Vulpix could only stare at Brock as he changed against the backdrop of the Sundown. The veil of light enveloping him slowly dimmed, revealing someone new.
He stood on lean yet powerful legs. An orange-brownish pelt covered his body, with a large bush of a tail behind. His thickened mane was almost cloudlike, yet stony spikes jutting just before it. His head almost seemed like it had been chiseled in a lupine ideal, angular in a sleek and precise manner. Yet, by far the most noticeable feature of all were the eyes, which almost seemed to glow with an emerald sheen to them.
Vulpix froze. Brock as a Rockruff could be described as cute, charming, even adorable in way. The… Lycanroc before her instead radiated an innate savage appeal of his own, made all the greater with how he now towered over her.
Brock stared at her, his nose twisting as he breathed in the scents around him.
"... Brock?" Vulpix was the one to break the silence. She couldn't imagine that
The Lycanroc twisted his neck and flexed his legs. "Sorry," he said, his voice much deeper, more like his old voice. "It's just…. I feel dizzy. Like… all the blood in my body stopped for a second and now it just started moving again."
"I heard that's how it feels to evolve, Brock." Zubat said. "Probably has to do with growing so much all at once."
"That might be how it is," Brock said. He looked at his feet and then curled his body to look at his sides and frowned. "... I did it too early. I didn't turn into a Midnight Lycanroc."
"It's okay, Brock… Maybe Lycanbrock?" Geodude gave his equivalent of a shrug. "Look, I know you were looking forward to having hands, but look, we can manage it. You've been a Rockruff for a month now. It's just going to be more of that."
"You're right, but I was really hoping for being able to hold things without using my mouth. " Brock accepted. "I guess I got too excited and let go of myself too early."
Brock then took several cautionary steps forward, first uneasily and then more stridently as quickly he built confidence. He then leapt into the air and landed on Onix's back. "Hey, big guy! Just wanted to see how far I can go."
Onix seemed amused. "No bother. You seem strong."
"I feel strong," the Lycanroc agreed.
Vulpix shifted uncomfortably from where she stood. Just looking at Brock now made her feel uneasy. There was almost an air of casual power about him, a simple grace in how he moved coupled with natural confidence.
"Not sure about the pelt though. I thought Midday Lycanrocs were basically grown up versions of Rockruff, but my coat is practically orange," Brock said as he looked over himself again. "Are there any other changes?"
"...Your eyes turned green," Vulpix answered, almost lost in those beautiful eyes of his.
"Huh, so, I might not be a Midday Lycanroc then. I'm supposed to have blue eyes. That might be something to ask Zorua about when we see her next," Brock muttered. He then tilted his head and turned towards Vulpix. "Are you okay? You're shivering."
"I might be a little cold," Vulpix technically wasn't lying. It did feel like the temperature dropped suddenly. She turned her head away.
"We'll get you insi-" Brock head then jolted, aiming towards the sky. He took several sniffs in the air.
Vulpix's head shifted, too, as a fragrance that smelled like an expensive perfume filled the air, the sort of thing her human mother would make her wear when wanting to make an impression.
Brock took that impression and leapt with his powerful legs out of the patio they were in and onto the streets of the village. "I'm coming, my sweetheart!" he shouted before moving out of earshot.
"What just happened!" Zubat panicked so much she almost fell to the ground.
"... I think Brock's acting on some bad habits he hadn't had to deal with in a while!" Geodude answered.
"Zubat. Vulpix. Chase after trainer," Onix gave an order.
Vulpix shook her body and got over her surprise. Onix's command made it easier to think about what to do next. "What about the check out?"
"We can handle that. Just make sure our trainer isn't in any trouble. You girls are faster, so it's got to be you!"
"We're right on it!" Zubat said as she took to the skies.
Vulpix nodded to her friend and then did what was asked. She climbed over the fencing and railings in the direction her trainer went, with Zubat flying overhead.
The scent of that perfume was hard to pick out among the crowded streets, but Vulpix did not need to rely on her nose to find her trainer.
Instead, she followed the trail of awestruck passersby who saw him, their voices shocked.
"Who was that!? I've never seen a Lycanroc with fur like that before!"
"Is he a noble of some sort?"
"When did he get into town?"
"I saw him going after the priestess!"
Upon hearing the last one, Vulpix redoubled her efforts and took off in a dash.
"My, aren't you so handsome?" said an unfamiliar voice, in a tone that sent chills up her back.
Vulpix and Zubat rounded a corner and found something like it was right out of the fox's nightmare.
The Ninetales before her was… everything that Vulpix hoped she could hope to be when she finally evolved. Long chains of polished beads wrapped around her immaculate golden fur, yet none of that seemed to bother her in the slightest. She walked around her trainer with effortless grace and perfected poise, her tails moved with purpose as she curled them around the Lycanroc's body. A potent aroma of wild flowers surrounded her.
"And with such an unusual coloration, you must get plenty of attention, don't you?" her voice, now that Vulpix was up close, could practically feel how soothing it was.
It caused the smaller fox to shudder, seeing someone so utterly outclass her.
"...You have such an elegant coat yourself," Brock managed to say. It was obvious to everyone that he was struggling to speak. "And such beautiful beads, they complement it very well by providing a color contrast."
