Time Lapse: Reluctant Hero

by AvionVadion

She remembered nothing. Where she came from, who she was, if she had any family; all the girl knew now was that something was wrong. There was no way she was meant to be raised like this- treated like a grunt and tormented along with the rest. Pokemon were worth more than what Team Rocket claimed. They weren't tools... and neither was she. OCs

33. The Journey's True Beginning

"And I~! Ohhhh~ Oooohhh~! Ohhh~ Oh~!

Here and now~! This is it~! Why don't we just savor it?"

Getting ready for bed wasn't as troublesome as it was waking up. Reluctant to pull away from the hug, I sort of ended up just clinging to Brock's jacket and following him and Blue to the bathroom where we all got to brushing our teeth. It was hard trying to dismiss my worries about Lorelei and Steven, as they were unknowns and unknowns were not to be trusted, but Blue was willing to vouch for Lorelei.

We needed their help, as reluctant as I was to trust them, but if Brock and Blue had faith in them and truly believed they meant everything they said and were good at heart, then I would at least try to believe in them, too.

I don't... trust Lorelei or Steven.

But... I trust Brock and Blue.

Just as how I'm mistrusting of adults and authority figures, whereas Brock and Blue are not, I will try to... keep my prejudice and fear on a leash so it doesn't completely cloud my judgment. Not every adult has hurt me, and not every authority figure has failed me. Even though trust is a luxury we can't afford, I must still be willing to give it in times like this- where help is needed the most.

Everything... will turn out fine.

It has to.

Splash!

"Ack- Ruby!" Both of my Vulpix had followed us into the bathroom and climbed onto the sink counter, watching us get ready for bed, but while we were in the middle of brushing our teeth my Kantonian Vulpix ended up falling into the sink while trying to paw at the cold faucet water. A sputter and a gasp escaped my lips, unable to believe what just happened, and with a toothbrush hanging from my mouth I hurried to pick her up. "Thweetie, arf you ohay!?"

She squealed and mewed loudly, and Brock began to laugh as he moved to go grab a towel to dry her off with. Blue just rolled his eyes at the drama, mildly amused but unwilling to make it obvious, only to blink and stare with wide eyes when Sapphire also fell in- yet instead of whining like her sister, she just basked in the sensation of the cold water as it splashed and revitalized her.

"El..." Blue began, the former champion watching as my Alolan Vulpix rolled onto her back and purred loudly, the pokēmon lapping up some of the water as it spilled onto her stomach and splashed against her fur, "...Your pokēmon are ridiculous."

Excuse me? "I think you mean adorable."

"Vulpi!" Sapphire happily mewed, and Ruby hissed as Brock tried to dry her fur.

The Kantonian Vulpix thrashed, and he ended up having to take her from me and wrap her up like a burrito to keep her still. "Vulpix~!"

"Easy now, little one." Brock hummed, not at all bothered. He carefully dried the fur around her head. "You must've been feeling a little overheated, huh? Bet you weren't expecting to slip like that, though... Don't worry! Emergency support Brock is here! I've got you. There, there..."

Though still upset she was soaked, Ruby began to calm.

It didn't take much longer to dry her off, and once done the tall boy set her down on the floor. I lifted Sapphire out of the sink, who complained about being removed from the water, but it was just so we could finish brushing our teeth.

I quickly set her back in once we were done, standing on my toes and leaning over the sink so we were face-to-face. I could feel the chilliness radiate from her fur as the cold water energized her. It was pretty warm here in Kanto, so it was no surprise she was enjoying the feel of the cold faucet water.

I should probably start feeding her ice cubes to keep her cool. "Better?"

Sapphire sniffled, then plopped down into the water, a small pool forming inside the sink as she covered the drain with her tummy. She mewed happily, and letting out a small breath some icicles floated out of her mouth.

One touched my nose, and I couldn't help but let out a startled squeak as I recoiled. "I-I'll take that as a yes!"

Blue finally let out a laugh then, cackling as he saw me smack a hand over my nose.

Brock gave a small chuckle. With the sink now halfway filled up, the taller boy reached over to turn off the faucet. "I think that's enough for her to relax in. We should probably follow her example in the morning and bathe before we take off."

"Sounds good to me!" Blue yawned, stretching his arms above his head. "It's been a few days, but I think I still have sea salt in my hair."

"Here I thought you didn't care about that kind of thing." Brock teased as we left the bathroom, Ruby walking behind us. "From the way you were arguing with Misty, I could've sworn hair care was the last thing on your agenda."

"Hey! You don't get to look as good as me without putting some care into your appearance, y'know? I was just sayin' all that stuff to mess with her before."

"Uh-huh. Is that so?"

As we exited the bathroom, leaving Sapphire to her little ice-cold water bath, I fiddled with the red scarf around my neck before reaching behind me to grab at my braid, pulling it over my shoulder. I couldn't help but listen to Brock and Blue talk, and it made me wonder if hair care was really so important. I despised mine.

It was so long and thick and so easily grabbable... and washing it was also a pain.

A part of me wanted to chop it all off.

The only thing I actually liked about it is when Brock would brush and braid it.

"Hey, kid." An elbow nudging my arm made me jolt, and I snapped my head up with a start, my eyes wide as I looked up at Blue. His lips were curled up in his signature grin, but he was gazing at me with curiosity, one of his brows raised. "What'chu thinkin' about, huh?"

"Huh? O-Oh, um..." I hesitated, then looked back down at my thick braid. It really was obnoxiously long. "I just..."

"Want me to redo your hair?" Brock asked, taking a seat on one of the bottom bunks. He smiled. "I don't mind."

Struggling to voice my thoughts aloud, I began to chew my bottom lip, tugging lightly on my braid.

Ruby mewed loudly to get my attention as she brushed against my leg, and Ansem barked from his spot on the top bunk- having moved up there to get comfortable while we were all busy brushing our teeth earlier. Basil and Belladonna were both up there, too, and were peering over the wooden rim of the bunk bed to watch the conversation take place.

They were trying to comfort me, to encourage me to speak, but it was still so difficult. "I-I mean, I like it when you fix my hair, but... I..."

Blue made a face, and I couldn't help but flinch when he reached a hand up to bop me upside the head. "Just spit it out, squirt."

"H-Hearing you talk about hair... I-I kind of..."

Deep breaths. Stay calm.

I bit down so hard on my bottom lip it hurt, ducking my head down low, trying to hide my face behind my braid and in the red scarf I was wearing. "I kind of... want to cut it off?"

A moment of silence.

When neither of them said anything, merely staring at me, I could feel the panic start to rise.

I had never been allowed to cut my hair while growing up in Team Rocket. Mistress Augusta practically forbade it, as it was just another way she could torment me. The longer one's hair is, the easier it is to grab and pull and yank them around. She loved to coil her sharp nails in my hair and dig them into my scalp while she shoved my face into a sink. She loved to grab it when she was beating me, and often used it to toss me around.

Even Velga grabbed it back on the S.S Anne, pulling me to her when I was running with Blue and effectively separating us.

Is it... a bad thing to want to cut my hair?

Maybe I shouldn't have said anything. I prefer to keep most of my thoughts quiet anyhow, but with these two I've been trying to be a little more open. I mean, there was that time back in Fuschia City where I was trying to push them away so I went back to being silent, but I was doing pretty well at being a little more open before the ship incident.

What if Brock thinks I'm ungrateful now?

He's been working really hard to take care of me for the three weeks we've known each other. Even though he doesn't have to, he's always really gentle and careful when brushing my hair and detangling it, and tying it up in braids. I really did enjoy having him play with it; it was soothing and relaxing, and it felt really nice having it be treated preciously for once instead of... as a weakness and as a way to harm me, but telling him I wanted to have it cut short may make him feel like he's wasted his time.

I don't... want that.

I don't want him to feel like he's wasted his time on me.

I already put him through so much, putting him into danger far too many times and nearly getting him killed. With my recent running away stunt that I pulled, he might just... no. No, they said they won't leave me. Brock and Blue promised they'd stay by me. They literally came after me even though I gave them an out.

Even... though I abandoned them.

This won't make them hate me, right? This won't make Brock hate me?

"...Okay." Brock nodded at my words, and I inhaled sharply, snapping my head up to look at him. His expression remained as soft and warm as ever, his smile ever-so gentle and accepting. "What kind of haircut were you thinking? Something... shoulder length like Misty's, or...?"

"Something more like mine?" Blue inquired, brushing his fingers through his hair.

They're... okay with it?

No, of course they'd be okay with it. They're Brock and Blue.

Why wouldn't they be okay with it?

"El?"

Frantically blinking away the tears that were trying to form, I swallowed down the lump that caught in the back of my throat and tried to give an answer. "I-I don't... know? Really? Um... I-I guess something close to Blue's? I just want it... sh-short enough that it can't be grabbed."

The two boys shared a look.

Brock looked back at me. "Okay, well... how about we cut it tonight? I have some scissors on me, and if it doesn't turn out very good we can just stop by the salon in Celadon City and have it fixed up."

