Hello~ 11JJ11 here, and we have an update at last! Like the chapter title says, this takes place about six years after the prologue, so Lilly and Rose will be sixteen from here on out! Enjoy the story~
"...And while exposure to any sort of electrical energy of the correct intensity can trigger evolution in certain Pokemon," Professor Oak said, "The League has deemed that the electrical energy exposed during the process of trading Pokemon to be the safest and most humane way to trigger evolution in Pokemon like Kadabra and Machoke. Other Pokemon, such as Onix or Scyther need to hold a special item to assist in a trade evolution, like an item called the 'metal coat', that helps them get energy for a new typing-"
"That's interesting Gramps," Lilly interrupted her grandfather, sliding some books onto the lab shelf, "But I asked why Shelmet and Karrablast only evolve when traded with each other, not a full explanation on trade evolution."
The professor chuckled, "Reading more about Unova?"
Lilly scratched the back of her head Mareepishly, "Yeah... I especially like the legends," She held up a book with a picture of three dragons on the cover, "The one about Zekrom, Reshiram, and Kyurem seem the most interesting!" She looked away, "I can't believe that Ash got to see all of them while he was in Unova..." She muttered jealously, "Now he's in Kalos, he gets to go to all the cool places, while Gary just sits around in Sinnoh with Professor Rowan..."
Professor Oak laughed, "Gary is studying legendaries, isn't that interesting?" He asked.
Lilly pursed her lips, "Yeah, but he's just reading about them. At least Ash actually goes places!"
"Well, if you're so eager to see the sights then why don't you just start your journey?" Professor Oak sat down, a serious look crossing his face, "You're sixteen now Lilly, and I know that you want to travel. You're running out of time for a journey, and I know that your father wouldn't want you sitting here in Pallet like this."
Lilly looked away, "It wouldn't be a journey without Rose, and you know that she's not starting a Pokemon journey anytime soon," She sighed, "And 'running out of time'? I have my whole life ahead of me Gramps, I'm just fine with studying here for now and helping your with your research," A small smile flickered up onto her face, "Besides, Rose is leaving to go visit Ash in Kalos today, her first time out of the region. Who knows... Maybe getting out will inspire her to start a journey..." She trailed off.
"Vee!"
"Bulba!"
Ash's Bulbasaur and Lilly's Snivy came running into the room, carrying books and papers in their vines. Ivy placed the papers in Lilly's lap, patting them, then scurried up onto her shoulder, peering down as Lilly straightened them, "Perfect," Lilly beamed looking over the requested papers, then stroked her starter, "Thank you, girl."
"Sni!"
"Hello?" A voice called from near the front of the lab, "Are you guys in here...?"
"We're in the back!" Professor Oak called, and a moment later Rose stuck her head in the room.
"Hey guys," She said brightly, hauling a backpack behind her.
"Shouldn't you be on the road?" Professor Oak asked, sitting up, "You don't want to miss your plane!"
Rose smiled, "I just came to say goodbye, that's all. Mum's waiting for me out front in the car to take me to the airport in Saffron City, so I can't stay long."
"Wish I could come," Lilly said, standing up, "But it just interferes with my work with Gramps..." Lilly smiled, "But hey, this'll be a little family get together with you and Ash though!"
"Yeah, first time in ages!" Rose agreed, "He never stays in Pallet for long! Always on the move!" Rose reached out, stroking Ivy, who was sitting on Lilly's shoulder, "Take care of Lil for me, okay?"
"Vee!" Ivy chirped, nodding.
Professor Oak cleared his throat, and both girls turned to look at him, "Rose," He began, "As I have told you before, it is not safe to travel without a Pokemon," He reached his hand into his lab coat pocket, "And going into a new region alone is not the best idea," He pulled out a Pokeball, "This Squirtle was a remaining starter, and even if it's just for this trip-"
"I'm going to stop you right there Professor," Rose said quietly, "You know my answer, no thank you. I'm going to be sticking to the main roads and then I'll be meeting up with Ash, I'll be just fine. You know I'm not ready to..." She trailed off, looking away.
