Pokemon: 1 Dead: 0

Chapter 2: A Chat At The Lab

The group returned to Professor Birch's lab, there were a few other scientists hanging around. The lab itself was exactly what you'd expect. White tile floors, white walls, bits of technology all over the place, there uses was any bodies guess. There was also tables upon tables of notes. Honestly, it was like Professor Birch didn't know how to use a computer*1.

Hop looked around with curiosity, well Max shrugged. He seen all this before several times. Max headed off towards a chair, that just so happened to be underneath an air conditioner. Few could blame him, the summer heat was intense.

That left Professor Birch standing in front of Hop, well Adele ran around the lab, exploring yet another new area.

"Hey Hop, what's that?" Adele asked, gesturing with her head at some of Birch's technology.

Hop shrugged, "I don't know, Professor, what's that?" Hop pointed at the same device that Adele pointed at earlier. Birch was silent for a moment, taking the previous transition into account.

"Oh, um...it's a Pokédex. Basically, it scans a pokémon, and by doing so gathers all the information it can on the species in general. It's a nifty tool."

"Dad, we've talked about this." Max spoke in a deadpan voice. Professor Birch sighed, reached into his pocket and pulled out a dollar. He proceeded to walk over to Max, and handed it to him. Hop could do nothing but stare at the transaction, where as Adele was having all kinds of fun chasing this one Scientist around. He didn't seem to be enjoying it.

"Um, what was that?" Hop asked, baffled by the exchange.

"To simplify it, I have a swear jar for Retro slang." Birch shook his head, Hop giggled at strangeness of the whole ordeal, and Max folded the dollar and placed it into his pocket.

"Could someone help me?" The trio's focus shifted to the Scientist, who was backed into a corner, cowering like his life were mere moments from ceasing. Slowly walking towards him was...Adele, who was smiling like she were having the time of her life.

"It's gonna kill me!" The Scientist wailed. Hop blinked his eyes, rather confused. He turned to Birch, who shook his head in amazement.

"Adele?"

"Yeah?"

"What you doing?"

"Just playing tag. I finally got him cornered."

"I see." Hop looked at the panicking Scientist, "Excuse me Sir, are you having a laugh?"

"What are you talking about!" The man's features twisted to reflect utter terror, "Look at it! It's bloody terrifying!"

Hop shook his head. What was wrong with this guy?*2 Regardless, Hop should probably do something about it.

"Adele, would you mind not playing tag with that man? He doesn't like it." Adele looked at Hop, confused. She backed up without question, and walked over to Hop. The Scientist's breathing calmed, he got up and returned to working as if nothing had happened.

There was silence for a moment till, "Well, that happened." Hop turned to Professor Birch, "So you wanted to talk to me about something?"

Professor Birch nodded, "Oh, yes. As thanks for rescuing me, I'd like you to have the Mudkip you used earlier." Hop's face was blank for moment, his glance drifted to Adele.

"Hey Adele, do you want to live with me?"

Adele tilted her head up, something Hop was starting to associate with thought.

"Sure. That sounds nice." Adele smiled at Hop. Hop smiled back, and turned to Professor Birch.

"Thank you, Professor." Birch met eyes with Hop for a moment. 'I need to find out once and for all. But how am I going to... '

"Hey Hop," Max spoke excitedly, "Can you really understand Adele?" Hop stared at Max as if he'd grown a second head.

"What, you can't understand her?" Hop's features were shocked.

"No, I can't. Most people can't, either." Max spoke quickly. He seemed a tad upset with fact, but that was to be expected, "Did you know I have a sister?"

Hop blinked, taken off guard, "Um, yeah. I know her, May right?"

Max nodded in confirmation, "She's a couple of years older then me, already has a pokémon. She helps dad out with research. This morning she went to Route 103, something about recording the pokémon that live there. Anyways, you should go over there, she can help you with some pokémon basics. Don't you agree, Dad?" Max looked expectantly at Professor Birch, who could only stare back gobsmacked.

"Well, that sounds like a good idea. I'll go talk with her." Hop left the lab, Adele following behind.

*1 - He did, he just didn't like them.

*2 - When the Scientist was five a Squirtle at sprayed him with bubbles. The Squirtle hadn't meant anything by it, but the boy had been forever terrified.

Chapter 2, and I take a step back. Next chapter I try to survive my way to May.