Poke-genetics: Genetic mistake
«Chuuu. » complained Alexchu.
«Quiet Alex, we're almost there. » Ash replied.
He jumped over a log, his son clinging to his shoulder. He was followed by Pikachu, who was carrying Sebastian and Genno's bag. The kid was embarrassed by the fact that he had to be carried, but he would not have been able to keep up their rhythm. Pikachu had assured him that he was not heavy enough to make a difference if he carried him, but still…
He was not happy being a burden after he had requested to follow them.
«Pikachu, can you smell Genno's scent? » Ash asked, a few meter ahead.
«If by his smell, you mean yours, then yes. We're on the right track, keep it up. »
Genno yawned. He was tired. He had gotten up early this morning to buy new chemicals product for Stan and the others, disguised of course. Apparently, the counteragent was much more hard to make than the DNA sample. It was logical somehow; the DNA sample had a natural equivalent produced by dittos. The counteragent, on the other hand, was something completely new and that they had to create out of thin air.
Stan had told him not to get desperate as he thought they were making some progress.
Genno only wanted to go to bed, but they still had a long day to go. Today, they'd try the theory that Helen had come up with and they needed Genno's cooperation. That was not going to help him be in a better mood. Most of the time, his help was giving his blood and his saliva, either as a human or as a ditto. It was necessary and he fully understood that, but he was looking forward to work with them. Apparently, he was only fit to be a data bank.
«Oh well, I guess I'm not ready yet. They did study for years… » he tried to convince himself. «Who am I kidding? I want to take part in those poke-genetics experiments! »
He paused for a second. Was that what his father thought when he decided to take over Team Blast?
He shrugged it off and opened the door of the lab.
All six poke-geneticist were actively discussing the theory Helen had presented.
«No, no, no, a pokemon's genes are not modified that way when it evolves through a catalyst.» argued Robert.
«And I'm telling you that regardless of whether this is true or not, it won't change a thing in the long run. We have to test my theory following that procedure. » replied Helen.
«…May I interrupt you? » Genno asked.
They all turned toward him. Helen and Stan were clearly happy to see him, while Robert wasn't. On the other hand, Carly, Martin and Wilfred didn't display any particular emotion, just formal greetings.
«You asked for those products and for another… sample… of my DNA. » Genno explained, a bit harshly on the DNA part.
«Sorry to ask that again, Genno, but it's essential that we have those while testing possible counteragents. » Stan apologized.
Genno just smiled weakly. He didn't want Stan to apologize when he was just complaining. Somehow, he wasn't comfortable with making Stan guilty.
«It's okay, just as long as you don't get addicted to it, I'll give you as much blood as you need. »
«In that case, we should proceed. » Wilfred stated.
The syringe was plunged into his veins once more. They were lucky he wasn't particularly afraid of syringes, otherwise, it would have been a really long week.
Genno opened his mouth as Carly used another tissue to collect his saliva.
He had to harden his mind not to flinch at the horrible taste invading his mouth.
«Okay, now, change into a ditto so we can take the other samples. » Carly ordered.
Just as he was about to comply, the door to the lab was opened. Genno jumped on his feet, prepared for the worst.
The best happened.
Four yellow mice entered the room… two of them a little out of breath.
«Ash, Pikachu! I didn't think you would come so soon! » the teenager exclaimed in joy.
«Hey, Genno! » they replied just as cheerfully.
«I've got your bag. » added Pikachu.
«Thanks Pikachu. Hi Alex, did you already forget me? » Genno said slowly to the baby pokemon.
«Chu. » the pichu replied with a smile.
«I'll take that as a no. » Genno smiled himself. «Hum… who are you supposed to be? Pikachu's little brother? »
«I'm Sebastian Dexter. »
«Oh… nice to meet you then. »
A light appeared in the pichu's eyes as he understood something.
«You can understand me! I can speak to people? » he exclaimed, incredulous.
At that statement, Genno had to sadly reply:
«No, you can't. Humans can't understand you. I'm a bit different as I'm not really human. I'm just a ditto. »
Sebastian felt his throat get tied up like a knot as the sadness strangled him. He had hoped… that he could still speak to his father.
