Yay done!

There's no reason I should delay almost a year, I know. I'm sorry for that, and that's all I can really say; I can't turn back time, after all. Life happens and I had another story I was working on. But I'm taking a break from such story and my life has eased up a bit, so now I can get back on track with this fan-fiction. Sorry to those who've waited so long and to others who gave up on this story because of the delay!

Chapter 35
The Kimono Girls

"Again…"

Her thoughts whispered into the atmosphere. The echoes pervaded through the endless abyss of darkness, the unreachable horizon revealing the only light.

Marina looked around, lost within the lonesome area. Her footsteps, when she dared to wander, echoed as the only sound she could hear. Even as she walked in one direction, she seemed to be going nowhere; her surroundings remained unchanged.

"Hello…?" Her voice faded with no reply. She froze stiff when her body suddenly stressed, feeling a strange and disturbing pressure mingling with her spirit. It didn't hurt, but the sensation was vexing and could not be ignored. Yet as soon as it had come, the pressure vanished. A gentle, cool wind prodded her in the back. Marina shivered and turned.

It was then that she saw her. The other girl with stood at a distance. Her thin locks flicked along with the dying breeze, brushing against her cheeks that glittered in the faint light. She stayed still, unmoving.

As Marina took a step closer to her, she outstretched her hand. The tennis shoes on her feet tapped as if where were wearing heels. She regained a relieving sense of direction as she neared the girl.

"Who are you…?"

Getting ever nearer, her movements became sluggish. The strong force was returning, restraining her. Marina stopped as she felt lightheaded, as if something were gently suffocating her of air. She could not shake the feeling that had come back, and its effects dominated her; a feeling of gradually deteriorating, as if every part of her was withering away.

"So hard…to walk…"

Unable to take the strain, Marina fell to her knees in fatigue. But once she looked up, she gasped breathlessly. The girl was gone once again.

Soft cries slashed into her conscious without restraint, and she woke up. For a few moments, she rested as her heavy eyes eased into awareness of reality. That was…the dream again. Marina rolled her head to the source of the faint crying, and she blinked as she saw the bundle beside her.

"Oh!" she gasped with a start, sitting up and grabbing hold of the pink blanket. She unraveled the fabric quickly and sighed in relief.

A light yellow Pokémon wriggled in the bundle, waving its little pink-red paws as it cried. Its long ears and round cheeks were the same soft red color, but one could barely notice these details due to the Pokémon's incessant flailing.

"Quiet down, it's okay, it's okay," Marina told it nervously, managing to keep a steady hold on the creature.

At the sound of her voice, the baby Pokémon silenced and opened its adorable yellow-brown eyes. Within seconds, its expression went from sad to blank to absolutely excited. "Plasupla!"

"You got tangled in there again, Amber?" she asked, giving it a small hug that it welcomed warmly with giggles and smiles. "Do you like that name? Amber?"

"Plasu!" A sharp tapping of glass interrupted the little creature's exclaim. At once, it turned fearful and buried its head into the covers.

Marina looked behind her. Outside her window, in the light of early afternoon, was a Murkrow. Her eyebrows rose as she recognized the scarlet bow on its tail, and she gently set Amber down on the bed in order to let the black bird in. The Murkrow ruffled its feathers before releasing the white envelope from its bill, taking slight pleasure in the rewarding pats that Marina gave it. She looked at the envelope and opened it up, recognizing her brother's sloppy handwriting at once.

"That was fast," she said. It had only been no less than four days she had sent out her letter to her brother. "Could he be close by…?" Though the thought intrigued her, she snuggled beside her baby Pokémon and read the letter to herself.

Dear Marina,

You've gotten yourself mixed up in something else odd again. I thought I attracted problems, but it's nothing compared to what you run into. Why are you such a trouble magnet?

Anyway, getting serious now. I've read what you wrote to me, and I'm having a little trouble believing you. It sounds like a dream or a story you were writing. It's like that story you told me about what happened years ago, when you went missing for almost two years. I know our parents sort of stomped it out of your head, but do you even remember any of that now? It was one crazy story.

Marina didn't remember much, if anything. She recalled using the scenario about legendary Pokémon when she played with her siblings or friends, but that was different; that was pretending.

But this was real this time, she thought firmly, and shook her head as she continued reading.

Either way, it's best that you don't tell anyone else about this, if you haven't already. That especially goes for Kenta. Just act like it didn't happen. I know you suck at lying, but try for now. Unless you can brush it off as a dream or you can figure out what the hell happened, don't go blabbing about it. People will start to think you're crazy.

Things like this aren't normal, Marina. I remember reading something similar to this, but I could be wrong. I'll look it up when I have the time.

Not to be that stereotypical overprotective older brother, but for god's sake, be more careful. I don't want you or Kenta or anyone else getting hurt.

Keep trying your best when it comes to your training. Perseverance is the key. If you have it, your Pokémon can surpass any obstacle. It worked for Red, it's working for me, and so it ought to work for you. Don't give in!

