Chapter Seven: Idiot
Rick was humming happily in the Poultry Farm/ Egg Daycare Center. That was the best date I have ever gone to. Karen looked so beautiful in her violet dress. She even confessed to me last night. I am so happy. He was tending to the eggs in the nursery until he heard the doorbell ring. He turned and found Claire, holding an egg. "Hey Claire, what do you have there?" He asked.
"Oh Rick, my brother gave me this egg as a gift and I wanted you to check it for me please." She said, walking towards him and giving him the egg.
"Wow, I have never seen this type of egg before plus it is a beautiful shade of midnight violet." Rick said, lifting it up.
"Well, he told me that he got it from the Kalos Region so it must be a very rare pok'emon." Claire said, smiling. "I can't wait. This is my first egg and I want to do a good job at it."
"But you are doing a good job." Rick said. "It seems that it is about to hatch soon. I wouldn't be surprised if it hatches today."
"Really? I can't wait." Claire cheered. "So how was your date with Karen last night?"
"Well, it was fun…" He said, blushing. So she knows about our date. I shouldn't be surprised because Karen and Claire are best friends. "I was happy that she even agreed to go on a date with me. She is fun to talk to and we did karaoke. Surprisingly, she avoided drinking wine." Claire let out a giggled. "I guess you have something to do with it."
"I don't know what you are talking about." Claire said. "I am glad you two have fun. It is always nice to have someone to love."
"I agree and we are going on another date tomorrow night." Rick said. "Since you are here, can you tell me what Karen likes?"
"Well, besides wine she loves chocolate truffles and diamonds." Claire said. "I found a diamond in the mines a few days ago. You can have it."
"Thanks a bunch Claire. I owe you one." Rick said.
"Rick, you can repay me by making my best friend super happy." Claire said, smiling. "You can ask Gray to make it into a necklace or something." She then showed him the broach that Gray made for her. "He is pretty good. He made me this."
"Wow, it is so beautiful." Rick said. "I want something like that for Karen."
"Come by to my house tonight to get your diamond. Also thanks for the egg hatching tips Rick but I have to go. See you later." Claire said, walking out the door with her egg. "Well, Amber and Blaze are with Gray and my chores are all done. Gotz is working on the upgrades so what I have left to do is visit the Hospital to use the PC." She headed her way to the hospital and when she opens the door. Elli was there to greet her. She had short brown hair and brown eyes. "Hey Elli…"
"Oh Claire, what can I do for you?" Elli asked, smiling.
"Well, I was hoping to use the PC. I already asked my grandfather to send over my pok'emon for the Fireworks Festival Tournament. I am so excited." Claire explained.
"Actually, I have already taken the liberty of withdrawing your pok'emon and giving them a checkup. They are quite healthy." Elli explained. A Chansey walked towards them with three pok'eballs. "Here you go."
"Oh thank you Elli. You are the best." Claire said, grabbing the pok'eballs and putting it in her bag. "Are you participating in the tournament?"
"Of course and I would love to battle you." Elli said, smiling.
"Well, I have to go and thank you for everything." Claire said, walking out the door with her egg. Wow, there is a lot of competition. I don't know if I can win this. "It is almost four so Gray would get out soon from work. I think I should relax on the beach." She walked to the beach and stare at the ocean. She walked to the docks and sat down to stare at the open water. "I can't wait to see May."
"Hey Claire…" A voice said. She turned and found Kai. "I want to talk to you about something."
"What is it?" She asked.
"I didn't have the chance to apologize to you about what I did at the race." Kai said, scratching his head. "I was out of line and I am very sorry."
"It is okay Kai, all is forgiven. I am not the type of person that holds a grudge." Claire said, smoothing her egg. "Also, if it wasn't for you Gray and I wouldn't be together."
"But I was the one that pulled you two apart in the first place." Kai said.
"Yes, but you were man enough to fix it." She said.
"You are too nice for your own good Claire." Kai said, letting out a chuckle. "I wonder why Gray is so in love with you. He often talks about you when I am with him. He was always the silent and grumpy blacksmith but ever since he met you, he changed so much."
