Professor Juniper's Pokemon Pregnancy
Chapter 17 – A New Prophecy
The next few days felt like they passed in the blink of an eye. Juniper was so wrapped up in taking care of her newborn that she rarely took time to think about anything else. She was constantly feeding him, watching him, and comforting him whenever he would cry. It sounded like a lot of work, but Juniper was more than pleased to do it. Zorua was her child, and she would do anything for him.
Naturally, a number of people stopped by the house to see the infant Pokemon. Cedric, Fennel, Bianca, Hilda, Rosa, James, and Juniper's lab assistants all came by at various times to meet Zorua and adore him. Juniper was happy to show him off to everyone, but the newborn seemed to be less interested, and actually a bit skittish. He definitely didn't seem to like being around strangers very much, usually clinging to Juniper for safety when he felt too overwhelmed. At times like this, Juniper would just smile and hold him close, softly whispering that everything was okay and she would keep him safe.
Thankfully, Zorua did seem to take a liking to Joy, who visited the most frequently. She was still stopping by as often as she could to run tests on Zorua, just to make completely sure that he was healthy and strong. Fortunately, the nurse continually found nothing wrong with him. He was a perfectly healthy Pokemon.
To Juniper's surprise, Zorua did seem to show a bit of growth early on. Only a few days after hatching, Zorua had managed to get his four tiny legs underneath him, and had begun walking on his own. He was still a bit clumsy when he moved, but nevertheless, Zorua was now freely able to wander throughout Juniper's house as he pleased.
Juniper was a bit worried about this at first. She wondered if she would need to "baby proof" her house far sooner than expected, to prevent Zorua from hurting himself in any way. However, she found that he usually seemed content to just follow Juniper around, staying by her side, and curling up next to her whenever she sat down.
Juniper smiled as she reached down and softly ran her fingers through his fur. He slightly purred. Juniper was happy to see him making such good progress, but another part of her felt like it was happening too quickly. It wasn't too surprising though. Most Pokemon reached adulthood after five years, so it was natural for them to grow much quicker than human children, but Juniper couldn't help but feel sad all the same. She knew that she wouldn't get to dote on her child for as long as she would have liked. It probably wouldn't be too long before the Pokemon was finding his own food, and was mostly taking care of himself. Because of this, Juniper just tried to appreciate the time she currently had with him, knowing that it wouldn't last forever.
Juniper dreaded the day when she had to return to work. She had used up the maternity leave that she had allowed for herself, so she could no longer stay at home with Zorua. At first, she considered just bringing him into work with her (he wouldn't have been out of place in a Pokemon lab, after all), but she decided against it. She knew that she could never focus on her work if he was there. She'd feel the need to watch him and spend too much time taking care of him.
Juniper also didn't dare to leave Zorua on his own. He was too young for that, and Juniper worried that something might happen without a watchful presence nearby. So, Juniper arrived at the solution of simply leaving Zorua with a babysitter for the day. Fortunately, she still had a number of people she could rely on. Her father was more than happy to keep an eye on his grandchild, and Zorua had also slowly warmed up to him as well. Joy was also willing to keep Zorua inside of the Pokemon Center if necessary, watching over him along with several other Pokemon. Juniper felt this option was good for letting Zorua get exposed to other Pokemon, and learning some basic social skills. Lastly, the three girls also volunteered to babysit from time to time, simply happy to have a cute little Pokemon to take care of. Juniper was more than happy to rely on all of them, and took turns leaving Zorua with whoever was free and willing.
The first time had Juniper feeling awful. She left Zorua with her father, which she felt confident about, but as she walked away, Zorua started bawling. It was the first time the two of them had ever been apart. Juniper felt crushed leaving him like that, but she knew she had to. Zorua wouldn't be able to cling to her side forever. Feeling resolute, Juniper went to work, and then spent the whole day worrying about her baby. Naturally, she called her father several times to check in, only for him to nonchalantly tell her that everything was perfectly fine. He had calmed Zorua down and the two of them were enjoying themselves. Still, it didn't stop Zorua from crying tears of joy when she came to pick him up at the end of the day. The Pokemon even ended jumping for the first time ever, landing in her arms. Juniper just smiled and cradled him. She loved how much he loved her.
One night, after Juniper had finished feeding Zorua, the two of them were sitting on the couch when the professor heard a voice call out to her.
Aurea Juniper…
Juniper's eyes immediately widened in surprise, and she sat up a bit. Zorua looked up at her with a curious glance. It felt like someone had just spoken directly into her mind with a deep voice. And Juniper had definitely heard this voice before.
The voice soon spoke again. Aurea Juniper…Please, come outside…And bring the child with you.