"Wait, wait, wait." Blue stepped forward and held an arm out, placing one of his hands on his hips. "If anyone's gonna cut the kid's hair, it's gonna be me. A good chef doesn't necessarily equate to a good hair stylist. Besides, it's my hair she wants to mimic."

I made a face. "I-I said something close to yours, not... exactly."

Blue acted like he didn't hear me. "Just give me the scissors. El, take off your scarf; it'll get in the way. And follow me! We are going... to the bathroom!"

Snatching the scissors from a mildly concerned Brock, the boy marched into the bathroom where Sapphire was still relaxing. A bit befuddled by how the situation escalated as much as it did, I hesitated before removing my scarf, setting it down on the nearest bunk and awkwardly following Blue into the bathroom. The former champion grabbed a towel and wrapped it around my shoulders.

"This should be pretty easy since it's already in a braid..." He muttered.

Brock, standing in the doorway, leaning against the wooden frame, raised a brow at our proud and slightly reckless friend, and folded his arms over his chest. "What happened to all your confidence from before?"

"No one asked the peanut gallery! Shut it! I'm concentrating here."

This... feels like a really bad idea. "A-Are you sure you're okay with cutting my hair? I-It's fine; I can wait-"

"Do you trust me or not?" Blue demanded, scowling as he grabbed my braid and held the scissors up to the part of my hair above the top ribbon where the strands began to weave. "Don't worry. Just close your eyes; I'll have you lookin' great in no time!"

His confidence was truly something else. Perhaps because it was actually arrogance.

Well, as long as Velga and the Mistress can't grab my hair and use it against me from now on, it doesn't really matter how it looks. I looked ridiculous with the pretty braids Brock tried to style my hair with, so whatever I'll end up looking like can't possibly make me look any sillier. My face has filled out quite a lot during these three weeks traveling with Brock thanks to his hearty meals, but I still didn't look my age. My growth was still annoyingly slow.

Maybe that'll change soon, though.

I hope so.

Closing my eyes, I tried to relax my shoulders as I felt Blue finally begin to snip away at my hair. I could tell right away by the feeling of the cold metal brushing the back of my neck that the cut wasn't even, but the sheer weight that was lifted upon feeling the braid fall away was... incredible.

Amazing.

I never felt so light.

"C-Can we mark this as the start?" I asked, fingers grasping nervously at the hem of my shorts. I could feel the confusion wafting off the two boys, even if I couldn't necessarily see them. "As, like... y'know. U-Us... traveling together. For real this time. No... running away plans."

"You mean the start of you acting like a proper child?" Blue retorted. "And actually letting us help you?"

I scrunched my nose up at that. "I'm sorry, okay!? I panicked!"

"Heh. Sure thing, kid." Blue began to fix up where he cut the braid off, snipping away some strands. "Do you want this shorter or no?"

"...Y-Yes, please."

"Hey, look at you! Voicing opinions! I'm so proud."

"...Shut up."

Blue just barked a laugh, and I could hear Brock let out a small chuckle. "Don't tease her too hard. We don't wanna scare her back into her shell."

"Hey, I'm just sayin'! Man, you have some seriously thick hair."

"S-Sorry."

"Oi, don't apologize! It's a good thing. I have thick hair, too. It just means it'll... floof a little."

"Floof?"

"You'll see."

Sapphire began to whine, and Blue paused in his cutting so we could see what the problem was. Brock was quick to rush over, blocking my view of the mirror in the process. "I got it! Aw, what's the matter, cutie? Upset because the water drained? Here, I'll fill it back up for you."

The Alolan Vulpix let out a mew of gratitude and nuzzled his hand.

This time, Brock put a stopper in the drain so the water would rise without Sapphire having to cover it herself. She was quick to settle under the faucet, allowing the cold water to splash against her back, and as Brock let it run Blue began to continue cutting.

Despite how tired we all were, he was taking quite a while to finish cutting my hair. He was snipping away a few strands at a time, occasionally pausing to ask my opinion about how short I wanted it around my ears or how I wanted my bangs to look.

I ended up having to stop and think for a while, not really sure myself, when the nightmare-fueled memories came to mind. I remembered the reflection I saw in the metal as I was swept away by the flood.

I remembered the side-swept bangs and messy hair. "...Kind of like yours?"

"I knew you wanted to look like me."

"That's not what I meant!"

"Just admit it; I'm so cool you wanna look like me." Blue smirked and ran a hand through his bangs, flicking his hair to the side. I gave him a look, utterly exasperated. "What can I say? I'm an icon. You idolize me. I understand. Since you're like another sister to me, I'll let you get away with it. I mean, here I am, the mighty Blue, traveling with you and even cutting your hair! Just wait 'til your prince charming hears about this."

It was taking everything I had not to shout for Ansem and have him tackle the teen. "Will you just... cut my hair already?"

"Wow, so snippy!" He teased, moving to cut my bangs. I scrunched my nose up as a few strands tickled my nose, then grinned.

"I'm sorry, but did you just make a pun?"

He paused, then snipped another couple of strands. "...I absolutely did not."

"I think you did~!"

"Shut up."

Brock laughed from the doorway. "If I didn't know better, I'd think you two really were related!"

"You and everyone else, apparently." Blue huffed, clicking his tongue. I felt his fingers brush my forehead before he snipped a few more strands. "You should've heard that old couple from the Pokēmon Daycare. That said, El... actually does remind me of my big sis at times. Daisy's always been really good with pokēmon."

"Daisy?" I echoed. I vaguely remember Blue mentioning he had a sister back in Pewter City when we confronted Flint and Layla about their terrible parenting skills, but I don't believe I've ever heard her name. Wait, actually, I think he said it when he was telling off Lorelei. I was probably too busy panicking to actually listen back then, though. "Isn't that the name of one of Misty's sisters?"

"...Daisy's a pretty common name, kid." Blue deadpanned. "Which makes me all the more curious as to what yours is."

Brock's spoke up, curiosity in his voice. "Isn't your sister a famous pokēmon contest star?"

"Yup!" He snipped a few more strands, clearly feeling even more confident now that he was making progress in... whatever style it was he was putting my hair through. "I think she's actually found herself a good rival recently. Ugh, what was his name...? He's pretty new to the whole gig, only been in it a couple years, but he's been rising through the ranks fast. I think he's actually from Hoenn. Walter? Wally? Wal... something. I'll have to double check my emails later."

A pokēmon contest star... "What does she do?"

"What does she- uh, right. You wouldn't know. Basically, she raises her pokēmon and trains them to put on these... beauty pageants. I mean, there's a lot more to it than just that, but that's a basic summary. There isn't really any fighting involved; the pokēmon just show off their moves in the coolest or cutest or most beautiful way possible to win the judges over. You can dress your pokēmon up, too, if you wanna win extra points, but only if the pokēmon are actually comfortable with it. Like I said, there's a lot that goes into it."

"And she's a star?" Brock asked.

"Don't even think about flirting with her when you see her." Blue growled, and though my eyes were closed I could perfectly imagine him pointing the scissors at the former gym leader. "She's way too old for you. Also, she's my sister! Don't be gross."

Brock chuckled awkwardly. "I-I was just... asking."

"That better be all you're doin'. But, yeah. As I was saying, she has a way with pokēmon. Daisy and El are a lot alike in that way."

Daisy... I kind of want to meet her now. I wonder if she looks like Blue. If so, she must be very pretty.

"Speaking of... hey, kid. I think I'm done." He stepped back and I opened my eyes, blinking a couple of times. My head felt so light. My shoulders weren't weighed down either. Blue flashed me a smirk, grinning ear-to-ear. "It's definitely not as cutesy as it was before with all those ribbons, but... I think it suits you. Makes you look like the tough trainer you are. What'd you think, Brock?"

"Hm? Well..." Brock walked over, and I lifted a hand to my head, feeling my newly cut hair with a fascination. The boy came to a halt, then folded his arms over his chest with a smile. "It's definitely not as bad as I thought it was gonna be."

"Hey, what's that supposed to mean!?" Blue looked offended. "You seriously doubted me?"

Brock raised a brow at him. "Look me in the eye and tell me you cut someone's hair before, Blue."

Blue just glared at him, looking like he was about to say a few very choice words towards Brock, but their arguing was quickly brought to a halt when I rushed over to the sink, standing on my toes and gazing at my reflection with wide eyes. I ran my fingers through my hair slowly, feeling the short strands of hair, basking in the sensation of such lightness, of such... freedom, as I stared at the me in the mirror. I could hardly believe what I was seeing.

It was a mess. It was choppy. It was short.

It floofed.

My hair looked like it would never look neat even if you brushed it with a damp comb.

It... somehow, in the strangest of ways... felt like I was one step closer to being me.

The me I had lost... so many years ago.

"Blue..." My voice cracked a little when I spoke, and I could feel my eyes sting with tears. I could see the boy look at me from behind thanks to the mirror, his eyes widening with mild alarm. Falling to rest the flat of my feet on the ground, my lips curled back in a shaky smile and I looked at him over my shoulder. "Thank you."

Pure gratitude flooded me, and I gave him as brilliant a smile I could muster.

"Th-Thank you..."