"I don't think I was the cause for Gray's sudden change." Claire said, giggling.
"I am serious. I have never seen that guy so happy in my life." Kai said. "To be honest, the reason why I kissed you is because I was jealous that I didn't have someone special cheering for me."
"You are mistaken. There was a girl and she was cheering her heart out for you." Claire said.
"Really?" Kai asked, looking at her with shock. "Who?"
"Popuri… She likes you very much that she threatened me to stay away from you." Claire said. "I have a feeling you like her too."
"Well, I have love Popuri for a long time but I couldn't get close to her because her stupid overprotective older brother. I try to forget her by dating and flirting with other women but she was always the best. She was always the one I want and need and I can't have her." Kai explained.
"I know the feeling. When I first met Gray here, he was always so well… Gray. He was so mean to me and didn't want anything to do with me. I tried my best to befriend him but he would always hurt my spirit with his harsh words." Claire said.
"Why didn't you give up?" Kai asked.
"When I first met Gray for the first time, my heart leaped. I know it sounds cheesy but I fell in love with him." Claire said, blushing. "He may be mean, rude, and heartless but I can see that he is hurting. He feels that no one understands him and no one cares. His grandfather screams at him and insults his work while Ann is too busy running the Inn. I didn't quit because when he smiled at me for the first time, I felt that it was my job to keep that smile on his face. Sure it was hard since he pushes me away but I am glad we made it this far. Now, he doesn't want to let go of me."
"Tell me about it, he is like a bodyguard. He doesn't want me to hug you." Kai teased.
"Am I interrupting something?" A voice said. They turned and found Gray with Amber and Blaze. Amber raced to Claire and hugged her. "Claire, I have been looking for you everywhere."
"Sorry, I finished all my chores and I wanted to see the sunset. Also, Kai here was keeping me company." Claire said, smiling. "Why don't you join us?" Gray sat beside her and placed his hat on her head.
"The sun is still out and I don't want you to get sunburn." Gray said, blushing. Claire didn't response. She was too busy staring at his red hair. "What?"
"You look so cute without your hat." Claire said.
"And you look cute with my hat." Gray said. "So Kai, how is the restaurant doing?"
"It is going well." Kai said. "But I need more customers though. Hey Claire, how about you wear that cute maid outfit again?" Gray gave him an evil glare. "Maybe not…"
"I went to see Rick today and he told me that my egg might hatch today." Claire said, rubbing her egg. "I am so excited."
"That's great babe." Gray said, smiling. "I can't wait to see what type of Pok'emon it is. It might be pretty strong."
"Or it might be pretty cool…" Kai added.
"Amber, you might have a new brother or sister." Claire said, patting her head.
"I can't wait." Amber cheered.
"And I know that Blaze would help you protect him or her." Claire said.
"Of course, I would protect the new baby with my life." Blaze said proudly.
Then Popuri appeared in front of them. "You, I have a bone to pick with you demon." Popuri snapped, pointing at Claire. Claire blinked and stared at her with a baffle look on her face. "I want to challenge you to a Pok'emon Battle."
"But I don't do battles…" Claire said. "I am a weak and feeble farmer."
"Don't give me that. I saw you battle your rival Patty at your farm." Popuri snapped.
"What? You were there. Why?" Claire asked.
"That is none of your business. I challenge you Claire." Popuri snapped.
"I guess I don't have a choice." Claire said, standing up. "Hey Gray, can you hold my egg for me?"
"Sure but are you certain about this?" Gray asked, grabbing the egg from her.
"Yeah but I have to do this for someone." Claire said, tipping his hat on her head.
"Okay…" Gray said, smiling. "Good luck…" Claire and Popuri were standing on opposite ends on the sandy beach. "Each of you can only use one Pok'emon and well you know the rest. Begin…"
"Blossom, I chose you…" Popuri said, tossing a luxury ball in the air. A cute belblosom appeared in front of her. "Let's win this. Now Blossom, use stun spore…" Yellow powder burst towards Amber.