"Arceus?" she whispered. There was no response. Nevertheless, Juniper didn't doubt who it was. She soon rose from the couch, and then proceeded to scoop Zorua into her arms. He seemed a bit surprised, but he didn't fight against her. Juniper then made her way out of her house, and out into the yard. It was dark outside, but the moon was bright enough that Juniper could still see her surroundings. Nobody was there.
This way… the voice beckoned her. Juniper glanced in the direction of the nearby forest, the place where she had first met Arceus. Zorua also turned in that direction, as if he could sense something out there as well. The Legendary Pokemon was likely waiting for them.
Taking a deep breath, Juniper held Zorua close and walked out into the forest. It didn't take her long to find the familiar clearing within. As had happened before, a large beam of light struck the ground, and the wind blew heavily around them. Juniper just tightened her hold on Zorua, and watched as Arceus emerged from the beam of light. The majestic Pokemon soon looked down upon her.
Aurea Juniper…It is good to see you again…
Juniper nodded, and smiled a bit. "It is good to see you as well."
I see that you have successfully completed the task that I had given you. I know that it must not have been easy for you, but you completed it all the same. I am forever grateful. Arceus then bowed his head a bit, showing his gratitude.
Juniper just smiled at him. "I am grateful too. You allowed me to meet someone that I love more than anything else in the world." She soon looked down at Zorua.
It seems that I made the correct choice when I chose you to carry the egg…Speaking of which… For the first time, Arceus turned his attention to the tiny Pokemon in Juniper's arms. Zorua had remained still until this point, but upon catching the eye of the giant Pokemon before him, he tried to retreat further into Juniper's arms.
I have come to meet my child Arceus continued. I may not be able to stick around and raise him, but I can at least give him my blessing.
"Of course," said Juniper. "I would be happy for the two of you to meet." She soon extended her arms out, holding Zorua forward so Arceus could see him clearly. "This is our son, Zorua. Zorua, this is your father, the mighty Arceus."
Zorua didn't seem pleased at all. He just shivered and squirmed around a bit, possibly trying to retreat back to Juniper, but she held him steady. Arceus just leaned his long neck down, bringing his face close to Zorua. He stared at him for a long time.
Well met, child the legendary Pokemon said eventually. You do not need to fear me. We have the same scent, do we not? To Juniper's surprise, Arceus began sniffing the air around Zorua. The tiny Pokemon seemed hesitant, but soon did the same in return. After that, Zorua seemed to calm down a bit, and even started to show a bit of interest in Arceus. After a few seconds of more sniffing, Zorua ended up licking Arceus's face.
Juniper giggled a little. "He seems to have taken a liking to you."
Indeed Arceus hummed, sounding a bit happy himself.
"Would you like to hold him?" Juniper offered.
Arceus paused for a moment, before soon raising his head back up to its full height. Very well. Without wasting any time, Arceus summoned his translucent arms from within his golden wheel, and they snaked their way towards Zorua. The tiny Pokemon didn't seem frightened at all as he watched them approach. The arms soon reached him and carefully scooped him up, before gently cradling him as Juniper had been. The arms then raised Zorua up so that he was before Arceus's head once more.
My child…Arceus said in his deep, majestic voice. Throughout all of your years, may you always be blessed with good fortune.
As the legendary Pokemon said this, he leaned in, and pressed his snout up against Zorua's. Suddenly, a white light flashed from in-between the two of them. Zorua's eyes went wide with surprise, but the light soon faded away.
I have given you my blessing Arceus continued. I hope you grow up to be healthy and strong. Know that wherever you may go, I will always be looking out for you…
Arceus went silent after that, and simply held Zorua for a moment longer. He then slowly lowered Zorua back down to Juniper, who accepted him back into her arms. Arceus's ghost-like arms then began to retreat back into the wheel.
"Thank you for that," said Juniper with a smile. "It's nice to know that he will always be on your mind."
It is my pleasure…Arceus then went silent for another moment. Aurea Juniper, before I go, there is something I wish to discuss with you as well.
Juniper raised an eyebrow at this. "Oh? And what is that?"
Arceus paused again, as if trying to gather his thoughts. For better or for worse, I'm afraid there has been another prophecy…
Juniper frowned a bit. "Another prophecy? You mean like the prophecy that Zorua would be born from me?"
Yes, but this prophecy was foretold quite recently, and it came from a different Pokemon than the one who told the first…
Juniper continued to frown. "And…what did it say?"
It claimed that your situation will not be one that you solely undergo…The new prophecy claims that there will be several women in the coming years that will conceive and carry Pokemon eggs, just as you have…
Juniper's eyes widened at this. "What!?" she exclaimed. "But…what does that mean?"
