Chapter 11: Route 3 Part Three
Everyone was staring at the same spot. What we were staring at was both shocking and utterly adorable.
Dusk was sleeping soundly, curled around an object and completely at ease.
The object was an Egg.
Dusklace's FIRST Egg.
Avon and Dusk's first child.
Finally, Granny came up and shook me in attempt to get me out of my shock.
"You weren't expecting this?"
Avon was still sitting just in front of me and together we shook our heads.
"Sophie, talk to me girl."
I tear my eyes away from the sight and look at Granny.
"I knew they were in love, but I wasn't expecting an Egg so soon."
"It would seem Avon didn't either. Do either of you NOT want the Egg?"
I recoil from her at the suggestion. Avon Jumps up and runs over to stand between Granny and the egg, glaring at her. She nods her head, smiling, accepting the actions instead of words.
"Well then. Hurry up and wake Dusk up so that she can see the surprise herself. It wasn't there when I fed the critters earlier so she too will be shocked. Let her be shocked in her poke ball or in your arms. You need to not waste any more of the daylight. It will take you most of it to get to Nacrene City."
I manage to move over to Dusk and shake her gently. Once she finally opens her eyes, she looks around and notices that everyone is looking at something near her. When she turns and sees the Egg she is suddenly on her feet sniffing and staring at it.
Is it...mine?!
"Yes, it's yours little one." Granny understands what Dusk is thinking, having seen the same expression on other first time mothers.
Dusk is unsteady on her feet, but the joy pouring off of her can be felt by everyone present.
"Dusk, we're ready to go. I'm going to put the Egg in one of my pouches and I think I'll carry you today. Dawn, Avon why don't you guys stay in your poke balls unless we have to battle? You too, Jolt."
The three Eevees nod and vanish into their balls. I quickly settle the egg and scoop Dusk up. I turn and see Jen with a concerned look on her face.
"Jen?"
"I'm just wondering if it will be safe for you to have Dusk out. She's a Shiny so she might draw attention that is better avoided. Someone might want to try to steal her."
"Oh. We came up with a trick to help avoid that."
"A trick?"
"Dawn, can you come back out? We nearly forgot, thanks Jen."
Dawn pops back out and the stares at Dusk, concentrating. Suddenly, the blue rings on Dusk's fur turn to the yellow seen on most Umbreons.
Jen gives a squeak of surprise, causing me to smile. "Dawn can change the rings to any color she wants. I still haven't figures out just how it works, but it does. Does it put you a little more at ease, Jen?"
"That's incredible! Is it just the rings, or can she completely change the color?"
"We've never tried more than the rings, and she can't do it during a battle. Thanks Dawn."
Dawn disappeared back into her poke ball and Dusk settled down in my arms.
Jen, Tim and I were walked to the front of the Daycare by Granny and Gramps, given hugs and shooed on our way. As we continued down the path I considered the Wellspring Cave. I could not see any major reasons why I should go to see it at this point in time. I continue to think for a while and we walk along the path in a nice companionable silence. An hour passed rather quickly, as on the path there was little chance of encountering wild Pokémon. We neared the fork in the path, one direction heading towards the cave, the other to the next city.
I stopped and turned to Jen and Tim. "I don't really see a reason for going to the cave. Do either of you mind if we just continue on to the next city?"
"I can always come visit another time!" Jen, well, Jen chirped. I blink, rather startled.
Tim gives her an odd look. "Did you just chirp? Like, actually chirp? I thought that was just a figure of speech, not that people were actually able to sound like that while speaking."
Jen just grins at us. "I have mastered the art of surprising people. I-"
Suddenly, we hear voices coming from the trail leading to the Wellspring Cave. As we turn to see who is coming and there is a couple of people dressed in the most absurd outfits that any of the three of us had ever seen. With the letter 'P' featured predominately on their odd, hooded tunic-like clothes.
As mad giggles threatened to escape us, the chattering pair spotted us, and their whole demeanor changed.
One of them, the male, grinned and spoke to his partner in a voice just loud enough for them to hear. "Hey, that looks like a group of Trainers imprisoning their Pokémon."
She smirked at him. "Don't you think that we should liberate those poor, poor things?"
"Of course. After we have used them to help Lord N."
"After."
Together they advance on us with smiles that had sharp, malicious edges.
I raise my eyebrow at them and turn towards Tim and Jen. "My Pokémon are rather...unsettled, after this morning's events."
Jen's smile, that had been so sweet since we met, swiftly turned into a grin with a slightly dangerous edge. "I'll take one you take the other?" She turned and directed the question at Tim.
Tim gave an answering grin, though one with a few degrees less of danger and more genuine anticipation. "I think I can handle that."
When the two came close enough to us, the yelled- in a way that we assumed was their way to start their battles.
"For the glory of Team Plasma!"
I had stepped back, to indicate that I was not going to be battling them, and at the cliché phrase and the fact that they were a part of a 'Team', the term that throughout the world meant that they were a criminal organization, I was unable to hold back a groan.