Professor Oak took a step forward, "Rose," He said gently, "No one is asking you to replace Pika. I understand that was a traumatic experience for you to witness, and at such a young age, but what you're doing..." He sighed, "It's just not good for you to stay in that mind set," He held out the Pokeball, "Please, just for while you're in Kalos-"
"I best be going now," Rose said quickly, cutting him off. She gave Lilly a small embrace, "I'll see you when I get back, 'kay?"
"See you Rose!" Lilly called as her friend quickly left the room, head low. As soon as they heard the lab door shut Lilly scowled at her grandfather, "Really?" She asked, "She already said no to taking one of Ash's Pokemon that he has here, and you know how close she is to them."
"I was just trying to help," Professor Oak said quietly, "And she has every right to refuse that," He slipped the Pokeball back into his pocket, then pulled out an envelope, setting in on the desk.
"What's that?" Lilly asked curiously.
"Your next assignment, you are doing an internship with me after all," He replied, sliding it towards her. Lilly took the envelope, opening it up reveal several photos and some papers. The pictures showed a vast desert with a harsh sandstorm whipping through it. With in the pictures though you could make out a teal shaped creature in the sand, "A strangely colored Trapinch has been seen on Route 13, from some witnesses reports it likes to attack trainers and their teams passing by and it rallies the other local Trapinch to fight with it, and it has been causing from problems for younger and unprepared trainers. I want you to find it and observe it, capture it if possible, it would be interesting to study."
Lilly started at the paper with the Pokemon's location, "... It says 'Route 13 - Lumiose Badlands'... That wouldn't be in Kanto..."
Professor Oak smiled, "I never said it was in Kanto," He nodded towards the envelope once more, and Lilly peered in, realizing she had missed one small slip of paper. She pulled out a small plane ticket with the words 'Lumiose City' on it. Lilly stared at it as her grandfather continued speaking, "I wanted to get both of you on the same flight, but Rose's flight was already filled up, so I ordered you a ticket for a flight tomorrow. You can surprise Rose when you arrive, which is why I didn't say anything while she was here."
A smile slowly began to spread onto Lilly's face as she realized she too was going to Kalos, and she sprang to her feet, hugging her grandfather, "Thank you so much Gramps!"
He laughed, "I know how close you two girls are, you couldn't be separated for long!" He returned the hug, then pulled away, "Could you do me a favor while in Lumiose?" He asked, "That's where your plane lands."
"Sure thing, what do you need?" Lilly asked, holding the ticket tightly, her mind obviously focused on the trip ahead.
"First, please deliver these papers to a man named Professor Sycamore," He said, handing a folder to Lilly. She took it, tucking it under her arm, "Second, I need you to pick a Pokemon from him. It's a Pokemon that hasn't been able to find a trainer that understand its wants, and I think Rose would be the perfect match for it."
Lilly paused, smiled fading a bit, "Gramps," She said, "You know-"
"Rose loves Pokemon," Professor Oak interrupted, "But the idea of her accepting another starter feels like she's replacing Pika, which she doesn't want to do. I think that if she gets a chance to bond with another Pokemon she'll be able to accept it onto her team without ruining Pika's memory. Kalos is not a safe region either, so if you are the one to give her the Pokemon when you catch up to her..."
"She won't be in a place to hand it back right away," Lilly said, quickly catching on to her grandfather's idea, "Since I'll be catching up to her on the road. And if I refuse to take it on myself for the trip, then it'll be stuck in a Pokeball the whole time, which won't sit well with her..." Lilly looked at her grandfather, "You purposely made sure our flights were apart, didn't you?"
He laughed, "Got me there," He admitted, "But I just can't stand seeing Rose in this state of mourning anymore. She doesn't want to let go of Pika, but by focusing on the past she's only remembering the sorrow. I feel this is a chance for her to reawaken a bond with a Pokemon."