Your big bro,
Chris

P.S. You know that Cilice chick you mentioned? She wasn't lying; I've met her. She knows a lot of thing about Johto and Kanto, too. I'll ask her about this when I get the chance.

Holding the paper tighter, Marina smiled.

"Thank goodness," she sighed. "He believed me…" She leaned over to the side of her bed and took out a piece of paper and a pen from her backpack. With Amber and Murkrow watching, she quickly started writing her response.

I can tell he believes me, because he sounds worried, she thought. That or he thinks I'm really going crazy. Eheh... If only it were some dream.

A frown formed on her lips as she looked from her brother's letter to her own. But I don't want to see Kenta…No. I really do. I miss him; I haven't talked to him since I left New Bark Town.

But I'm worried. I didn't mean to, but I hurt Kenta… What do I say? How could I lie when I can barely keep up the façade in front of Jackson?

Minutes later, she folded the new letter and placed it in the envelope Chris's letter had come in. The Murkrow readily snapped it from her hand and left out the windowsill. Gazing silently at the Pokémon's fading figure, Marina slowly turned her head. Amber was sleeping once more in the bundled pink blanket. She softly smiled at it.

"Give it another day or two before placing it in a Poké Ball," Nurse Joy instructed as she handed Marina back her Pokémon. "She's only a few days old, so plenty of fresh air is the healthiest thing for her."

"Her? So it's a girl?"

"Yes, she sure is."

Marina nodded, placing the spheres on her belt with her free hand—the other holding Amber firmly to her chest. But she paused at the last one that contained Prince.

Nurse Joy caught onto this, but smiled. "It's also best that you let your Espeon rest. No hard battles for today."

"Thank you," Marina said with a bow.

Cuddling the small Pokémon in her arms, she strolled outside into the crisp air that remained from the recent rain. When passing by the Pokémon Center building, she stopped and gazed at the intricate building that stood out among the other homes. The crimson lilies, as well as a few other flowers, wavered stiffly in the bitter wind. With harmless curiosity, she approached and read the sign to herself again. Ecruteak Dance Theater…

An additional sign was posted beside it. Special Dance Performance by the Kimono Girls and their Pokémon! Friday night at 7PM, ending at 10PM. Come watch the elegant beauty!

Friday night. Marina couldn't help but sigh at reading the phrase. She stood and looked at the double doors of the theater, deciding whether or not to enter.

The day before, she had attempted to visit the Tin Tower. But before she could pass through the gate, a monk stopped her and claimed that only those with the Fog Badge could wander the tower's grounds as they pleased. In other words, she had to defeat Ecruteak's Gym Leader, who she had just lost to against after such a close match. This frustrated her so much that she gave the guy a look she knew would match Silver's scowl quite nicely, though she quickly regretted it with guilt afterward for frightening the man as she left.

Anger from frustration and worry wasn't something that Marina could handle easily. Even Jackson could sense it when he had talked to her after the event, and often asked if she was feeling okay since she didn't talk often and paid little attention to him—if she did at all. She didn't even hold a grudge against him, but all the negative feelings she carried were weighing her down—the thought of that made her even more upset.

Would Jackson tell Kenta how strange I'm acting? I really hope he doesn't. Marina sighed deeply, feeling another stir of discomfort in her stomach. But I need to calm down if I want to seem normal. That's so hard to do…Either I'm sad and worried or I snap. Or I'm just feeling miserable. I'm such a mess.

She was definitely feeling miserable.

Still deep in her thoughts, Marina approached the entrance of the theater and entered it. She blinked as her eyes widened in admiration and her cool cheeks were warmed by the gentle heat inside. The ceiling was high over her head, and the room seemed rich with simple elegance. Rows of low-rise tables and cushions lined up on the tatami mats leading to the empty stage elevated above it all. The sweet scent wafting within was relieving, and Marina felt her unwanted tension receding.

"Welcome!"

Marina jumped and turned, holding Amber close.

An adolescent girl, clothed in an intricate kimono with earth-toned patterns, smiled at her. Dangling tassels, barrettes and flowers of intriguing delicacy were clipped onto her hair. One she recognized the blue-haired Trainer, she gasped in glee.

"Hello, Marina! It's good to see you visiting here."

"H-Hi, um…" Marina looked away, slightly embarrassed as she attempted to recall the girl's name.

"Sakura," the girl said with a little laugh. "Should be easy to remember, right?"

Moments later, Marina had settled into one of the small cushion seats. As the warmth in the room as comfortable, she allowed Amber to scuttle around the table. Watching her, Marina took in a deep breath, exhaling slowly and serenely. The soothing atmosphere and fragrance of the place truly had wonders on her frustration, all which had melted away.