"Amber, use Flame Charge to burn out the stun spore." Claire said. Amber's body was covered with vicious burning flames and incinerates the powder. Amber charged towards Blossom and was about to hit.
"Blossom, use Petal Dance on the sand." Popuri ordered. Blossom launch a beautiful petal dance towards the sand and the sand burst out as if it was a wall. Amber was sunk in the wall and her fire dispersed. "Now Blossom, use magical leaf."
"Wow, what a nice tragedy. Popuri is very cool." Kai said, smiling.
So that is what you are doing. You are showing Kai how strong Popuri is. Gray thought, letting out a smile. You are such a weird girl Claire.
"Amber, use flamethrower to the ground so you can get out of there." Claire said. Amber launched a powerful flamethrower and it pushed her away from the sand and from the magical leaf. "Great job…"
"You are still open. Blossom use petal dance."
"Amber, use fire spin."
Another beautiful petal dance was hovering towards Amber but she burnt them all with her flames. "Now, use iron tail." Claire said. Amber swiftly flew towards Blossom with her tail glowing brightly. But the battle was interrupted by a fog. "What is going on here?"
"CLAIRE!" Gray screamed, racing towards the fog. "I AM COMING!"
"POPURI!" Kai screamed, running into the fog as well. I have to save her before it is too late.
"Prepare for Trouble."
"And make it double
"To protect the world from devastation."
"To unite all people within our nation."
"To denounce the people of truth and love."
"To extend our reach from the stars above." The fog cleared up and there was a huge mechanic machine in front of them.
"Jessie…" A woman with long red violet hair said.
"James…" A man with short wavy light purple hair said.
"Team Rocket blasted off in a speed of light." The woman said.
"Surrender now and prepare to fight." The man said.
"Meowth that's right." A small white cat pok'emon said, jumping in front of them.
"So what are you three here for?" Claire asked. The last thing I need is a Team Rocket attack. "I am not in the mood for this."
"We were in a middle of a battle you know." Popuri snapped.
"We came for you Claire Maple." Jessie said.
"Our boss would give us all promotions and a raise if we bring you to him." James explained.
"What do you want with Claire Maple?" Popuri screamed. "You should leave her alone. She hasn't done anything to you." Claire was shocked to hear that Popuri was defending her.
"Popuri…" Claire said, smiling. So she likes me after all.
"Claire, I know who you really are." Popuri said. "Goddess of Hoenn…"
"Then you do know why they are after me." Claire said.
"Just to let you know that the only person that is going to beat you is me and I am not letting these shitheads ruin that for me." Popuri said. "I don't know why they are after you but I know who you really are."
"Seviper…" Jessie said, tossing a pok'eball in the air. A large black snake appeared and hissed devilishly. "Use Poison tail…"
"Blossom, use magical leaf…" Popuri said. Blossom did was she was told but the poison tail cut through the leaves and Blossom. "Blossom…" Popuri raced towards her and hugged her. "Don't worry, everything is going to be okay." But Seviper didn't stop attacking. It smashed Popuri and Blossom into the ocean. Popuri fell unconscious.
"Kai, Popuri is in trouble. Get her while Claire and I handle them." Gray said. Kai tossed a pok'eball in the air and it was a Gyarados. He hopped on Gyarados back and dived into the water to save her.
I am almost there… Kai thought, staring at Popuri's body sinking deeper in the ocean. He grabbed a hold of her and Blossom and raced up the surface. He checked her pulse and she was not breathing. He pumped her chest with his hands but she still didn't wake up. "Come on Popuri, please don't die on me." He continued on pumping her chest but she still didn't wake up. "Please, wake up. I love you Popuri, please wake up." He leaked tears as he moved to her lips. He gave her air and surprising, she coughed out seawater. "Oh Popuri, you had me worried." He hugged her tightly. "I didn't know what I would do without you."