Blue was completely stunned. After standing there for maybe a second too long, he cleared his throat and turned away, ruffling his hair. "You're welcome, kid. Now, if you don't mind..." He opened his mouth in a loud yawn. "I'm tired. Let's clean this place up and head to bed, okay?"

We got to work sweeping up the hair. If most of it wasn't still in a braid, you might have thought it was a rug.

Brock decided to remove the blue ribbons when we threw the locks of hair away, finding it a shame to toss them in the trash, and suggested dressing up my pokēmon with them instead. "Ruby and Sapphire would look adorable with these on!"

"Yeah, but..." Sapphire was currently passed out in the sink, the water half-frozen now because of her icy breath. Ruby was probably asleep in the other room. "I-I don't think we should try to put them on them right now."

"...Tomorrow then." Brock settled on. "Ruby and Sapphire are gonna be in for the best surprise!"

That's one way to describe it. They'd definitely look cute with them on, but I'm not even sure if they'll like it.

Tossing the ribbons onto my backpack, I followed the boys to the bunk beds and picked up my red scarf. I fiddled with it, wondering if it really was okay for me to keep it. I didn't wholly understand why Kōga even gave it to me. It just seemed like a spur-of-the-moment decision on his part. But it was really comfortable, and I liked that it hid my neck.

I liked being able to hide my scars. I liked being hidden. I liked no one seeing my scars and bandages, and I liked not being looked at with pity.

But sleeping with it on would probably be a choking hazard...

As the boys made their ways to their separate bunks, both choosing the bottom ones as usual, I found myself coming to a halt next to the one Blue decided to sit down on. I gazed at him and turned to look at Brock. I stared down at the red bundle of fabric in my arms.

So much has happened recently; I could hardly believe it. It all feels like one insanely wild dream.

But... it's real.

I know it's real, because the warmth from Ruby- who was apparently still awake- and from Ansem as they jumped down from the top bunk to curl around my legs and rub their furry sides against me showed that it was.

Basil let out a small roar to get my attention, before taking out his vines and nudging my newly cut hair from above with them. Belladonna hopped down to the floor and bounced around me, tears in her eyes as she once more expressed her relief that I was alive- and cheered in delight when she felt how happy I was with my short hair. Their warmth, their joy, the light and life in their eyes... it all served as a reminder.

All of this was real.

Brock and Blue were here. They didn't abandon me. They didn't let me abandon them. It's going to be dangerous, and deadly, and troublesome, and a massive struggle, but... they want to stick by me. They want to help.

Even though I don't deserve it...

Even though I don't deserve them...

They were willing to stay by my side through it all and put an end to Team Rocket.

I'm still not sure if letting this happen is really okay, but... I know now I don't have a choice in the matter. We're friends, and friends stick together no matter what. Through thick and thin, and for better or worse... we'll have each other. So long as we work together, we can get through this.

"El?" Blue's voice snapped me out of my thoughts and I jolted, looking up at him with big eyes. "You good, squirt?"

"Y-Yeah, I just..." My voice trailed off and I hesitated, before squeezing my eyes shut and taking a deep breath. "I was just... thinking."

A quiet filled the room, and Brock asked softly from his spot across the bunk bed Blue and I were by, "...Can we ask what it's about?"

"...It's not really anything new." I murmured, hugging my red scarf close. "I just... I'm just wondering if it's really okay for me to stay with you."

"El-"

"I-I want to!" I hurriedly explained, not wanting them to get the wrong idea. There was so much emotion inside of me, welling and conflicting and leaving me both concerned and confused. I wanted to bury it all, to make it so I can function without doubt, but another part of me wanted to embrace it, to accept it, and make it a part of me. I wanted to learn how to function with it. I wanted to understand these feelings of mine... without rejecting them. "I'm not going to run away anymore! I'm not... I'm not going to push you away, either. I'm just... scared. I guess."

Brock and Blue both stared.

The taller boy looked like he was about to stand and walk over to hug me, his mouth opening to speak, but before he could get out a single word Blue let out an overly dramatic sigh. "Kid, it's gonna be a loooong time before there comes a day when you're not scared anymore. But it'll come. Just... probably long after we've succeeded in taking down Team Rocket. Here."

He moved and laid down, patting the spot on the bed beside him.

"C'mere. I'll be nice. You can sleep next to me tonight." What? "Umbreon! You too, girl."

"Umbre~!" She didn't hesitate in hopping up into the bed, climbing and settling down beside his feet.

I hesitated before allowing myself to do as told, awkwardly waddling over and climbing in next to him. Hugging the scarf to my chest, I blinked when Blue wrapped his arm around me and scooted closer.

Almost immediately, I felt his warmth envelope me, and that surge of emotion I felt earlier began to well up again, bubbling in my chest. I couldn't help but lean in and snuggle my face into his shoulder.

Blue snorted. "You really are a cuddler, huh?"

"...What?"

"Nothin'."

Uh-huh, sure, whatever. I'll ignore it... for now.

"El..." Brock began, his voice laden with amusement. "I said it before and I'll say it again; if you wanna cuddle, you just have to say so. It's okay."

But I ran away. I hurt you both.

Slowly opening my eyes, I hugged the scarf closer. I couldn't bring myself to look up at Blue, or turn to face Brock. I just stared at the dried blood that had long-since stained Blue's shirt. "Is it really okay?"

"Huh?"

"...I-Is it really okay... for me to be selfish?"

Blue let out another heavy sigh. Startled by the sound, I looked up- and only became more stunned when I felt him rest his hand atop the side of my head, ruffling my newly cut hair. I decided I liked the feeling of it. "We already scolded and forgave you, squirt. Ain't no use staying mad. Now get over it. You're a kid, so start acting like one."

I blinked.

"You are a child, little one." Kōga's words suddenly rang in my head. "You should stay a child, while you can still be a child."

A new wave of emotions welling up, my lips curled back, and I had to wrestle with my feelings, fighting to wrangle them up into something I could handle. I had dismissed the gym leader's words before, stubborn and frightened and trying to shut down everything and push away everyone. I didn't want to listen. Still, Kōga took his scarf and wrapped it around my shoulders, the long fabric covering the exposed scars of my back. He grasped my shoulders gently, and looked down at me, something sad in his eyes.

"You do not have to shield them from the world or its dangers. Let them protect you."

I was a child. I know that. I'm small and I'm weak, but in my desperation I often forget that fact. I'm always so focused on the horrors of the world, of the darkness that it harbors. I know what's out there. I don't want it to hurt those I've come to find important. I want to stay with them, to protect them, to shield them, but I was incapable of it. I was a child.

I can't... do anything without their help.

But...

"I-I don't know how." I choked, fighting back the tears. "I don't... want to be selfish."

"You're the least selfish person I know." Blue deadpanned. "Go for it. Just... be yourself, El."

I didn't hesitate then. I just curled in and huddled close to Blue, basking in the comforting warmth he gave off. The boy was a bit startled at my behavior, but didn't push me away.

He just curled his arms around me with a small snort. "Wow, you really wanted a hug."

"Shut up." I said, voice muffled by his shirt.

Blue laughed. "Yeah, yeah. Whatever. In your dreams, maybe."

"Our little El is growing up so fast!" Brock sniffled, bringing a hand up to his face as he watched the scene take place. "I'm so proud!"

I pulled my face out of Blue's chest, unamused by the former gym leader's words. Fighting a scowl, more embarrassed than actually upset, I removed my arms from Blue and crawled around and over to the wall, huffing and hugging my red scarf close.

Blue just grinned. "Uh-oh. She's pouting."

"I said, shut up!"

"And I said, yeah, yeah." He retorted, rolling over to face me, kicking at the blankets and pulling them up over us both. "The kid's with me tonight, Brock! Hope it don't bother you none."

"Hey, I don't mind either way!" Brock laughed. "Just as long as El is happy. Though if you're okay with me joining in the cuddle pile..."

"Wait, no, don't-"

"Then I guess I'll just hop on over!"

"Go back to your own bunk!"

Brock ignored Blue, and just climbed into the bed, batting his hands away when he tried to push him off. I squeaked and awkwardly rolled over to Blue when Brock gestured for me to, the taller and more muscular teen squeezing in between me and the wall. Now effectively sandwiched between both boys, Blue huffed and sent Brock a glare, and Brock just beamed, resting an arm around my shoulders.

"I'm really surprised you aren't used to this already." Brock mused, thoroughly entertained by the retired Champion's irritation. "It's not the first time."

"You're lucky I consider you a friend, or I'd have my Umbreon bite you so hard you couldn't even sit." Blue growled. "Do you even realize how much room you take up!? If the kid wasn't so small, I'd have fallen off the edge by now!"

"Awww, you think of me as a friend?"

"Bah!" Blue huffed and shifted in place, and I blinked when he wrapped an arm around my side. "I seriously can't with you..."

"But you do think of me as a friend?"

"Didn't I just say that?"

"...Thanks, Blue." All the teasing faded from his voice, and I felt Brock relax from behind me. I turned my head as best as I could to look at him, but couldn't make out much except his shoulder. "I think of you as a friend, too."