Arceus closed his eyes, as if he too was unsettled by this information. It is not entirely clear, but the prophecy claims that some of these Pokemon born of women will rise up and defend humanity from the future calamity…
Juniper felt like her mind was racing as she listened to this. She wasn't going to be the only woman who would give birth to a Pokemon egg? "Arceus, does this mean…that you are going to mate again?"
Arceus kept his eyes closed. I am not sure. It is certainly a possibility.
"Are there other Pokemon capable of impregnating women with eggs?"
There are some who could do it, similar to how you and I were able to do it, yes…
"Wait a second," Juniper mumbled, still trying to think. "The first prophecy you told me mentioned that a Pokemon born of an egg and born of a woman would be able to save the world, right? But now you're saying that multiple Pokemon will be born that fulfill those conditions…" Juniper paused and glanced at the Pokemon in her arms. "Does this mean that Zorua might not be the Pokemon spoken of in the first prophecy?"
Arceus was silent for a moment, but soon heaved a big sigh. That is another thing that I am unable to determine, and it concerns me. I sired this Pokemon along with you in the hopes that it would fulfill the prophecy. It would be rather disappointing and worrisome if this were not the case. It definitely calls into question all of the actions that I have taken thus far…
Juniper soon frowned, and held Zorua closer to her. "Please, don't misunderstand," she said confidently. "I don't regret anything. I love Zorua more than anything in the world. Even if he's not meant to save the world someday, I still love him all the same."
As you should Arceus replied with a genuine smile. A child needs its mother's love no matter who it is.
"Of course," Juniper replied before leaning down and kissing Zorua on his temple. The tiny fox licked her arms in return.
Arceus watched the two of them for a while before taking on a serious expression once more. The reason I tell you this information is not to make you worry. Rather, I have a request to ask of you. Throughout your pregnancy with Zorua, you were heavily monitored and you also had someone chronicle your journey, correct?
Juniper thought back to all the research that she and Joy had done, along with all the notes that the nurse had taken. "That is correct."
Arceus slowly nodded. My request is this. Would you be willing to share your research with the world, so that everyone can have access to it? If it's true that many women are going to begin baring Pokemon eggs, then they will likely need all the help and research that they can get. I imagine the study of your journey will help tremendously with that.
Juniper felt a bit shocked. "You want us to share all of our research?"
You don't have to reveal everything Arceus clarified. You can post it anonymously online, so no one knows who you are or where you're from. All you need to explain is what a woman going through this process should expect. Answer the questions that you had, try to quell any doubts…
"I see," said Juniper slowly. "I guess not everyone has access to a Pokemon lab, or has someone like Joy willing to help them through the process…It would be better if this information were readily available, so that other women don't have to worry as much…"
That is correct…
Juniper took a moment to consider it. Well…I'll need to consult with Joy…but as long as it's published anonymously, it should be fine… Juniper soon looked back up. "Very well. I'll make sure that the information is available to the world."
Once again, I am forever grateful, Aurea Juniper…Arceus soon bowed his head once more. May you also find good fortune and happiness in your future.
Juniper smiled, and soon bowed her head as well. "Thank you, Arceus, for everything."
Arceus nodded before standing tall once again. Well then, I'm afraid my time is short. I must be going once more…
"I understand," said Juniper. "Please, if you ever have time, feel free to stop by and see us. I'm sure that Zorua would be happy to see you."
I will do what I can the legendary Pokemon promised. Farewell then, Aurea Juniper, and Zorua, son of Arceus.
"Goodbye," said the professor, giving a small wave. Zorua made a tiny sound that sounded like a bark, which was likely his way of saying goodbye.
And with that, the tall majestic Pokemon stepped back a bit, and then disappeared into another beam of light and rush of wind. As it settled down, Juniper and Zorua found themselves standing in the clearing once more, all alone.
And thus, this story comes to a close…for now, that is. Yes, you can basically think of this as the end of "Part 1" of Juniper's story, if you will. I still have another plotline in mind for the professor, which I intend to write out completely (and post as a continuation of this story), but it won't be happening right away.
I also have many other stories in my mind that I would like to start releasing at some point too. Truth be told, I actually prefer to write many of my chapters ahead of time and then release them in a slow but consistent schedule. Because of that, I actually have a lot of chapters already written out for other stories, some of which are unrelated to Pokemon. However, I feel hesitant to start releasing them because none of them have been concluded yet.
So I guess the question is: when will I get around to releasing new content? And the answer is…I have no idea lol. All I can say is that I'll get around to it when the timing feels right. Until then, thanks for reading, and please stay tuned for more.