If I was correct in my assumptions, then they were probably not of higher rank than the most common rank in these organizations. The rank of grunts, and if so, then this battle would really just be easy money.
As soon as they released their Pokémon for the battle, my assumptions were all but confirmed. The two Patrats paced as they waited for their opponents to be released as well.
"Come on out, Emilionia!" Jen quickly sent out her Riolu, who bounced as she landed- eager for the coming events.
"Let's go, Blaze." Tim's Tepig appeared with a small snort of fire.
"PATRAT! Use Bite on that Tepig!" The female grunt yelled her order so loudly that Dusk and I flinched.
The male quickly followed with his order at a slightly lower volume. "Patrat, use bide!"
Jen rolls her eyes. "Emi, just use Quick-Attack on her Patrat."
"Blaze dodge the Bite and use Tail Whip." Tim smoothly ordered.
A flurry of movement occurred as the Pokémon rushed to obey their individual orders. The male's Patrat settled a little, preparing to gather the energy of any attacks that came its way. The female's tried to rush forward to Bite Blaze, but Emi quickly rushed in and landed a blow, causing the Patrat to have to reorient itself before it continued on its way to Blaze. Blaze dodged the rather clumsy attack and whipped his curly tail around, lowering the defenses of the Patrats.
The female's expression became a snarl, as she shouted at her Pokémon its next order. "Use Tackle, you pathetic Pokémon!"
"Emi, use Force Palm on it. Put it out of its misery." Jen's face was clenching at the way that the female had referred to her Pokémon. Emi nodded her acknowledgement of the order and waited for the rest to be given.
Tim glanced at his Tepig and nodded. "Use Tail Whip again."
Blaze whipped his tail around again as the Patrat tried to decide which of its two opponents to tackle because the its 'Trainer' had not specified. Emi took this opportunity to attack. With her higher level and type advantage powering the attack up, the Patrat just dropped. The other Patrat continued to try to gather some energy, but none was coming its way.
The female 'Trainer' screeched in frustration as her Patrat automatically returned to its poke ball. Her companion rolled his eyes at her antics. He did not seem all that concerned that they were starting to lose. As it was time for his Patrat to release the energy it had gathered, he still did not have to give an order beyond telling it to focus on the Tepig.
"Emi use Force palm again!" Jen quickly threw her order out.
Tim sent a grin to Blaze. "Use Flame Charge."
Blaze a happy little snort in response to the order and quickly charged the Patrat. As he charged flames began to circle around him until Blaze was completely covered in them. After Blaze tackled the Patrat, it tried to release its energy, but there was none to release. Emi had rushed in behind Blaze and hit the Patrat after its failed attack. With the combination of the Patrat's lowered defenses and the strength of the attacks, it fainted.
Blaze and Emi both strolled back to their Trainers, contentment at a job well done covering their faces.
"Good job Emi! Why don't you get some rest?" Jen was bouncing on her feet. The Riolu nodded and returned to her poke ball.
Tim squatted so that he was closer to Blaze's eye-level. "Good job, buddy. How-"
Before Tim could continue, a light began to swirl around Blaze, similar to the light we had seen just the day before. Tim quickly got out his Pokédex to check something. Once the light settled again, Blaze stood before us as a newly evolved Pignite.
Tim smiled. "Congrats, buddy. You reached level 17!"
"Ugh. Here take your stupid money. We're out of here!" The male 'Trainer' did not seem to like that we were ignoring them.
"Oh, wait! I have a few questions!" I quickly call after them.
"What?" The female snarled back at us.
"What is the goal of your Team?"
"We are going to liberate Pokémon from all Trainers! We will use the Legendary Pokémon Zekrom once our Leader, Lord N has won its respect!" She declared with her head raised high.
The three of us just stare at her for a moment.
Jen tilts her head to the side. "So, basically you're trying to take over Unova."
"Yeah. Basically. You going to do something about it?" The man challenged us with his eyes.
"Not unless you choose to involve me in it. These two? It's up to them. But leave me alone and I will do likewise." I stare at the two Grunts. Then I give them a chilling smile. I knew it was effective when the pair shuddered.
Without another word, they fled back the way they had come. I turned to Tim and Jen. "What?"
"You take the term 'cold smile' to a new level." Jen seemed to be reconsidering me.
"That was colder than the smile of a Cloyster. Very impressive." Tim looked up at the sky for a little while. "Why aren't you going to get involved? I mean, they are trying to take over Unova."
I look down at Dusk resting in my arms and give her a little grin. "Because I'm not following in my brother's footsteps."
With that I dash off down the path towards Nacrene.
xXxXxXx
When Jen and Tim catch up with me a few minutes later, they are too out of breathe to ask me what I meant. We walked in silence for a while so that Tim and Jen could catch their breath.
Suddenly, my Xtransceiver rang. When I looked to see who it was, I answered, confused.
"Felix-nii? What's up? You just called me this morning."
"Hey, Sophie. I just heard some things that I thought you should be aware of. So I called. Bad time?"
"No. But does what you heard have something to do with a new Team cropping up in Unova?"