«Don't worry. We're trying to find a way to turn everyone back to normal. »
Sebastian didn't add to the comment. He just stayed silent.
Ash decided to change the subject.
«Anyway, we could leave earlier than we thought because Alex is an early bloomer. He's growing faster than Pikachu assumed. Isn't he amazing? » he explained with starry eyes.
Genno resisted the urge to laugh. He didn't think Ash would be the kind of parent to be amazed at everything his child does. It seems like he was wrong.
«Yes, he is definitely more special than every other pichu that ever existed. » he stated plainly.
While Pikachu hated him for making him laugh while carrying both Sebastian and his bag, Ash didn't seem to pick up the irony.
«I know. » he answered, deadly serious, as he put Alexchu on the ground.
Stan was wondering what was so funny that Genno and Pikachu were both laughing silently while the second pikachu was looking so serious.
«Anyway…» Genno tried to say between two laughs. «… how… was your… week?»
«We had to stay on a crowded island with something like fifty kids turned into pokemon for a week, so… yeah, perfect. » Ash said. «How was yours? »
«Oh, it was a pretty relaxing week. I only went in Gregor Dexter's office to make in an ally again under the nose of a team Blast member and I spent the rest of the time giving my blood to them. »
«Ouch. » Ash commented.
«You've seen my dad? » Sebastian immediately asked.
«Yes. He was looking tired, but when I explained the situation to him, he promised to take part in our plan. »
«Talking about that, what is the next step to our plan? » Ash wondered.
«We need to gather allies. No matter how hard we try, I don't think us three alone are enough to defeat Team Blast. »
«Who should we ask then? » Pikachu questioned.
«I don't know. I'm running out of ideas. » Genno said with a little sight.
A heavy silence fell in the room. Who could they ask for help when most people who sell them to Team Blast at the first occasion? Not that they could truly blame them for wanting their children to be safe, but… they only made things worse.
«I know! » Ash suddenly said.
They all looked at him in surprise.
«What? Am I the only one not allowed to have ideas? »
They shook their heads.
«Thanks guys, you're great friends. Anyway… we should ask the gym leaders! »
«The gym leaders…? » Genno repeated, unsure of what to say.
«Yes, they're all strong enough to help and, from what I remember of them, they'd never just go along with criminals like Team Blast. »
«Hum… we could try to convince them… »
«That part will be easy. If I go, it'll be done in no time. I'm sure they all remember me. »
«Yeah, they probably would recognize you at first sight. » Genno said with a hint of irony.
When he saw the look on Genno's face, Ash realized his current predicament.
«Okay, I admit that as a pikachu, they might have a little problem recognizing me, but I still want to convince them! » Ash pleaded.
«Ash…» Pikachu whispered.
«Genno… I don't want to stay behind! I want to help defeat Team Blast. Let me at least try to do this much! »
«But… you can't even talk to them… » Genno protested.
«I can just type something on a computer! It's not that hard. Heck, worse comes to worse, I can convince their pokemon to help! »
«You…err… fine. Pikachu? » he said.
«Yes? »
«Can the two of you handle another race through the woods? »
«Yeah, it wouldn't be a problem. Pikachus are quite strong. » Pikachu said while sounding a little wounded by the comment.
«I know that. I just don't know how long you've been running before. » Genno explained.
«Hum… I don't know for you, Pikachu, but I could use a little rest before going. » Ash interjected.
«In that case, we should go outside the lab; there are a few rooms that are comfortable enough.»
Genno took his bag away from Pikachu's shoulder and leaded out of the lab. The six poke-geneticists looked at each other. They didn't really understand the conversation as half of it was a bunch of «Pika pi» and «pichu chu». Being a pokemon in human form had its advantages.
Ash was lying down next to Pikachu, with Alexchu running on the bed around him. From times to times, the pichu fell on the cushion, but just got up as fast and continued running. Sebastian was sometimes playing with him, but he was mostly listening the conversation between Ash, Genno and Pikachu.