Lilly took a step towards the door, "Well," She began, "I better get packing if I'm leaving tomorrow," She paused, "Thank you again Gramps. Let's go, Ivy!"
Meanwhile, deep in the Viridian Forest, a Persian was quietly making her way through thick underbrush. The Persian paused as she heard something rushing through the trees, but after a moment she decided it was nothing more than the wind. The gem on her head pulsed with psychic energy, and she continued deeper into the forest. Her cream colored body was almost white, no mud or grime despite the branches and dirt she was walking through. Her ears were a bright pink, unlike most Persian, marking her as a shiny.
Most humans never came this deep into the Viridian Forest, with no paths that lead this far into the forest. Besides, the Beedrill had long ago claimed this section of the forest as their own, and even other wild kinds of wild Pokemon avoided it. No Pidgeys sang in these trees and the Caterpie line stayed farway. Even the rarer Pikachu, who usually were far from the trails, found other parts of the forest to call home rather than deal with the territorial Beedrill.
But the Persian knew her way around, and these parts of the forest was where the Weedle would choose to evolve into Kakuna, and eventually into Beedrill. With the the last batch of Kakuna evolving just about a week ago, and Persian knew that the next group of Weedle wouldn't arrive for about a month. She was safe for now.
Besides, she could deal with a swarm of Beedrill anyday.
She paused as she approached a small clearing in the forest. Though it had been over six years since she had been here, she still recognized it as the place where she had fought the infected Beedrill to protect the girls in her shiny Meowth form. She sniffed around, but sensed none of the Shadow's power here anymore, that had been a one time event when it had tried to attack the girls with the Beedrill, but with both of them back in Pallet Town the Shadow couldn't touch them there.
At least, that would be the case, but one of the girls had left Pallet Town.
The Persian sighed, knowing that fear couldn't keep both girls back forever. They were now sixteen, and the whole world was waiting for them. She hadn't been that surprised when she had sensed Rose passing through the protective barrier around the town with a packed bag, it was time for them to leave the safety of their nest. Though after what had happened to the Pikachu, the Persian had expected Lilly to be the first to go, not Rose.
But with Rose gone, Lilly would be sure to follow. It wouldn't be long before the Shadow picked up on their movement, and then it would begin. The Shadow's forces would soon be on the move, and it was time that Persian got on the move herself, her time protecting the girls was up, especially after it had been extended six years since the 'Pikachu accident'. Though she had a few more things she needed to do.
The Persian stretched, glancing around the clearing one more time, then slowly approached the cliff edge that lead into the gorge at the edge of the clearing. The Persian peered down, showing no fear of the fall below her. This had been where Pika had fallen, but she had no concern as she studied the jagged cliff edge and the rushing river below. After a moment's thought the shiny Persian took a step back, then charged right off the cliff.
Her face remained peacefully as she began to fall, no panic in her gaze. The Persian simply closed her eyes, glowing as if she were evolving. Her form slowly began to shrink, and her fall began to slow down. When the bright white light faded the Persian was gone, and in her place was a small, pink, cat like creature with bright blue eyes.
The Mew paused mid fall, floating in the air with her psychic powers. She yawned, before diving towards the river at the bottom of the gorge. She dipped a paw in the water as she glided above the surface, then took off flying, following the river upstream. There was no sign of life in the ravine, not even fish or plants as the Mew made her way farther down the gorge. Even the forest that stood up on top of the cliffs were silent as she approached the end of the ravine.
She looked at the rushing waterfall at poured into the gorge. She raised on paw, which pulsed with psychic energy. The water parted, revealing a narrow cave behind it. She darted in, the waterfall flowing and blocking the entrance of the cave once as she went it. The Mew glowed, turning into a shiny pink Crobat. Despite not being a shiny herself, it seemed to be her favorite form when transforming, or perhaps she just like being a Pokemon with pink on it.