Felix grimaced. "Shi-Shoot, I was saying shoot! Have they approached you?"
"They tried to take our Pokémon."
"Our?"
"Oh. Felix this is Tim and Jen. They're traveling with me." I angle the screen so that Tim and Jen can be seen. They wave hello. "This is Felix Marshal. He's like a big brother to me."
"Two people traveling with you already? Well, you've beaten Tristan already. Good for you. Now, the Team tried to take your Pokémon?" Anger flashed into his eyes. He gives me a raised brow. "These guys seem like their actually gonna be trouble? Or like they just need to be put out of their misery?"
"Okay, okay, okay! I am completely confused! First, Sophie, what did you mean about not following in your brother's footsteps? Second, what do you mean Sophie beat her brother? And third, put out of their misery?" Tim interrupted.
Felix burst out laughing. When he finally managed to get himself under control, he replied. "The answer to the first two is the same. Sophie doesn't want to go on the same kind of journey that Tristan did. Their end goal is the same but not the journey. Tristan dealt with a Team during his journey. So, she doesn't want to."
"And the last bit?" Jen leans forward, every line showing curiosity.
"The Team Tristan dealt with was so pathetic, that really, him taking it out was an act of mercy." Felix's grin was rather evil. "It was fun to help with though. Sophie, if you get into any serious trouble, make sure to call your Tris."
I glare at him. "You're being over protective again. Do you really want me to-"
"No! No, that's okay; you REALLY don't have to do that. You know what? I have get back to work, so...Yeah! Bye Sophie!" Felix quickly ended the call and the screen went black.
"Uh-huh. That's what I thought." I look at my traveling companions and see surprise written across their faces. Before they can ask, I explain. "I have dirt on both of my big brothers. I only use it when they are getting ridiculous about my safety though."
Jen grins. "You have dirt on your brothers? That is awesome."
"Jen, I've been meaning to ask, do you have something against guys?" Tim turns to Jen, slightly worried.
"Hmm? Oh, I'm a fully fledged feminist. There are a few guys that I view as alright, but mostly guys are idiots and jerks. Don't worry; I have the feeling that you will be one of the former." Jen gives Tim a little grin.
Tim relaxed. Then he glanced up at the sky and winced. "We should get going. At this rate, there won't be time for Sophie to have her Gym Battle before dark falls. Come on, let's go!" He starts to push us up the path. I dodge out of the path of his hand. Tim loses balance and tips forward. Jen manages to catch him before he hits the ground.
Laughing, we continue down the path.
xXxXxXx
The building that separates Nacrene from Route 3 is in view when a sound is heard from my bag. After a few minutes of searching, I figured out that the sound was coming from my Item Finder.
As we looked at its screen, we saw the bars pointing off the path a bit. Curious, we follow it to a tree. Jen and Tim search around the base of the tree for the hidden item for a few minutes.
For some reason, I decide to look up into the branches. There, up where a branch separated from the trunk, was nestled a candy.
"Hey! I found it! It's up there!" I pointed to the small item.
"Okay... Should I let Braveheart out to get it?" Tim stared where I was pointing.
"No! I have a better idea! Aleyandria!" Jen quickly let out her pretty Froslass. "Could you float up there and get it, Alley?"
Alley nodded and softly floated and retrieved the item, then handed it to me.
I looked at it. It looked like a small candy wrapped in a blue wrapper. "What is it?"
Tim smiles. "It's a Rare Candy. If a Pokémon eats it, it will gain a level. You get to keep it since you were the one who spotted it."
Jen nods in agreement. "As the name suggests, they are really hard to find. I wonder how many people have passed this one by."
"Who knows?" I shrug and tuck the candy into a pocket of my bag. "Come on! Let's get to Nacrene City!"
Quickly, Jen returns Alley to her poke ball and we continue on our way.
XxXxXxX
Back where the path split, there is a girl in a big green hat standing with a younger child. Another girl, with a baseball cap, and a boy in glasses run off in the direction of the cave, chasing after some Team Plasma grunts. A while later, the girl in the cap returns and talks to the one in the green hat and the child. The girl in the green hat takes the child away and the other starts going down the path that leads to Nacrene. She decides to let one of her Pokémon, an Oshawott, walk along beside her. They continue walking down the path, relaxed and unhurried, though the small otter Pokémon often dashes off the path to investigate things only it can see.
XxXxXxX
Author's Note: This chapter is 3,004 words long! Not counting this Note. Officially my longest one yet. This chapter took a little while to finish, but considering that I gave you the last to within hours of each other, I do not feel bad. The bit at the end is to show you just where the characters from the game are at. This is really going to be a busy day for Sophie. Next chapter is the second Gym Battle.
Yes, they have officially met Plasma. But they are not going to try to take them done. At least, Sophie's not. Meh. More with Felix. He's rather fun for me to write. Tell me what you think of the character developments in this chapter please!
Parts of it seemed a bit rushed to me. Did it seem that way to you? Let me know. See you soon?
I am not a writer! I am a puppet controlled by fictional characters!