Blue tensed then, and he ducked his head, hiding his face with the pillow. He didn't say anything to that, not at first. I did feel his grip on me tighten though. "...I thought we've been over this already. You said it yourself back in Pewter City."

"Yeah, I did. But..."

A bit anxious, I laid there in silence, letting the two boys talk.

"I just really wanted to hear you say it yourself. Makes it feel real, y'know?"

"...Yeah. I guess."

I could feel the smaller pokēmon climbing onto the bed, Ruby and Sapphire meowing and stumbling over Umbreon and tripping over our legs. Sapphire's fur was freezing from sitting in the sink water, and it took everything I had not to flinch when I felt it brush against the exposed skin of my knees.

Ansem climbed up and got comfortable near Blue's head. Susie nestled between my back and Brock's chest. Basil and Belladonna both huddled together on Machamp's lap, who had taken to leaning his back against the bunk bed's wooden beams. Umbreon was still curled in a comfortable ball at the foot of the bed.

It was a peaceful moment, quiet and calm, as we all confirmed that this friendship between us was real and went both ways. "...You guys think of me as a friend, too, right?"

Brock startled at the unexpected question. "Of course we do! Why wouldn't we?"

"We're stuck with each other." Blue answered, resting his chin gently against my head. "There ain't no escape. We're in this for the long run, El."

For better or for worse...

Upon hearing that, I could finally begin to relax.

We're really friends.

Even though I'm awkward and scared and constantly want to run away, not knowing the first thing about emotions and how to be human, and even though Blue is a bit prickly and rude and rough, and loves to push people's buttons and push them away, and even though Brock is too kind and loving to have to put up with people like us when he has a dream he wants to chase, after years of raising the nine children his neglectful parents left behind, stealing him of his childhood, our friendship was not one-sided.

I'm not forcing them to stay with me. Brock and Blue aren't forcing themselves to play nice with each other.

They've made the decision to work together and have learned to get along, and have learned about each other to the point where they bicker like brothers, and it was them who made the decision to stay with me. I ran away not because I didn't like them, but because I loved them so much I was scared they would get hurt.

I didn't want their blood on my hands.

Our friendship was real. It was... pure, yet... twisted. Our friendship was forged through trials of blood, the threat of death looming over us at every corner.

It was not an ordinary friendship, to say the least- not in the way I believed it should be.

But it was the truth of it... and it was real, and I've decided that this friendship was a very precious thing.

A thing I want to protect.

Wrapped in their embrace- the embrace of two people who have become important to me, so important to me I dared to risk their wrath to try and let them go, to give them an escape from the hurt and torment that we would surely come across, only to wind up falling into their arms once more, a complete and utter fool for them- I decided to give in fully to their kindness.

To their love.

I wasn't going to fight them anymore.

Just like the dawn stone I was given and have protected for over nine years, I would do my utmost to keep them safe. They were just as special, but unlike the stone- a broken, unusable evolution stone, which held the memory of a boy I struggled to remember- Brock and Blue, and all of our pokēmon, were alive and here.

And it was in their embrace that the nightmares failed to reach me.

...

When morning came, I felt so groggy from sleep it took a while for me to actually wake up. My body didn't want to get up at all.

I wasn't sure if it was because I was exhausted from the poison and the injury I suffered from Arbok, or if it was because I had just felt so relaxed now that a good portion of stress had melted away that it allowed me some much needed rest. Regardless the case, Blue made fun of me- poking my face and trying to get me to snap awake. "C'mon, kiddo! Wakey-wakey, eggs and bakey! We have a long day ahead of us! The rock tunnels aren't gonna be an easy walk."

"Have any good dreams, El?" Brock asked, fully amused by how sleepy I was.

Mumbling incoherently, I begrudgingly sat up, letting out a yawn and rubbing at my eyes. "No... I don't... think I dreamed about anything, really. Just kinda... passed out."

"Vulpix!"

"Vul?"

The twin Vulpix mewed loudly and waddled over, climbing onto my lap. Ansem barked jealously when he saw me scratching Sapphire lazily behind the ear, and the large Eevee made his way over and gave my back a small headbutt to get my attention, making me reach behind me with my other hand to give him a couple pets as well. "Mornin' to you, too, bud."

"Eva!"

"Good morning to all of you!" Brock exclaimed, grinning widely, his voice sounding quite cheery despite it being so early in the day and what we were actually going to be doing. He was quick to set down some food for our hungry pokémon to eat, even opening the door so Blue could summon his own pokēmon for breakfast.

Judging by how his clothes were still dirty, but his skin and hair looked clean, Brock must have already taken his shower this morning.

The Vulpix and Eevee moved away from me to jump down and devour their meal, and as they did so I slid off the bed, stumbling towards Blue and out of the way of all the pokēmon. The room was practically filled to the brim with them. You had my Eevee, my Kantonian and Alolan Vulpix, my Ivysaur and Weepinbell, and then Brock's Kantonian Vulpix, Zubat, and Geodude, and to top it all off you had all of Blue's pokēmon- Arcanine, Gyarados, Aerodactyl, Umbreon, Machamp, and Pidgeot.

We had a full house, but thankfully the hallway was quite large.

Once everyone was at their respective food bowls and Blue and I had maneuvered our way closer to the bathroom so we could brush our teeth, Brock got to work fixing up the blankets- trying to make Nurse Joy's job a little easier for her. When he spoke, he spoke loud enough that we could hear him from the bathroom. "So, forewarning to all of you; Blue, as you mentioned before, the rock tunnels aren't easy to navigate. Unless you're like me and went around exploring caverns trying to train up rock-type pokēmon, it's pretty easy to get lost. Even the most seasoned of trainers find themselves trapped in a dead end."

That's... unnerving.

"The rock tunnel is especially dark, since it's deep below ground and the pokēmon there don't take too kindly to lanterns. They're pretty nocturnal. There's a lot of Golbats and just... regular bats flying around, so they tend to attack any unnatural light sources. Rats like to eat at the wires whenever miners try to install them. The bats and Golbats don't really like fire, though, so that's where Susie and Ruby will come in handy. Arcanine is... a little bit too big for the tunnels."

Blue paused in brushing his teeth, pulling his toothbrush out of his mouth and spitting the paste into the sink. Mouth covered in residue paste, he looked over his shoulder at the taller brunet. "Yeah, I figured. I never really went too deep into the tunnels before; I prefer traveling above ground, but Umbreon should be pretty helpful down there."

"Umbreon? Absolutely!" Brock looked pleased. I stood there in silence, brushing my teeth and listening to the two boys plan our route. "Her glow-in-the-dark fur markings will be a tremendous help! I have several flashlights and a ziploc full of extra batteries, but- again- the Golbats really don't like artificial light. Another thing to take note of is that they love to drink blood, so... uh... yeah."

A heavy pause.

"Susie and Ruby will really come in handy keeping them away. I don't think El can risk losing anymore blood..."

I made a face, finally removing my toothbrush and speaking in a monotone voice, "Don't remind me."

"I also have rope!" Brock continued. "And a compass. Just in case we get turned around... but I know my way around pretty well so we should be good. Of course... anything could happen in there, so we should make sure we're prepared and stay close to one another."

Blue washed off his toothbrush and face, and I waited until he was done to spit out the remainder paste and rinse off my brush, cleaning my face free of residue. Blue stretched his arms over his head with a loud yawn, bringing a hand up to scratch his cheek. "Just put leashes on us, why don't ya?"

"...I mean, I could but we would have to go back to the pokēmart in Cerulean City and get some-"

"I was joking!" Blue exclaimed, looking at him incredulously. "Don't actually! We're not dogs!"

Brock just laughed.

Shaking my head at the two boys, I splashed my face once more time and wiped it off with a towel, attempting to finish waking myself up. "We'll be fine. Nothing happened with Diglett Cave."

"True, but one can never be too careful."

Blue nodded in agreement. "He's right, kid. Besides, Team Rocket could be lurking in the rock tunnels."

That snapped me into awareness. My expression and mood soured immediately, and I could hear the pokēmon in the bedroom shuffle about nervously, even able to see some of them turning our way and watching the conversation with concerned eyes. "They're more likely stationed in Lavender Town right now." I muttered, remembering the most recent encounter with them. "All their rock tunnel goons were probably the ones that jumped me yesterday."

The two boys shared a look.

"...Probably wouldn't hurt to expect the worst, though." I added bitterly. If even just one goon remained in the tunnels, that itself alone was enough to be considered a threat. Walking past Blue, I moved to stand in the doorway and squatted down beside my backpack, grabbing my two blue ribbons and calling out to Ruby and Sapphire. They mewed and made their way over to me, and seeing the cloth they began to eye and sniff it with curiosity. "You guys wanna wear these? They'll look super cute!"

"Vulpi?" Sapphire asked, tilting her head.

Ruby mewed.

Having their permission, I carefully tied the blue ribbons around their necks- careful to leave it loose enough that it wouldn't bother them. They looked absolutely precious. "So... um... Ruby, hey." I wasn't really sure how I felt about asking for her help since she was still so young, but those Golbats were going to be dangerous. "When we make it to the tunnels, do you think you can scare away any flying pokēmon with your flames?"