She flapped her four wings, darting quickly through the cave, zipping around the stalagmites and stalagmites with no effort even with no light in the cave. She let out a high pitched chirp, winding through the maze of tunnels and forks in the cave without any trouble. Finally after several minutes of speeding through the cave she stopped, glowing once more as she retook on her true Mew form. She drifted into the last tunnel, revealing a large cavern that was lit up by a single copper-colored crystal that stood in the center of the room. She floated up to it, touching the glowing gem with the end of her tail. The crystal glowed brighter, teleporting her away with a flash.
Mew reappeared in another cavern, that looked a lot like the first one, except the walls were made of a blue crystal. Another coppery gem stood next to where Mew teleported in. Despite the breathtaking view, the Mew paid no attention to it, and floated out of the cave and into the sunlight.
At least, it looked like sunlight.
She had just stepped into a huge, underground cavern, easily bigger than a Pokemon League stadium. The cave ceiling stretched far above her, and lining the roof of the cavern were a half dozen of Volcarona. Though Unova native, the fire types had been a gift from Mew to this cavern, with their fiery wings being able to serve as a sun in the deep underground. The warmth from their bodies kept the cavern at the pleasant temperature, and the fire lit up the cave as if it were high noon. And in return the Volcaronas had a place of safety where poachers could never find them.
The floor of the cavern looked like a forest, with a thick blanket of grass and tall trees growing in the rich soil. It was quite a sight to see, plants flourishing so deep underground. Though Mew couldn't see it at the moment, she knew that in the center of the forest was a spring and a huge silver lake. Mew drifted forward, blue eyes scanning the forest for a certain Pokemon. There were many Pokemon in the cavern, everything from the common Rattata to the rarer Bulbasaur. Every time a Pokemon saw her they would freeze, then quickly go into a bow, then run off, spreading the news of her arrival.
'Lady Mew,' A voice said after a moment, and Mew turned in time to see a blue Flareon bowing to her, 'It has been a long time since you have visited the haven.'
'Flareon,' Mew said warmly, drifting towards her, 'It's nice to see you again, can you take me to your brother? I need to speak with Leafeon.'
'Of course! He's down at the lake and-' Flareon paused, then looked back at Mew, blue fur stiffening, '... Wait...' She muttered, 'Is... Is it time for your to take them?'
Mew nodded, 'Yes, I need the kits.'
Flareon lowered her head, clearing trying to hold back tears, then she nodded, 'Very well, I'll take you to the den then, m'lady,' She turned to a Vulpix and Pikachu, 'Please try to find Kadabra or my siblings, tell them to come to the den and to spread the word that Lady Mew is here,' She mumbled, and the two Pokemon nodded, dashing off towards the lake. Flareon turned, leading Mew towards the edge of the cavern.
Mew tried to ignore the heaviness in her heart, she knew what she was doing was necessary. These Eeveelutions had been gifted with her powers for generations, and now she needed two of them to lend her their powers in return.
More Pokemon joined the group as they made their way towards the Eevee den. There were many species of Pokemon, most of them featuring scars and bandaged wounds. Mew knew that Leafeon took in many abandoned and abused Pokemon, but she was surprised by how many had joined his numbers since she had last been her. Many of the newer ones watched her in awe, keeping back at a respectable distance.
There was a red Jolteon darting along the edges, and a black Vaporeon swimming in the stream. A lavender Glaceon appeared on the trail ahead, nodding to Mew and the blue Flareon. There was still no sign of the teal Leafeon, but Mew knew he would appear sooner or later.
Soon the forest widened out to a small clearing that lined the cavern wall. The stream forked out around the clearing, forming a small moat. Mew looked towards the cavern wall, looking at the small cave entrance in it, knowing that's where the kits she came for were. The parade of Pokemon stopped as they reached the stream that served as a moat, knowing better than to cross it. The only ones who set foot past it where the Eeveelutions and Mew. Mew looked around, nodding in approval, this was the perfect place to raise young Pokemon.