"Oh Kai, I thought you didn't like me. I thought you like Claire." Popuri said weakly.
"No, I only did that to ruin Gray and make you jealous. I really do care for you Popuri. Please believe me." He pleaded, crying. She let out smile and hugged him back.
"I believe you but I can't breathe." Popuri said. He pulled her back and found a cut on her stomach.
"You are poisoned by that Poison Tail. I have to get you to Trent." Kai said.
"Claire, are you ready?" Gray said. He put the egg in his bomber suit. The last thing I need is for her to be sad that I lost her egg. "Claire, let's finish them off." But there was no reply from her. "Claire?" He turned and found her shaking and gritting her teeth. Wait? I know this look.
"Cacnea, I need you right now." James said, tossing a pok'eball. However, Cacnea just hugged her master with her thorny body. "Cacnea, I told you to stop this bad habit."
"You two are going to fucking pay for hurting my friend. I told your boss countless time to back off." Claire snapped. "He is such a pussy and is too scared to get me himself. He has to send his fucking assholes to do his dirty work. Tell him for me that he needs to grow some balls because he doesn't have any." Jessie and James were shocked to hear this while Gray was blushing.
"How dare you insult our boss like that?" Jessie snapped.
"You don't have any rights to say such things." Jamie snapped.
"You are going to pay for saying all that." Meowth snapped.
"Fuck Claire…" Gray whispered, blushing. Damn, she is so fucking hot. Next time, I need to come prepare and record her when she is like this. Blaze was laughing at the sight of his trainer. He turned to Blaze and glared at him. "What are you laughing at?"
"It is funny how you find her temper attractive." He replied. "You are a weird man Gray."
"Thanks for the honesty." Gray said sarcastically.
"Amber, let's get rid of these guys." Claire said, gripping her fist. "I want them out of Mineral Town once and for all."
"They need to learn to fuck off." Amber replied. "They are fucking annoying." Blaze blushed when he heard his girlfriend cuss. Gray laughed at him.
"What are you laughing at?" Blaze asked, glaring at him.
"You are attractive to angry girls too." Gray said. "We are both weird." Well Patty was right. Pok'emon tends to act like their trainers. "Blaze, let's help out. We are not going to let the girls have all the fun."
"Seviper, use poison tail." Jessie said.
"Cacnea, use pin missile." James said.
"Amber, use fire spin…" Claire said.
"Blaze, use focus punch and dived into the fire spin." Gray said. As Team Rocket's Pok'emon were attack. Amber's fire spin protected Blaze from getting hit from the pin missile. Blaze launched a powerful punch at Seviper. It was too powerful to the point that Seviper flew back to Cacnea and towards the machine.
"You two are useless." Jessie complained.
"Well, let's use the machine." Meowth said.
"Good plan…" James said. The huge machine moved towards them and it had long mechanic claws. "It is time to snatch a Goddess."
"Right…" Jessie and Meowth agreed. Claire and Gray were running away from them but the claws got a hold of Claire. "We got her."
"CLAIRE!" Gray screamed.
"Amber, use Flame Charge and shoot them to the sky." Claire ordered. Amber's body was once again in flames and swiftly attacked the machine upwards. The machine was now in midair.
"Blaze, it is time for a focus punch." Gray said.
"Amber, give Blaze a boost with iron tail." Claire said. Blaze jumped in the air with his claws glowing. He wasn't high enough to reach the machine. Amber used her tail to launch him higher for him to reach the machine. He punched the machine so hard that Claire was released from its claws and was falling. I am free but I didn't think this through. She thought she was going to have a harsh fall but Gray caught her and found him staring into her eyes. "Hey love, nice catch." She placed his hat on top of his head.
"Thanks babe…" He said, smiling. "Shall we finish this?"
"Yup…" Claire said. "Amber…"
"Blaze…"
"USE FLAMETHROWER!" They both screamed. Amber and Blaze combined there powers and created a powerful and flaming flamethrower. It hit the machine and exploded into pieces.
"I can't believe we can't even capture a woman." Jessie complained.