"Pix?" She blinked at me. It took a second for my question to process, the pokēmon feeling for my emotions, before her eyes widened and she jumped, pawing at my legs with an excited meow. "Vulpix, vul!"

"Yeah?"

She nodded. "Vulpix!"

A grateful smile crossed my lips. I reached down to give her some chin scritches, and as I pet her I looked at the rest of my pokēmon, seeing them all staring at me. I felt my heart twist, knowing most of them would have to stay in their pokēballs for this particular journey, and knowing they were more than willing to do as I asked even if they didn't fully understand what I was saying because of my often conflicting and overwhelming emotions.

It didn't take long for my smile to turn bittersweet. "I probably have the most patient pokēmon in the world..."

Basil gave me a knowing look when I said that, while Ansem's ears twitched. He barked at me, and the pokēmon beside him took a small step forward. Basil's crimson eyes were sparkling. "Saur!"

Belladonna bounced up onto the bed, moving so she was eye-level with me. Her leafy arms hugged my head as best they could, earning a small laugh from me. She was so bashful when receiving compliments, but she never hesitates to give affection. "Weepin! Weepinbell!"

"I, uh, guess you're all agreeing with me there." What goofballs. I reached an arm up to hug Belladonna closer, moving to press a firm kiss to the side of her face. She squealed happily. "I... seriously don't deserve you."

They put up with so much.

My lack of experience as a trainer, my constant fear and anxiety, and the whirlwind that was my heart. I wouldn't have blamed them if they wanted to travel with someone else after the stunt I pulled yesterday. But... it was them that stopped me when I tried to escape again, forcing me to face Brock and Blue. They knew how I truly felt. Through the mess that was my emotions, one thing must have stood out to them- and that was how much I wanted to stay with my friends, and how much it hurt trying to make myself leave them.

"I-I think... you guys know me better than I know myself." I murmured quietly.

Brock and Blue were standing nearby now, Brock having finished folding the blankets and Blue having entered the bedroom. I had no doubt that they could hear this whole conversation, but I didn't mind. Not really. Not anymore. They were here... and that was all that mattered.

Worrying my bottom lip, I lowered my head and moved to hug my pokémon.

An arm around Belladonna, an arm around Ansem after he wandered over, and Ruby and Sapphire nuzzled against my stomach, their fur tickling my face, I choked back the lump that was forming in my throat. I could feel Basil curl his vines around my legs as he waddled over, the pokēmon pressing his face against my shins. "Th-Thank you. For... everything."

For staying with me. For choosing me.

For continuing to choose me.

I don't deserve it, but... I'm so glad you did.

"Vulpix!"

"Eva!"

"Weepin..."

"Vul?"

"Ivy..."

How did I end up with such precious friends and pokēmon?

For all the bad luck I seemed to possess, my luck in having met them was insurmountably good. Three weeks ago, I could never have imagined things getting to this point. This adventure had gone all wrong from the very start, yet somehow... it went wrong in the best way possible.

I looked up at Brock and Blue. The two boys were standing next to each other, watching silently. Blue blinked when he noticed my gaze, while Brock raised his brows with a curious hum.

My lips curled back in a shaky smile, and still hugging my pokémon I closed my eyes, fighting the tears as I grinned at them. "I'm... really glad I met you all."

Brock's expression softened, and he smiled back at me. "Same here, El. I'm glad... I was able to convince you to let me join your adventure. You're the first real friend I've ever had, and the reason I was able to figure out what I really want to do with my life. If not for you, I'd still be stuck at the gym."

"...I wouldn't really say you convinced me." I squinted at him, raising a brow as best I could. "You kinda just... decided to tag along and wouldn't take no for an answer."

"Fair enough!" He laughed. "Still, thanks. Meeting you has been a blessing, El."

Blue let out a loud groan, grimacing as he brought a hand up to tousle his hair, one his hands settling on his hip. "You guys are so mushy! I thought we had the big friendship speech last night?"

"Oh, we did. But we're also having one right now."

"Ugh."

Brock laughed at Blue's disgust, and I couldn't help but let out a small giggle of my own, feeling once again as though a massive weight had been lifted from my shoulders.

Blue, clearly having enough of us, marched into the bathroom to begin his shower. Waiting for him to be done, I decided to try and play with my pokēmon- petting them and letting Ruby and Sapphire nibble on my hands as they curled their paws around my arms. Sapphire seemed to really like her new ribbon, despite her confusion of it at first, while Ruby was showing it off proudly.

Seeing Ansem glare, I gave his nose a tiny bap. "There'll probably be something at Celadon City you can wear, okay? Be nice."

He barked at me.

After about fifteen minutes, Blue walked out and I was able to head in, and once I was done Blue grabbed his fanny pack and called his pokēmon back into their balls as soon he saw their bowls were empty. Brock and I did the same with ours, grabbing our backpacks, and the three of us, with Susie, Ruby, Ansem, and Umbreon in tow following either behind or in our arms, headed to the cafeteria to eat breakfast, and prepared to head out once we were full.

Brock readied the flashlights and emergency rope, Susie nestled comfortably on his broad shoulders, and led the way to the rock tunnels. Ansem sat on my shoulders as usual, paws and chin on top of my head, and I carefully held Ruby with one arm while Blue marched along with Umbreon walking at his side. No sooner had we entered the rock tunnels and began to climb out way down had we been hit with pitch blackness.

In that split second of the world being swallowed by darkness, my heart jumped... and fear flooded my being.

I couldn't see Brock or Blue below me. It was only Ansem and Ruby's warm fur against me that let me know I wasn't alone. My entire vision had gone black. It was as if I was back in that nightmare- the one where I had fallen into that... void.

After being swept up in the tidal wave, I had woken up in an area that was just as dark. The only difference is that in that pitch blackness... there had been a creature.

A beast.

One with gleaming crimson eyes and golden jaws, who stared at me and the woman I believed to be my sister menacingly. I didn't know what kind of creature it was, or if it was some kind of malicious pokēmon. It wasn't the one that harmed us or had caused the flood, but it certainly didn't like us being in its... domain.

Was it its domain?

It must have been. I can't imagine why else it looked so... angry.

Still, this place wasn't that place, but... the darkness scared me all the same.

"Lights on, everyone!" Brock exclaimed from the bottom of the ladder, and soon his flashlight was turning on, illuminating the area with light. Umbreon dashed ahead to lead the group, her golden fur sigils and gleaming red eyes making it easy to see her.

Gold... and red...

No, don't think about it.

That part was probably just the nightmare, not the memory.

Passing out the remaining two flashlights, as soon as Blue and I turned ours on, we could make out a lot more of our surroundings. I felt a wave of relief now that we weren't standing in pitch blackness, but looking up ahead- in the immediate front of us- we could see some Machop fast asleep beside some Gravelers. A couple bats were hanging upside down from the ceiling.

Susie and Ruby both tensed, preparing themselves to use Ember if any of them attacked.

Thankfully, they didn't. The bats didn't even seem to notice us, currently fast asleep, and we quickly turned our flashlights away from them so as to keep it that way. Glancing at the Gravelers, a thought came to mind. "Do... you think there's any Onix in here?"

Brock paused and glanced back at me. "Maybe. You want one?"

"N-No, not really, I was... I was just thinking we could get you a new one."

He stared at me.

I shifted uncomfortably, holding the flashlight with both hands. I felt Ansem rubbing his paws and nibbling on my now much shorter hair. "I-I mean, we would have been in a lot of trouble without him before! He saved us when we fell into the trap at Nugget Bridge, and... again when the S.S Anne sunk, so..."

"The kid has a point." Blue mused, facing our friend with a raised brow. "And you do specialize in rock pokēmon. If anyone could tame a wild Onix, it would be you. We don't know what we'll have to face in the future- and it could be a lot harder without a trusty Onix on our side."

Brock folded his arms over his chest and furrowed his brows, thinking about it. "You both make really good points... I guess it could be fun to raise a new Onix, but getting it to trust me will be difficult. They're peaceful creatures, so long as they're not threatened, but... they're stubborn."

"Then I guess you'll just have to win it over." Blue joked. "You did it before, you can do it again!"

"...True. But they won't just allow anyone to be it's trainer. Unlike Vulpix or Bulbasaur or even most Eevee, an Onix is a pokēmon you'll have to fight if you want it's respect. And if there was an Onix in here," Brock held his flashlight up and observed the area, the two of us and Umbreon starting to follow him deeper into the tunnel system, "I think it would have made itself known by now. Wild Onix devour large boulders and even unsuspecting smaller pokēmon as it burrows and digs through the earth. It's pretty dangerous for miners to work in areas like this when an Onix is around, because of the-"

He never got to finish speaking.

The ground beneath us, and even above us, began to shake. Ansem let out a frightened bark as we stumbled and swayed, the three of us struggling to stay upright. A small yelp escaping my lips, Brock reached out to snatch my wrist, pulling me to him just in time to avoid several large pieces of rock and dirt and dust that came falling down right where I had been standing seconds before. I stared at the debris with big eyes, fearful of just how close I was to getting crushed.