Even if Jackson told Kenta, and Kenta wanted to talk to me, I could deal with it then, she even thought. Amber scurried into her lap as Sakura walked over to her with a tray of appetizers and an Eevee at her heels. Gently playing with Amber's long ears, Marina turned to her with a smile.

"Wow, you look so comfortable," Sakura commented as she placed the tray on the table and sat on the opposite side of Marina. "You looked kind of stressed when you first walked in here, but it looks like the aromatherapy is working just great on you."

"Yeah, it is," Marina nodded, "Thank you."

"Not at all. This theater doubles up as a restaurant, but it usually doesn't get busy until dinnertime on days like this. So my sisters can take their time getting ready."

"They dance, right?"

"Yup, and I do too. We dance with our Pokémon and serve our guests when we aren't. Around here, we're called Kimono Girls."

Marina smiled again. "Wow, that's sounds fun."

"It is, but it's a lot of hard work." Sakura eyed Marina's little Pokémon. "Hm... That Pokémon looks a lot like a Pikachu, but it isn't one. Is it from another region?"

"I think so, but I don't know, actually," Marina admitted. Sakura's Eevee leaped onto the table, catching her eye. Its fur was prim and shiny; beautiful enough that Prince would even be a little jealous—if he were still an Eevee. "You know…I had an Eevee too."

The girl seemed to perk up upon hearing Marina's random comment. "Really?" Grinning, she listened intently.

"Yeah, but yesterday when I fought this city's Gym Leader, Morty, he evolved," Marina explained calmly as she could. "Though I ended up losing anyhow—huh?" She would have continued, but she froze when Sakura leaned closer over the table. "What?"

"Well? What did it evolve into?" Sakura's eyes seemed to sparkle in her eagerness. "You must tell me!"

"Um," Marina tilted her head, "An Espeon?"

Wearing a wide smile, Sakura spent an odd moment of silence with Marina before jumping to her feet. "Yes! Yes! Yes!" she cheered. "Hold on for a moment, I'm going to get my sisters!" At that, she sprinted away at surprising speed, disappearing from a hall behind the stage.

Marina, Amber, and Sakura's Eevee sat where they were, staring after her blankly. It was not long before the girl was rushing back to them with four girls, all dressed in kimonos like she was, following. They each had an individual theme and color to their clothes and intricate hair decor, and the old-fashioned sandals they wore were fascinating but looked ridiculously hard to walk in. Even so, they walked with elegance, and Sakura seemed to pick up an elegant formality in the presence of her siblings.

But what Marina gasped about was their Pokémon, which were all evolutions of Eevee; mermaid-like Vaporeon; spiked, fierce-looking Jolteon; fluffy Flareon; and mysterious, black-furred Umbreon. Each fox could be matched with the kimono color of each woman.

"Oh my gosh!" Marina exclaimed, too amazed to smile. "I've never seen so many Eevee evolutions in my life! That's all of them, except Espeon!"

"No, there's a couple more, but your Espeon will complete this set very nicely," Sakura concluded, smiling as she had before.

One of the sisters, adjusting her midnight black kimono, asked shyly, "Is that true? You have an Espeon?"

Still mesmerized by the impressive display of Pokémon and the matching robes, Marina nodded and answered, "Yes, I do."

"Show us then," said the lady in the golden-yellow kimono. "We've been searching for someone with an Espeon for a while. I want to see it for myself."

"Um, okay." Marina nodded again and grasped Prince's Poké Ball. The girls watched with silent anticipation as it was thrown in the air, and each of their expressions glowed with joy. Prince had his head hanging low with his eyes closed, but groggily he looked up at them when they began their excited chatting over his appearance.

"Oh, it is one!"

"It is so cute, cuter than ones I have seen in pictures."

"This one is gorgeous. That fur looks positively as smooth as silk."

"I agree. Look at how perfect it keeps its posture."

At this sudden realization that all eyes were on him, including that of the Kimono Girls' Pokémon, Prince quickly straightened his pose. Marina almost giggled at how he almost seemed to be blushing at all the admiring attention.

The blue-clothed Kimono Girl looked at Marina. "What's its name? And yours?"

"I'm Marina." Marina patted Prince on the head while still holding onto Amber, who was timidly clinging onto her the entire time. The Espeon looked up at them with a twitch of his ears, clueless of what was going on but observing Marina anyhow. "And his name's Prince!"

"I'm satisfied," sighed the woman in the yellow kimono. She turned to her sister in the crimson kimono. "What do you think, Naoko?"

Naoko looked familiar to the other girls, sharing the same dark-colored hair, but she was older and more sophisticated than her siblings; likewise, her Flareon appeared the very same. Raising her delicate arm hidden under her kimono's sleeve, she approached Marina and grasped her shoulder. Marina could feel her radiance simply flow into her as Naoko smiled.

"Marina," she said kindly, "Come with us, please."

Marina's Current Pokémon:
King the Quilava
Phany the Phanpy
Misdreavus
Amber
Prince the Espeon
Lapras