A yellow and orange Sylveon stepped out of the cave, bowing to Mew, then joining her other siblings nearly the stream. They stood attentively, waiting for Mew to make the first move, but she just hovered there, floating in mid air, waiting for a certain Leafeon.
Finally the teal Leafeon appeared, slowly walking out of the forest. The crowd quickly parted, allowing him to approach the clearing. He jumped across the stream, watching Mew closely. His face was calm, but his eyes gleamed with dozens of emotions. He once he was across the stream, he came up to Mew with a low bow. She didn't say anything as he stood back up, looking at her.
'It's an honor to see you again, m'lady,' He said slowly, voice tense, 'Many years have past since your last visit here.'
'Hello Leafeon,' Mew said, nodding, 'I believe you know why I'm here.'
He closed his eyes, pained, 'Yes, I do. The kits are resting within the cave,' He nodded towards the hole in the cavern wall.
'Please go and get them,' Mew said, 'I am on limited time and I must take them now.'
Leafeon didn't move, '... You remember your promise, right?'
'I have no intentions on breaking it, Leafeon,' Mew said, voice even, 'Now, please go get the kits.'
Leafeon let out a sigh, then glanced at Sylveon. She trotted forward, and both of them vanished into the cave entrance. The group sat in silence, waiting quietly as Leafeon and Sylveon came out of cave, each carrying a small Eevee by the scruff. The small brown masses of fur whined, shifting as they entered the bright light provided by the Volcaronas. Mew came forwards, landing softly on the ground as the Eevee kits were placed in front of her.
The young Pokemon let out toothy yawns, blinking their big eyes. The two Pokemon looked up at Mew, letting out a small cry of delight at the pink creature before them. Both Pokemon looked like regular Eevees, except for their eyes. One of the Eevees, the oldest of the two, had sharp pink eyes that were very similar to the shade of the fur on Mew's body. The other kit, the younger one, had bright blue eyes, the same color as Mew's own eyes.
The younger Eevee turned, tackling her pink-eyed sister to the ground. Both Eevees began play-fighting, completely forgetting about the Mew watching them. Mew sighed, but nodded, as if satisfied.
'They are beautiful Leafeon,' Mew said, 'And energetic, they'll bond perfectly to the girls. You have done a good job raising them.'
Leafeon said nothing for a moment, '... Thank you m'lady...' He muttered, shaking, then he turned away, 'Well?' He said coldly, 'What are you waiting for, take them. Take my sisters to your filthy humans!' He snarled, the scars on his back trembling.
Mew took in a deep breath, as if she was about to say something, but no words came. She truly felt bad, but she didn't have time for this. She had to take these two kits all the way to Kalos, and then do her favor for Ash before the girls arrived. Mew's eyes began to glow pink, and the two Eevees were lifted into the air with a Psychic attack. The pink-eyed one stiffened, obviously not enjoying the sensation of floating. The younger Eevee with blue eyes only giggled, pawing at the air. Mew drifted up next to them, and she turned her eyes to the Pokemon that lived in the haven.
There were the alternately colored Eeveelutions, who were all watching their little sisters with tears in their eyes. Even Leafeon had turned back around, looking up at the two Eevee kits with damp eyes. The yellow Sylveon was pressed against him, chewing on one of her ribbons as she watched the two kits she had practically raised leave. There was a Kadabra hovering behind Leafeon, waving farewell to the two kits. A Vulpix was waving all six of his tails about, and a Pikachu behind him was glaring at Leafeon. The Bulbasaur that Mew had seen when she had first entered was lifting up a little Cubone with her vines so the ground type could see Mew and the Eevees. There were many other Pokemons, all pressing close to get a chance to see her before she left with the kits. Even the Volcarona, who usually stayed near the ceiling, were flying above the small underground clearing.