"Jess, we couldn't even capture a Pok'emon." James said.
"This is depressing…" Meowth added.
"TEAM ROCKET BLASTING OFF AGAIN!" They all screamed, flying away without a trace.
"We did it." Claire cheered. Gray was still carrying her twirling her around.
"We make a great team." Gray said.
"We do." Claire said. "Amber… Blaze… You two were amazing." Then the two charmanders were growling in pain and lying on the sand. "What's wrong?" She jumped off Gray and raced towards them.
"Buddy, are you okay?" Gray asked. Then they started glowing and before they know it, the little charmanders were now Charmeleons. "They both evolved."
"Oh Amber, congratulations…" She said, hugging her.
"GRAY! CLAIRE! POPURI NEEDS HELP!" Kai screamed, racing towards them. He was carrying Popuri while Popuri was holding on to Blossom. Claire raced towards Popuri and checks her pulse.
"She needs to get treatment now. She is not going to make it if we take her to Trent." Claire said.
"But that is her only option." Kai snapped.
"Calm down Kai, she is going to be okay." Claire said, pulling three pok'eballs out of her bag. She tossed in the air and a Milotic, Serperior and a Lopunny. "Kai, lay them down."
"Okay…" Kai said, doing what he was told. He lay Popuri down on the sand.
"Okay you guys, we need to do a First Aid Combination." Claire said.
"First Aid Combination?" Gray and Kai said, giving her a baffle look.
Milotic used Aqua Ring while Serperior wrapped Popuri and Blossom with its long snake like body and started using Synthesis. Popuri and Blossom's injuries were healing. Lopunny lightly used Blizzard to cool them down for their fever. Claire reached into her bag and pulled out two Pecha berries. She walked up to Popuri.
"Popuri, I need you to eat this. It would cure the poison." Claire said.
"I don't think I can chew." Popuri said weakling.
"Don't worry, I just need you to open your mouth." Claire said. Popuri forced her mouth open and when it was wide enough, Claire squeeze the Pecha berry so she can drink the juice. She did the same with Blossom and in no time, they were healed and safe. "They would be okay."
"Thanks Claire…" Kai said, racing towards Popuri and cupped her face. "Are you okay?"
"Oh yes Kai, I am happy you were there to save me." Popuri said, smiling. She then turned to Claire. "Thanks for your help Claire."
"Of course, we are friends after all." Claire said, smiling.
"You consider me as your friend." Popuri said. "Even with all the mean things I did to you."
"Yup…" Claire said. Popuri then started to cry.
"YOU ARE SUCH AN IDIOT!" She cried. "YOU ARE TOO NICE FOR YOUR OWN GOOD." Claire just giggled. "But thank you so much Claire."
"I guess it is good to be an idiot." Claire said. She then turned to her Pok'emon. "Bella… Yori… Lola…You three were great. Thanks for your help." The three pok'emon were staring at her without responding to her. "Is there something wrong?" They tackled her down and started hugging her and licking her. "Oh you three, I miss you guys too. It has been so long."
"I see your little Snivy, Feebas, and Buneary evolved." Gray said, smiling at them. He patted Milotic on the head. "You must be Bella, you are quite a beauty." He then turned to Serperior. "And you must be Yori." Then he smoothed Lopunny's long ears. "And you must be Lola."
"Guys, this is Gray. He is my lover." Claire said. They greeted him by cuddling him.
"Oh it is nice to meet you guys too." Gray said, letting out a chuckle.
"POPURI!" A voice screamed. They turned and found Rick racing towards them. He made it in front of Kai and Popuri. "Are you okay? I heard a loud explosion here and you didn't answer your cell phone." He then glared at Kai. "Hey pervert, stay away from my sister."
"Rick, please stop. He was the one that saved me." Popuri said, smiling. She forced her body up and stood in front of her brother. "A gang of hooligans came to hurt us and one of their pok'emon used Poison tail and tossed me and Blossom into the ocean. Kai raced to save me while Claire and Gray got rid of the bad guys."
