!" Misty said. "But you'll have to train a lot harder if you want to beat me!"
Serena nodded. "Okay!"
Brock, Serena, and Clemont checked in at the Pokémon Center for the night, waving goodbye to Misty who returned to her home. Upon arriving, they saw Nurse Joy who was bowing.
"I'm sorry," she said. "I couldn't do anything about your sister."
"Oh fair maiden, there's no need to apologize," Brock said, bending on a knee. "Ouch, Croagunk, what was that?"
"Where is she right now?" Clemont asked.
"I transferred her to the hospital," Nurse Joy said. "Would you like to see her?"
Clemont shook his head. "We might be taking her to Nugget Bridge tomorrow though. Please keep me updated."
Nurse Joy bowed again. "I'm sorry I can't treat Bonnie, but would your Pokémon like to be healed? I guarantee I can help with that."
Clemont and Brock nodded, handing over their Pokéballs. Croagunk raised an eye at Brock as if he was saying "Don't pull anything without me."
"Will you be healing your Pokémon too, Serena?" Brock asked.
She shook her head. "No thanks," she said, a smile on her face. "They'll be sleeping with me tonight.
The travelers went into their room for the night, all of Serena's Pokémon snuggled next to her. Serena made sure the egg she received from Iris was steady on a nearby drawer. She was getting worried it wasn't hatching. Maybe she wasn't the right trainer for the job. Then, they all drifted to sleep, a long day finally done.
At midnight, however, Serena jerked awake.
"Are you up?" she said, stroking her Pokémon. Pancham rubbed his eyes, Braixen nodded, Sylveon rolled over before yawning, and Pikachu confirmed with a quiet "Pika."
"That's good," Serena said, taking the covers off. Putting on her everyday clothes, she froze at a certain sound in the room.
"Mama…" said the boy in the bed across from hers.
"Clemont?" Serena whispered. She tip-toed over, careful not to trip. "Are you awake?"
"I couldn't protect Bonnie, Mama," Clemont said. While his eyes were closed, his pillow was wet.
"What can I do Papa?" Clemont sobbed. "I'm losing all of my friends and family. First Mama, then Ash, and now Bonnie. I almost lost Serena today, too. I don't want to lose them. Please…"
A sad smile crept on Serena's face. She sat on Clemont's bed, stroking his face. She began singing softly.
"~Squishy and tender, squishy and green,
~Squishy and in my pochette, do you like it there Squishy?
~Where are you from? Why do you feed on sunlight?
~I love my mysterious Squishy. Please tell me more and more.
~I nuzzle together our cheeks
~From then on, we are friends
~We'll always be together,
~And I'll protect you."
Only when Clemont's tears stopped that Serena got off the bed.
"Is everybody awake and ready to train now?" she said to her team.
"Pika," and "Braix," and "Syl," and "Pan," they all confirmed.
"Let's go," Serena said, putting on her hat.
Nearby, in the moonlight, sat the egg Serena had placed on a drawer. When nobody was looking, it gave one violent shake.