Mew let out a small sigh, and brought the Eevee kits close to her. Pink eyes was still as stiff as a board, while blue eyes was chew on her sister's tail as they floated in the air. The two kits were unaware of the fate ahead of them, unaware that they'd be leaving the only home they have ever known, unaware that they were leaving their family. Mew closed her eyes, and all three of them began to glow, teleporting them away.
Rose looked excitedly out the window as the Saffron City airport came into view. Her passport and plane ticket were clutched in her hands as she and her mum entered the airport- Rose was excited to finally venture out of Pallet to see her brother again after many years and catch up. Though Ash visited Pallet Town often, for some reason he never stayed for long. Rose was going to savor the upcoming trip, now that the opportunity to be with her brother was finally here.
I should be doing this with Pika… Rose thought bitterly as the car slowly pulled to a stop, Wait, no, I shouldn't be thinking about this right now…
"Hey Mum, thank you for taking me to the airport," Rose said, looking at her mother as she parked the car, trying to get her mind off of Pika. But the image of him falling was still branded in her mind...
"You're welcome sweetie, I wouldn't have expected you to walk," Delia said with a laugh, tugging Rose out of her thoughts, "You have fun now, and make sure Ash is looking after himself!"
Rose opened the car door and stood up, shouldering her backpack, "Of course Mum, though I'm sure he's just fine," Delia was smiling at her, but Rose could tell that she was worried, but that was Delia.
"See you soon sweetie," She said, "And make sure you call me when I get there!" She called after Rose was she shut the car door. Rose smiled, and waved a final goodbye as she watched her Mum's car pull away disappear into the airport's traffic. Rose took a deep breath, realizing that her the first time in her life she had no one besider her; no Lilly, no Mum, no Ash... No Pika...
She quickly shook her head as Pika's desperate cry echoed in her head, and focused on the huge building in front of her. Get checked in, find my airplane, and get on... She quickly made a mental checklist, trying to pull her thoughts away from her Pokemon.
She make my way over to the check in desk, quietly standing in the long line of people. Most were older than her, but she saw many young faces of children that were probably just starting their Pokemon journey. All unaware of the harshness of life, unaware of the cruelness that hide in between the moments of joy. People all around Rose had their Pokemon out in their arms or standing near them- even the receptionist had a little purple Pokemon swinging on her shoulder.
"Can I have you passport and ticket?" The receptionist asked with a smile, though she looked tired.
"Sure thing," Rose replied, and she handed her the passport documents along with the plane ticket over to the lady. Rose was running a little bit behind, but she knew the plane hadn't left quite yet. The receptionist typed something into her computer, glancing down at the plane ticket. Perhaps I shouldn't have stopped at Oak's lab... Rose thought, but no, there was no way she could have gone without saying goodbye to Lilly. It would have just felt wrong.
"You are all clear to board," The lady said, looking up from her computer, "Please just head over to gate 16 and you will be able to board the plane to Kalos."
"Thank you," Rose muttered as the lady handed the passport back, a swift hand grabbed the documents before she could reach them.
Rose looked up in time to see the lady's purple Pokemon grab the passport with it's hand-like tail, but the lady yanked it from his grasp, "Aipom," The lady said sharply, pulling out a Pokeball and recalling the Aipom as it let out a laugh, and she signed, "Sorry, he has a habit of doing that... If he keeps it up I won't be able to have him out during work..." She forced a smile onto her face, "Sorry once more, here you go," She handed Rose her passport and plane ticket, "And you might want to hurry, you're running a bit late."
"Thank you," Rose said once more, accepting the papers and quickly moving out of the line so the next person could go. She raised her eyes up, looking for gate 16, but with even the nervousness rushing through her, she couldn't drown out her excitement. For once she was leaving Kanto, she was finally taking a step forward in her life.
So shiny Meowth/Persian was really Mew the whole time. It's strange having a serious Mew, since they're usually portrayed as playful and childish, but she was a fun character to write. Thank you for reading and a review is always appreciated!