"But even with this, I don't trust him. He is always with a different woman and he forced Claire to kiss her during the race." Rick said. "I don't trust him at all."
"But brother, I really do like him. A matter of fact, I love him." Popuri said.
"You have every right to love but not with him." Rick snapped.
"I promise that I would not hurt your sister." Kai said. "She means so much to me Rick and you are right, I have been going through women like I go through clothes but the only woman that I truly love is Popuri. I want to be with her but you wouldn't let me. So I try to forget her but it didn't work. I love your sister Rick. Please let me love her."
"Kai…" Popuri said, leaking tears. He really does love me.
"I don't know." Rick said, scratching his head. "What do you think Gray?"
"I have already forgiven Kai for what he did at the race plus I know he changed for good." Gray said. "Also, the heart wants what the heart wants."
"I still don't trust him…" Rick said. "I am still not convinced." Then Claire walked beside him and whispered something in his ear. He then started to blush. "ALRIGHT KAI, YOU CAN DATE MY SISTER BUT IF YOU BREAK HER HEART, I WILL KILL YOU!" Kai then grabbed his hand and shook it firmly.
"Thank you so much. You have no idea how much this means to me." Kai said, smiling. He then turned to Popuri and hugged her tightly. "Oh Popuri, I can finally love you."
"I am so glad." Popuri cried, hugging him back.
"What did you whispered to Rick?" Gray asked.
"It is a secret." Claire said, sticking out her tongue. Then all of the suddenly, Gray's chest started to glow. "Gray, your glowing." Gray turned to himself and pulled out the egg. "My egg... Does that mean it is going to hatch soon?" She grabbed the egg and rubbed it gentle.
"Yes it is." Rick said. "Keep rubbing it."
"My egg is going to hatch." Claire cheered. She continued rubbing it smoothly. Then the egg transformed into a small and cute pok'emon with dark violet fur and glimmering eyes. "Oh my gosh, you are finally here."
"Wow, it is an Espurr. It is from the Kalos Region." Kai said. "Congratulations Claire."
"Mama?" Espurr said, smiling at Claire. Espurr then nuzzle her cheek with hers. "Mama, I am so happy to see you."
"He is so adorable. I think I would call him Midnight." Claire said, hugging him. "Do you like that name?" Espurr purred in agreement. "I am so happy that you are finally here." She then turned to her Pok'emon. "Okay everyone, this is your new brother and his name is Midnight. Please teach him everything that he needs to know and protect him okay." Her Pok'emon greeted Midnight with love and cheer. Midnight was happy to be part of the family.
"Congratulations babe." Gray said, hugging her.
"Thanks." Claire said.
"Claire, we didn't finish our battle." Popuri said.
"Well, we can finish it in the Fireworks Festival Tournament." Claire said, offering her hand to her. "But this time, we would battle as friends not enemies."
"Then I can't wait." Popuri said, grabbing her hand and shaking it firmly.
Claude was up at Mother's Hill, staring at the town below. Another Team Rocket attack, thank Arceus that no one was seriously hurt. But I don't think Claire is safe here anymore. I should convince her leave.
"You know, I would never think I would see you again Claude." A voice said. He turned and found Karen. Eva was on her head. "Or should I say Captain Commander…"
"Hey Karen, thanks for taking care of my sister." Claude said. "But I don't think she is safe here anymore."
"We both know it would be hard to convince her to leave Mineral Town." Karen said.
"But the attacks are getting out of hand." Claude said.
"But Gray is always there to protect her and also she can handle herself now." Karen said. "There is nothing to worry about."
"It seems that Gray is not the only person that is going to miss her." Claude said.
"I have to admit that I befriend her to keep my promise I made to you but I found myself liking her." Karen said, giggling. "She is truly a great friend and I would miss her greatly if she leaves."
"I guess I would let her stay for now." Claude said, letting out a sigh. "So how is retirement Karen or should I say Lieutenant Commander?"
"It is wonderful." Karen said.