«Wow, that seemed like one eventful week on the island. » Genno said, impressed.
«You have no idea how many glares we got for bringing the kids there. » Pikachu replied.
That made Genno chuckle.
«Sorry guys, I should have warned Nidoking in advance. I've earned you trouble, didn't I? »
«Forgiven, it was worth to see all those mothers trying their own advices. » Ash said viciously.
Pikachu and him burst out laughing at some profoundly amusing memories.
«I wish I could have stayed with you instead. Here, it was really boring… and I never thought I'd say that about a project involving poke-genetics. »
They stayed silent for a second, observing Alexchu trying to produce some electricity. For now, he was only creating some sparkles. His sad expression was melting their hearts. Ash had to pick him up and cuddle him.
«Don't worry, Alex. When you'll be older you'll be able to produce lighting so strong that you'll light the sky. »
«Chuuu! » the baby said, disappointed.
Looking at his friends, Genno was beginning to feel a bit silly, being the only «human» around. He could change that. He focused a second and then looked at Ash and his son. «Wow», he thought, « Alex really resembles Ash, even on the genetic level. »
Then he saw something really disturbing.
Sebastian's genetic code was giving off a weird feeling. He could not precisely tell what was wrong with it, but his ditto instincts were telling him not to transform into him.
«Sebastian, what happened to you? » he asked, a bit rudely.
Surprised, the kid wasn't sure how to react. He muttered some confused words.
«I… a man with a white long coat was always using syringes on me. It… hurt a lot. »
Genno bit his lips. It was probably what he feared.
«Ash, Pikachu, I'm taking Sebastian to the poke-geneticists downstairs. I think they need to take a good look at Sebastian. »
«Okay. » they agreed. «We'll take our leave. We've rested enough. »
Alexchu seemed to have the opposite idea. In his father's arms, he yawned and grab his father's fur. Seconds later, he was sleeping with his head buried in his father's chest.
«… Pikachu? »
«Yes, Ash? »
«Will he hold on to me if we run? »
«That's usually how a pichu sleeps when its parents are traveling. He'll be fine. »
Ash's unease was clearly visible. What if Alex fell? What if he tripped?
As enervating as his thoughts were, they didn't seem to faze Genno, who had gotten out of the room with his bag and Sebastian, after a quick «see you later».
He was carrying Sebastian in his arms when he entered the lab again, this time with urgency.
Stan looked at him with surprise.
«Genno? Where are your friends? »
«They decided to leave, but they'll be back in a few days, I think. But we have a bigger problem. You need to take a look at Sebastian! »
Confusion spread on their face.
«You mean the son of Viridian City's mayor? »
«Yes. Did you ever experiment on him? » he asked.
And the question made them uneasy. He was asking for the whole truth, prepared to hear an ugly one. Fortunately, Stan replied something that surprised Genno.
«No, none of us did. Even if we could have, we wouldn't have experimented on him. It doesn't really matter though as your father never allowed anyone near him. »
Genno took a second to think about what had been revealed. Could it be…? His father was testing something important with Sebastian. The urgency to find out what came back even faster. He hoped it was not dangerous for Sebastian, but he was not naïve enough to think that it was completely harmless.
«Sebastian, we will need you to cooperate with us. Rest assure, we will not do anything that could harm you. » Helen said as she approached the pichu.
«It'll be alright, Sebastian. They won't do anything bad to you. At most, they'll ask for a little bit of blood or of saliva. »
Genno was about to hand him over to Helen when Sebastian sneezed.
They were both sent flying.
The others rushed towards them and examined them. Stan was the first to get to them. They were both covered in a white substance.
«They're… covered by snow. » he stated, unable to understand what had happened.
«Sebastian… you can use Blizzard? » Genno said, just as incredulous.
«I… don't even know how I did it! » the poor kid replied, guilty at the mess he caused.
«I didn't think I'd ever see an electric type use an ice type move. Isn't it… you know… impossible? » wondered Genno.