"Because of that!?" Blue demanded, practically hugging the nearest wall, Umbreon's side pressed firmly against his legs, her fur spiked up from fright.

Brock looked alarmed as he glanced around the area, only to quickly look up at the ceiling. Letting go of me, he shined his flashlight down a pathway opposite of the Machop and Gravelers. "This way!"

We took off running, chasing after the rock-type specialist as best we could as the cavern continued to shake.

All around us the caves trembled, dirt and the occasional debris crumbling from the rock ceiling. By some miracle, through Brock's guidance, the boy having maneuvered through a dangerous tunnel more than once in his life whilst training his pokēmon, we managed to safely make our way down to the second level.

Stopping to catch our breath, we looked up to find that the worst of the shaking had stopped.

I was breathless. "Th-That was..."

"An Onix, yeah." Brock flashed us a sheepish smile. "Sorry. I should've thought about the possibility before coming here. It completely slipped my mind until you brought up catching one..."

"At least we know now." Blue sighed, shaking his head. The boy waved a hand in the air. "Honestly, I knew they caused miners trouble, but I didn't think it was to this extent. Guess I should've crawled around in more underground tunnels when I was younger..."

Brock let out a laugh, bringing a hand up to scratch the back of his head. "Trust me, it's probably better that you didn't. It's rough even on seasoned rock-type trainers like me. I had to get special permission from the league before I could actually raise my Onix. They're huge and can cause a lot of trouble if you aren't prepared for the responsibility."

Oh. "So, like, how people usually have to go to a trainer's school before they can become a pokēmon trainer...?"

"Yeah." Brock beamed at me. "That's exactly it! But that's only if you want to be a professional trainer. If you want to keep smaller pokēmon, like... Pikachu or Eevee, as pets, then you just need to get a few lessons from your local pokēmon professor. It's not as long or difficult a process."

"Lucky you, kid." Blue walked over and poked my cheek. "You got yourself special permission from Officer Jenny and my gramps to be a trainer, even without going to school for it."

"...I guess so." I leaned away from Blue's finger and stepped back, looking at the pokēballs hanging from my backpack. I reached up to scratch Ansem's head, shifting my hold on the ever-calm Ruby to make sure I didn't drop her. "I never... really thought about it much."

"I'm not surprised."

"Anyways..." Brock began, changing the subject. He waved his flashlight around, trying to locate the best path to take as there appeared to be several. "The rumbling has totally stopped now. The Onix that caused it is probably nearby. It might even be on this level."

Suddenly, Umbreon jumped forward, the yellow sigils on her ebony fur guiding our way. "Umbre~!"

"Huh? Hey, girl, where're you goin'!?" Blue hurried after her, and sharing a look Brock and I followed the pair deeper into the tunnel system. "Umbreon! Hey!"

Umbreon led us through several twists and turns, past several Gravelers and Digletts, and upon seeing a few Golbat floating around Ruby and Susie scared them off with a few bursts of Ember. At one point, Ruby's Ember almost looked like Fire Spin, which was rather alarming as she hadn't been in many battles. She should only be around level five right now.

Was it because of Blue's training...? Or was it because of the special food mix Brock likes to feed them? Wait, could it have been because I fought Kōga? His pokēmon were incredibly high level in comparison to Ruby and Sapphire, so the experience points that were shared from beating him and the trainers in his gym might have boosted them up considerably. What level are my Vulpix right now? What level is Brock's?

I... need to check my pokédex later.

When Umbreon finally came to a halt, we saw it wasn't because we had reached an exit- but because she was staring down a large creature, one that was about twenty-eight feet long and just as big. A pair of harsh black eyes was staring down at us, glaring.

"That's..." Brock was stunned. "That's a female Onix."

Blue snapped his head back to look at the boy, stunned. "Does that really matter? Take out your Zubat and Geodude, and win it over already! She's about to attack!"

Oh gods.

I took a few steps back, greatly alarmed by the size of the rock-type pokēmon. I didn't mind Brock's original Onix since I knew he was friendly and wouldn't hurt anyone since he was treated so well, but this was a wild Onix in front of us and she could very easily smash us to bits with her tail.

"Geodude, Zubat, go!" Brock pulled out his pokēballs and tossed them, the two pokēmon appearing in a flash of red light. "Geodude, use Rollout! Zubat, Venoshock!"

The Onix let out a loud, ear-piercing screech, causing the area around us to tremble and shake. The Geodude bounced as it rolled at full speed along the ground, but because of the sheer size of the opponent it didn't miss its mark, ramming hard into her tail.

Zubat flapped its wings and flew high up, and while Onix was distracted by the sudden pain in her side the bat-pokēmon coughed up and spat a large pool of toxic acid onto her body. Onix roared and thrashed, and debris began to fall from the ceiling. Her tail smacked into the walls and created several cracks and craters.

Blue jumped back, shouting at Brock to be careful, while Umbreon let out several loud barks- warning us of the Golbats that were flying our way from behind. The former Champion glanced behind us with wide eyes, and I threw an arm out, letting my Vulpix jump out of my arms. "Ruby, Susie! Now!"

The two pokēmon ran forward, Susie hopping off of Brock's shoulder, and they opened their mouths to breath out an impressive wave of flames. I gaped at the move they just did, and seeing Susie also performing Flamethrower I couldn't help but wonder if Brock and Blue had encountered some wild pokēmon or even trainers on their way to find me yesterday. Switching back-and-forth between Flamethrower and Fire Spin, they were successfully keeping the Golbats at bay, scaring them off from trying to bite and drink our blood.

"El, take out your grass-types!" Brock called. "I need their help to restrain Onix! She'll bury us before I can catch her at this rate!"

Damn it...!

Grabbing the pokēballs off my backpack I held them up, arms crossed over my chest, and pressed the buttons to release them before tossing my arms out to the side. "Basil, Bella! Vine Whip, now!"

"Weepin!"

"Ivyyyyy~saur!"

The two pokēmon appeared in a flash of red light. Quick to take notice of the situation the duo worked together, shooting their vines out to hold the Onix down and in place. I tried not to cringe at the sight, steeling myself and my emotions, unable to help but feel bad for the Onix that had just been going about her business.

To this day, I still can't stand pokēmon battles.

Whatever it is I'm going to do after we defeat Team Rocket, it's definitely not going to involve battling. My pokēmon and I are just going to do something peaceful and relaxing. What that peaceful and relaxing thing is, though, I'm not really sure. I'll have to figure it out.

Maybe... it should involve something I like.

Like... flowers. Yeah.

I like flowers.

Maybe when I'm older I can run a flower shop or something. That might be nice.

Flower shops are a thing that exist, right?

We haven't really come across one yet, but they have to be somewhere. I don't really know how to set one up or how to run one, but from what it sounds like you basically just grow flowers and sell them. I don't know the first thing about gardening either, but I do have grass-type pokēmon. Basil and Belladonna might be able to help. Oh, maybe I can get more grass-type pokēmon; that would be nice too. I know there are some interesting types in Hoenn.

A Treecko would be cool... If my memory is correct, their evolution grows and sprouts flower seeds on its back. That'd be perfect for running a flower shop.

Maybe I should get a book on gardening in Celadon City.

"El..." Blue's voice snapped me out of my thoughts and I blinked, having been zoning out so hard that I completely forgot we were in a battle for a moment. He looked at me with a raised brow. "Are you good?"

"Huh? O-Oh, uh, yeah. Sorry." I glanced back up at Onix, cringing when she let out a roar, the large rock-type pokēmon squirming and fighting against the vines Basil and Belladonna had used to hold her in place. The two grass-types grunted, being tugged along the ground. "I just..."

Hrm.

"I dunno. I think I figured out something I wanna do after we're done with everything."

Blue blinked, then gave me an incredulous look. "Right now? In the middle of this mess?"

"I-I'm sorry! My brain just... went in one direction and kept going and-"

"Hold that thought!" Blue reached over to his fanny pack and threw out a pokēball. "Machamp, help 'em out!"

The large four-armed pokēmon ran over to Basil and Belladonna, grabbing hold of them and their vines to keep them from being sent flying. "Maaachamp!"

"Weepin!" Belladonna looked so relieved at the larger pokémon's assistance.

"Zubat, hit Onix with another Venoshock!" Brock ordered, sliding to the left and dodging some falling debris. "She's almost down!"

As soon as Zubat did as commanded, covering the poor Onix is another giant helping of acidic goop, Geodude rammed into her side again. He did this two more times before she fell onto her front with a pained grunt, and Geodude uncurled himself and bounced back, flexing his stone arms and preparing himself for another attack. As this happened, Zubat began to glow- shimmering with a blinding white light, and when it faded the Zubat was revealed to have evolved into a Golbat.

Brock let out a small laugh of delight upon seeing this, and pulled out a pokēball. "Alright, you two! Get back! It's my turn! Take... this!"

Reeling his arm back, he tossed the pokēball with all he had. The wounded Onix blinked and looked up, her eyes wide as the pokēball made contact with her nose. Enveloped in a red light, she was pulled into the pokēball, and we all watched with bated breath as the pokēball fell to the ground and twitched.

It flashed once... twice...

Brock readied himself another pokēball.