Seven persons thought the same thing simultaneously. This was the result of the experimentation Jonathan had made. That it was the goal or a side-effect was unsure at this point.
«If only I could understand what I see in him… why is it so different from Alex and Ash? » Genno wondered mentally.
He gasped in shock. How could he not notice something like that! Genno looked at the man trying to help him get on his feet.
«Stan! If two persons have a child, how many of their genes does the child have? »
Surprised, the man answered nonetheless.
«Typically, a child holds half of each of his parents' genes. »
«Can there be an instance where a specific part of them is exclusively coming from one of the parents? Maybe like a section comes from the father and another from the mother? »
«I'm afraid it doesn't work this way and I'm surprise you even need to ask. This is the basics of genetics. » Stan answered.
Genno bit his lips. He was so stupid! He should have seen it as soon as Alexchu was born!
«Why do you want to know this all of a sudden? »
«Because I just realized how terribly wrongs some things are. Out of the two pikachus that entered one is a human friend of mine that was transformed by a DNA sample. The pichu on his back was his son. »
A look of disgust spread on Robert's, Carly's and Martin's face.
«Don't look like he did something utterly stupid willingly! I wouldn't have resisted either had I been in his shoes. Trust me on that part; the pheromones of a female pikachu are on a whole different level. »
When he saw some comprehension in Helen's and Stan's eyes, Genno continued.
«Anyway, I looked at them with my ditto eyes and I saw that their DNA was awfully similar. »
Stan's mouth fell.
«This is impossible, according to you, as Ash's human genes are overwritten except for a few of them. Could something have gone wrong because Ash was human before he was a pikachu? Could it have cause Alex's genes to appear human where his father's are? »
Helen was about to reply when a curious noise cut her.
Genno was the only one to recognize it, but he didn't understand. «Why is my cellphone ringing? »
Anxiously and under the eyes of six curious scientists, he answered the call.
«Hello. » he greeted, unsure.
«Hi Genno! I'm happy to hear your voice again. » said a cheerful feminine voice.
It was familiar, but he could not put his finger on it. His cellphone distorted the voices too much.
«Who is it? »
«It's me, Stephanie. »
«Stephanie? »
«Oh please, Genno, you talked to my brother last month. You told him you wanted to visit me at my job and get a taste of our marvelous T-bones. » the woman explained.
Stan wondered what was so horrifying that it made Genno's face white. He had a pretty good idea, but he was trying to be optimistic.
«Janes… » the teenager whispered.
That was enough to paint horror on the face of every other person in the lab.
«Who? No, my name is Stephanie. I'm calling because I was wondering why you didn't come despite saying you would. Oh, there's also this little message I wanted to deliver to you: I'm sorry for that awful barbecue sauce I threw at you; it was an order from my boss. He said he couldn't stand to see you around his restaurant. Are you mad? » she continued with that horribly cheerful tone.
Genno was clenching his fist in anger. She was playing with him. He had to keep his anger under control. She was a sly woman and a complete sadist. She was trying to distract him from an important fact. «Nice try. » he thought as he realized what he absolutely had to.
He walked to the computer, which was already opened and was showing the results of a previous experiment. He closed all the applications and wrote a message to the others.
«Grab whatever you want, take Sebastian with you and GET OUT OF HERE! »
They all stared at the screen for a second before nodding and taking with them a few tests tubes and Sebastian, who was shooting questioning looks at them.
«Of course I'm mad, Steph. The stain it made is still there. I can't wash it away. Would you mind telling your boss that he is a monster for ruining such a good t-shirt. » Genno said with a deep irony.
«Perhaps you'd like to tell him yourself. He's just next to me and he seems like he has things to say. »
Genno's heartbeat became much more frantic.
«Here, he's taking over our conversation, bye bye. »
Genno was breathing heavily and calling himself an idiot. «Stop being so nervous! You already chose what you should do, so just do it and be done with it! »
«Hi son. »
His tongue seemed stuck to his palate and his mouth felt dry.
Genno finally mastered enough of self-control to answer.
«Hi dad. »