Three times...

He slid a foot back, getting ready to toss it for as soon as she burst back out.

Four times...

Brock furrowed his brows.

Click!

The pokēball turned green. It stopped moving. Onix had been successfully caught.

Blue, our pokēmon, and I all let out sighs of relief, and Brock ran over with a pleasantly surprised laugh, the boy disbelieving that she let herself get caught so easily. "That was one heck of a fight! I was a little worried we'd end up buried for a second there..."

He picked up the pokēball. Tapping it and summoning her, Onix appeared in the area, curled around her new trainer, wounded and aching. Brock rested a hand against her rocky face and gave her an apologetic smile, before reaching into one of his many pockets and feeding her a couple berries.

"Sorry about the ambush, ma'am. But we really need your help. I hope you aren't too mad about this..."

"Groaaah..."

"Yeah, I know. Here, I have just the thing to patch up your wounds!" He slid off his backpack. Setting the flashlight on the ground, he reached into his bag and pulled out a super potion, carefully moving to spray it where she was hurt. "This might sting a little, but it'll make you feel better in no time! See? Those berries I gave you should have helped with the poison from my Golbat."

Onix didn't move or say anything until he was done and all of her injuries had been healed. She rolled her tail along the earth and stood up as tall as she could in this underground tunnel, glancing down at herself and then at Brock.

He beamed at her. "A quiet one, huh?"

She narrowed her eyes at him, but when he failed to flinch or back down from her stare she let out a huff. "Graaaooh."

"That's okay! I can talk for the both of us. I'll feed you lots of berries and treats once we get out of here, so don't you worry! I think you'll like the snacks I make."

A snort, and then she returned to the pokēball. Brock held it up with a grin. "Yeah... I think we'll get along just great. Good work, everybody!" He looked up at his pokēmon and then at Blue and I, beaming at Machamp, Basil, and Belladonna. "Our teamwork's seriously improving! Blue, pulling out Machamp to help keep Onix down, while simultaneously making sure Basil and Bella weren't swept away? That was some quick thinking!"

"...Well, yeah, obviously." He seemed a bit flustered by the compliment, even though he always bragged about his skill and battle prowess. Blue placed his hands on his hips, lifting his head up haughtily. "I was the Champion, you know."

"Still, it was a great move! Y'know, if you didn't have your heart set on working with your grandfather, I think you'd make one heck of a gym leader."

Blue barked a laugh. "As if! I'm good, thanks. Maybe if the league is really desperate or something, but as far as I'm aware all the gyms in Kanto are spoken for."

"I dunno..." Brock pocketed his pokēballs, calling back his Golbat and Geodude, and brought a hand to his chin. "We haven't seen Viridian City's gym leader in a while. I wonder if he's okay...? He's never really showed up in meetings either- at least, not in person."

"Yeah." Blue frowned deeply, calling his Machamp back and folding his arms over his chest. I wandered over to give Basil and Belladonna some berries and scritches before summoning them back into their pokēballs, and then headed over to coo at Ruby and Susie, giving them praise and affection for scaring off the big bad Golbats. While I did so, I also kept an ear out- listening to the conversation happening behind me. "What is up with that? He only ever showed up in meetings through a computer screen, but even then he always kept his face hidden. Heck, when I fought him for his gym badge all those years back, he stayed hidden behind this really thick curtain."

"I guess some people just like to be mysterious..."

Sounds suspicious to me.

Scooping the two Vulpix up with my arms, I wandered over to hand Susie to Brock- who was quick to pepper her in kisses for her hard work- and then picked up his abandoned flashlight, giving it to him. As he took it, I frowned. "We can just ask him about it when I go to get his badge. Simple as that."

"Here's hoping he's even at his gym when we show up." Blue snorted. "We should probably save him for last. That way we don't waste time on a wild goose chase."

Brock nodded, raising his brows and making a bit of a face. "That's... probably not a bad idea."

"Eva!" Ansem agreed, Umbreon barking to show she seconded that decision.

With that, we continued on our way.

The rock tunnels turned into a complete maze, getting us turned around more often than not. Umbreon had apparently led us in a direction Brock had been unfamiliar with, so the boy ended up bringing out the compass he mentioned before to try and help with the navigation, even tying his flashlight to his belt so he could map out which ways we've gone.

We ended up trapped in the rock tunnels for at least three and a half hours as a result.

Brock, Blue, and I also had to book it from a wild Kangaskhan, who appeared very upset by our presence. Standing at a height of over nine feet, we decided not to stick around, and as soon as she focused her red eyes on us we bolted, forgoing the map entirely in favor of safety. While running, we dashed by several wandering Cubone- who were deeply startled by our presence and started screeching, throwing random bones at us- and Ruby and Susie had to scare off even more Golbats.

At some point, without my realizing, my Ruby had leveled up high enough that she was capable of using more powerful moves. I had no doubt that it was probably the same case for Sapphire, too.

Thankfully, at some point, we finally reached an area that was familiar to Brock and he was able to lead us through the underground tunnels and back to the outside, where we were greeted by the glorious, if not blinding, light of the sun.

We practically collapsed outside the entrance, wheezing and struggling to catch our breath.

"I hate caves..." I gasped out, falling onto my back in my exhaustion.

I was used to exercise, but man was that awful. My poor legs have never run so fast and hard in their life. That Kangaskhan and those Cubone really had it out for us. To make matters worse, after having been in the dark for so long, the bright sunlight was burning my eyes. It reminded me of how it felt when Rich and Velga escorted me to that horrible helicopter on the surface for the first time after keeping me underground for nine years.

I felt dizzy. "I really... hate them..."

"Don't say that!" Blue tried to joke, tossing a hand tiredly in the air. "What would... your prince charming say... if he heard you...? If he gave you that stone, he probably... found it in a cave or something..."

"Shut... up..."

"Is anyone else hungry?" Brock asked, chest heaving as he also remained sprawled flat on his back. He turned his head to look at us. "I think I have... enough energy to... cook us lunch..."

"I am starving." Blue groaned, rolling onto his side. "All that running made me so hungry."

"I won't... say no to food..." I wheezed.

Slowly but surely, we gathered the strength to sit up and move somewhere a little more fitting for a picnic. We took off our backpacks, and while Brock got to work setting up his cookware, Blue and I plopped on the ground and sprawled out once more. We lazily released our pokēmon from their balls, and Brock did the same with his own- allowing Golbat, Susie, Geodude, and even the newly caught Onix to stretch out and relax.

As promised, Brock fed Onix several more berries. The large snake-like rock pokēmon coiled around our group, scaring off any threats that would dare to approach. As it turns out, she was a little bit finicky with the berries she would eat, only really favoring the sour ones. Brock was definitely going to have an interesting time raising her.

Once I had caught my breath, the dizziness going away, I pushed myself up with my elbows- staring blankly at Ansem who had taken to sitting on my stomach, and Ruby and Sapphire who were on my lap. Further down, Basil had commandeered both of my legs, while Belladonna was left to cuddle with my knees.

Considering this wasn't the first time they've all climbed up on me while laying down, I wasn't surprised in the least. "...Are you guys comfy?"

"Eva!" Ansem answered, stretching his mouth wide open in a yawn. His fangs were showcased for all to see.

So cute.

"Hey, El." Blue spoke, and I paused to look up at him. Umbreon curled up in his lap, the boy running his fingers through her fur, he eyed me curiously. "You said something about how you... figured out what you wanna do earlier? What was that all about?"

Oh. Right. "I..."

This was a difficult subject to talk about.

I hesitated for a moment, looking down at the pokēmon clinging to me. I worried my bottom lip. To keep myself calm, I began to play with Ansem's fuzzy mane- occasionally moving to pet Ruby and Sapphire or Basil and Belladonna instead. I noticed Ruby and Sapphire had five tails each now. "I've been... trying to... figure out what I'm going to do after... Team Rocket is taken down."

Blue blinked, and nodded his head slowly. "Okay... I remember that one guy asking what your plan was. You didn't really give a detailed answer, though."

Back then, I had just said I would do whatever was needed. That still held true. "But..."

Taking a deep breath, I closed my eyes and furrowed my brows.

"But... until recently, I... I never really thought I had a future."

Brock, who was stirring up another creamy vegetable stew- like the one he had made back at Bill's house- froze and snapped his head up. "What?"

A heavy sigh escaped my lips, and I looked down at my pokēmon with slumped shoulders. "At first, I thought... I could take Adrien away and raise him myself. Somewhere he won't be hurt. Then... I realized I wasn't capable of taking care of anyone. I thought... maybe... maybe once all of this was done..." My lips curled back and I swallowed thickly, feeling a lump catch in my throat again. "I thought... I thought I could just... not exist?"

A heavy silence filled the air, and I couldn't bring myself to look at either of the boys to see their reaction.

"B-But... no matter what happens, I... keep surviving. It's the only thing I've ever been good at. Day after day, in Team Rocket, I... fought to survive. I clung to a faded memory and promise like a lifeline so I wouldn't die. A-And after I got out... no matter how much they've tried to kill me, I just... wouldn't die. So... then I thought- what if I just... go somewhere where I won't be found, and... live my life alone? I won't hurt anyone. No one will get hurt because of me. I'll... make sure Adrien has somewhere good to live and vanish."

"El..." Brock sounded horrified.

Blue, on the other hand, sounded like he was torn between panic and rage. He sounded as if he were about to get up from his spot despite the Umbreon on his lap, and march his way over to shake some sense into me. "Kid, I know what you've been through must have been hell, but-"

"But if I vanish," I continued quietly, not letting him finish his sentence, "then I'll... never get to see either of you again. I won't... get to see my pokēmon."

Blue went silent.

"I... don't want to die anymore." I confessed. "I don't... want to vanish. I-I want to stay with you guys. I... I want to see Adrien grow up. I-I'll still do whatever I have to; if... Team Rocket resurfaces or someone tries to hurt us, I'll do what I have to do to stop them. But... that's not really a future, you know? And... And I..."

I squeezed my eyes tightly shut, ducking my head and allowing my bangs to fall into my face.

Ansem mewed, making biscuits on my belly, while Sapphire and Ruby's cold noises pressed against my legs. Basil nudged me with his snout, and Belladonna hugged me with her leafy arms. Their affection was so pure, so loving, it almost felt like I was drowning in it. I'm not sure if I would ever get used to it. Their warmth, and Brock and Blue's warmth... it was always so surreal to me.

Which made putting them through all this all the more painful. "I hate pokēmon battles. I... I don't want to keep doing them after Team Rocket is destroyed."

"...Yeah, I figured." Brock's voice was soft, and his response startled me. I snapped my head up and whirled around to look at him, unable to believe what he just said. The former gym leader smiled at me. "Once I got to know you, I realized that you shut yourself down during battles- not because you're scared, but... because you just don't like seeing the pokēmon hurt."

I'm not even surprised anymore; Brock notices everything, down to the smallest detail. It's rather ridiculous how observant he is.

"You're an incredible trainer, El. But... if pokēmon battling isn't for you, then that's okay."

"I can't relate there." Blue said, gazing at me and slowly lifting his eyes to stare up at the cloudy blue sky. "I love battling. It's... like a rush. I love getting stronger and watching my pokémon grow. But... I don't necessarily want to live my life doing nothing but that, though. So... yeah." He turned his brown gaze back to me. "Brock's right, squirt. If you don't wanna battle after everything's over with, then that's fine. It's your life, and you get to choose what to do with it."

It's my life.

I turned my attention to the Onix by Brock's side. "But... that's basically why I started thinking. I don't want to battle, but... I don't really know what it is I want to do. I don't know where I'll end up after we take down Team Rocket. I just know I don't want to battle. So... I was thinking, if I could do anything... I'd want to do something... peaceful with my pokēmon. Something that wouldn't get them hurt. Something... I would like."

Blue frowned then. "But you don't know what you like."

"I like the color blue." I reminded him, turning my brown eyes to meet his own. The boy blinked. It had been a previous conversation with him that led to me discovering this about myself. "And... I like flowers."

"So, what? You wanna garden?"

I gave a small shrug. "Dunno. I just think a flower shop might be... y'know..."

"Fun?"

My brain processed that word for a moment, pondering what fun felt like, and it didn't take long for me to equate that word with bad puns and the time I would spend with Brock, Blue, and all our pokēmon. It wasn't a word I would have thought of immediately, but it was certainly an accurate description for what I was thinking growing flowers might feel like. "Yeah. Maybe."

"Well, I think it's a lovely dream." Brock said, offering another smile as he went back to stirring the stew, adding a few herbs for flavor. "With your Ivysaur and Weepinbell by your side, you should get a hang of it. Grass-types are good with plants. With their guidance, and plenty of books to get you started, you should have a flower garden growing in no time."

Expression brightening considerably, my heart swelled with warmth, and what could only be excitement shimmered in my eyes.

The prospect of having a future, one where I wasn't going to be alone, one where I wouldn't be miserable, one where I could still see Brock and Blue and my precious pokēmon, and having an idea of what that future will be, and even making plans for it, was filling me with a... joy I could barely contain. "You think so?"

"Of course!" He beamed at me. "You can do anything you put your mind to, El! Trust me on that. You are you, and you can do whatever it is you want to."

I am... me.

"I am feeling a little more like me." I confessed, feeling oddly bashful as I said it, looking down at my pokēmon before reaching up to fiddle with my hair. The short strands felt somehow familiar and foreign at the same time. It was the first time I ever had short hair in my life, and yet it feels like this was always how it was meant to be. "I don't feel... wrong."

"Wrong?"

I shook my head. "I dunno how to explain it. I don't feel... like I'm the me I'm supposed to be? Most days? It's weird. I just felt wrong. But... now I feel a little closer to right? Does that make any sense?"

He thought about it. "I think so..."

Blue hummed, scratching his Umbreon behind the ears. She purred and rolled onto her back, allowing her trainer to rub her belly with his other hand. "It does. You were forced by Team Rocket to become a puppet, right? Yet you always knew you weren't one. Now that you're out of there, you're breaking free of what they tried to make you be."

I'm not entirely sure that's it, but I don't know enough about myself to refute it.

I chose to remain silent instead, merely thinking about his words, and during that time Brock finished cooking the stew and cheered, happily informing us lunch was ready. He was in the middle of dishing out bowls for everyone, the boy about to hand me an extra big bowl as I needed to stack up on iron and nutrients after all my bloodloss yesterday, when the bushes suddenly shook.

We froze, and Ansem and Umbreon quickly jumped to alert- growling and glaring. Onix herself shifted, coiling around to hover above Brock, prepared to scare off any attackers, but the rest of the pokēmon paused and stared, mimicking their trainers alarmed faces, as the bushes rustled again and a very unexpected pokēmon came waddling out.

Furry pastel pink hands carefully holding an egg resting in their tummy pouch, the Chansey made their way over to us, stopping just a few feet away with a bright smile. She tilted her head at us, sniffing the air, her big blue eyes gazing at Brock's vegetable cream stew with intrigue.

"...Uh, hello there!" Brock greeted awkwardly, and held out the bowl he was about to give me to the Chansey. "Would you... like some?"

She bounced with excitement. "Chansey!"

The Chansey hurried over. Once close enough, she took the bowl from Brock and eyed the stew greedily before lifting it up to her lips. She yelped when it burned her tongue, blowing on it frantically afterwards, only to chug it down without hesitation. I'm not even sure she chewed the vegetables that were in it.

After she was finished, she held the bowl back out to Brock with a smile. "Chansey! Chansey, chanse!"

The teen was still quite dumbfounded by her abrupt appearance. "Did you like it?"

Chansey nodded.

Brock let out a small chuckle. "Glad to hear it! I have to ask, though- are you from a nearby pokēcenter?"

"Chansey!"

"No? Did you wander away from your trainer, then? Do you have a trainer?"

She thought for a minute, then shook her head. "Chansey..."

The pokēmon startled, as if remembering what she came out here to do before she got distracted by the smell of delicious food.

"Chansey!"

All the pokēmon have eased up by now, Ansem and Umbreon and even Onix relaxing. Instead of glaring, they just watched curiously as Chansey looked around the area- searching for the person or pokēmon that had led her here.

From what I understood of Chansey, they were a pokēmon that were drawn to those that were injured or ill. They could sense the pain and sadness of any living being nearby. Instinctively driven to help these individuals, they would go in search for them. Unfortunately, because of the miraculous healing properties their eggs possessed, Chansey pokēmon were quickly hunted down by poachers and thieves.

It didn't take long for the species to become endangered.

Eventually, to not only save the Chansey species but to also help these fairy pokēmon fulfill their desire to help the wounded and sickly, they were recruited into the nursing program.

That's why they can be found at Pokēcenters.

I just... never knew about every head nurse being identical and sharing the name Joy.

Team Rocket didn't like to teach their abducted children everything, it seemed.

"Chansey!" The pokēmon's gaze finally landed on Blue, before turning to me. She appeared conflicted. "Chansey..."

Chansey turned to face Brock. She lifted the egg she was carrying and held it out to him, and once he took it- cradling it gently to his chest so he wouldn't drop it, as he was still holding the bowl- Chansey waved a hand at me and Blue. Brock raised his brows, glancing back at us and then at her, then back at us, until understanding dawned. "...Oh, I get it! You want to feed the egg to both of them, right?"

She looked so happy he understood her. "Chansey!"

"Okay. Well, I should boil this up first, then-"

Before he could finish, she was already holding her hands out. Closing her eyes, a pink light began to emit from her body towards the egg. Slowly but surely, the egg seemed to... change, shining in a way it could only do if it had been Soft-Boiled. It was as if the shell had never been there in the first place, having become one with the meal. Once she was satisfied with the outcome, she pulled her hands back and smiled sweetly at him. "Chansey."

Brock stared at her and then at the egg in his hands. "That... works too. Thank you! Okay. Let me fill El's bowl up and I'll cut this in half for both of them!"

"Chansey!"

I hope you guys enjoyed this chapter! Let me know what you all think in the comments, and have a wonderful day/night wherever you are! Stay safe! 💕