"And so knowledgeable, too! Most peasants are unaware of the finer arts, so that might not be what you are," said the Ninetales. She then turned her head toward Vulpix and Zubat. "And who might you be?"
"I… Brock… who is this?" Vulpix stammered.
"I… don't know," Brock managed to say. "I just… followed my nose."
The Ninetales bore a vulpine grin. "My, isn't that so?" she laughed. "You can call me Kyuko. So, you have a name and it is Brock? How nice to meet you." She then placed a paw onto his. "You're clearly important."
Brock's vibrant eyes widened. "It's good to meet you, too. You are the most beautiful creature I have ever seen…"
Vulpix felt her heart shake.
Kyuko's smirk only grew. "Flatterer, aren't you?" It was clear to Vulpix she enjoyed Brock's advances. It was the first time any female had responded so well to Brock's attempts to woo them over.
Vulpix felt a conflict boiling inside of her. On the one paw, she knew she was supposed to cheer him on, to praise him for finally finding someone who seemed appropriate for him. On the other, she did not like the attention this stranger gave her trainer. "Brock," she managed to say. "We have to get going. We're supposed to go back to the inn."
"Oh…" Brock shook himself. "I…I suppose I have to get going."
"A pity," Kyuko shrugged. "But I suppose we all have our own duties as well. I must also be going to my responsibilities as well." Her muzzle formed into a grin once more. "But I think we can afford to meet each other again."
"Oh?" Brock yipped.
"I live in the Capital most times each Moon. You can find me working in the Temple of Unification," she promised.
"Temple of Unification?" said Zubat. "Uh, we're… not from Citrine, so we don't know what that means."
"Outsiders then?" Kyuko seemed very amused upon hearing that. "Well, it's only the largest temple in all of Citrine, created at the end of the Last War, ensuring a promise of unity for all Maiju within Citrine. You can't miss it."
"Right. Thank you. I hope we can see each other again," Brock promised.
"I hope we do, too," Kyuko flicked her tails and then sauntered off. "Farewell, Brock."
Vulpix breathed a sigh of relief as the Ninetales walked away. She had seen many of them before, but never in her whole life had she ever felt so… inadequate.
Brock's tongue lolled out of his mouth, his breaths heavy. "I… wow…" He seemed lost in some fantasy.
Vulpix did not know if it was appropriate to talk about what happened.
Zubat flew down and bent her head towards one of Vulpix's ears. She whispered in a low tone, "I don't like her. She didn't even ask us for our names."
"We don't have names," Vulpix whispered back.
"That isn't the point."
Granted, it wasn't much of a big deal back home as most Pokémon lacked them even in the wild. Though, she had a sneaking suspicion that it might have been more important here.
"...Uh, Vulpix, Zubat." Brock started to speak. "Sorry, I did that. I.. .don't know what came over me."
"It was what comes over you every time you saw a pretty enough girl, Brock!" Zubat said, as she flew over him. "Just, you know, it's the first time you've done this as a Pokémon!"
"I…guess it turned out as well as it could have," Brock sighed. He then caught Vulpix's eyes and abruptly turned away, hiding his face. "I think the inn is that way."
"That's the way!" Zubat answered back, flapping overhead.
As both Zubat and Vulpix went into the direction of the inn, Vulpix followed slowly behind.
She couldn't stop thinking about the Ninetales.
Kyuko clearly was not an average Pokémon; someone like her, with her casual beauty and her social role at a great and important temple. She was upper class, there was no doubt about it. Her attraction to Brock was worrying in its own way.
The small fox knew she shouldn't have been thinking about her so much, yet try as she might, she couldn't. How was she supposed to compete against someone like that?
Pikachu led Ash through the streets as they walked the town. They had long stripped out of those bathrobes the bathhouse gave them and were back to their usual attire or lack thereof.
There was only a faint glimmer of daylight left, dusk quickly turning into night. Pikachu knew that he only had a limited amount of time left. There was something that had been on his mind for the past week and now, he had finally made his decision on it.
"Where are we going, Pikachu?" the Riolu asked impatiently.
"You'll see!" said the electric mouse, a small sack of money on his back shook as he walked.
He guided his trainer towards a small corner store which had the distinctive feature of having a large Kecleon's head over its roof.
"What is this place?" Ash said as he looked at its roof.
"Just something I found while we were trying to find you. Misty got her mallet here," Pikachu admitted as he pushed the door open to the store.
"WELCOME TO OUR STORE!" cried two Kecleon, one green, the other red.
Ash slightly flinched, though he remained steadfast and kept his feet on the ground. "Uh, thanks!"
Pikachu took the sack of money from his back and threw it onto the counter. He didn't know how to count the money or even what it was called, but he didn't care too much about that; this was important to him. "One Thunder Stone, please."
"Coming right up!" said Kecleon Red.
Ash blinked several times. He pointed a finger at his partner. "Pikachu, you want a Thunder Stone!?"
"Yes," Pikachu nodded his head.
"But what about that stuff about Lieutenant Surge and his Raichu and not evolving?" Ash sputtered. "I… I thought it meant alot to you."
"It did," Pikachu admitted, his heart heavy. Just because he had been thinking about it for a long time, that did not make it any easier. "I've been thinking about it…. And I might be okay with evolving."
"I…" Ash looked torn. It wasn't easy for him either. "If you really want to go through with it, I'll be with you, buddy."
Pikachu felt a surge of… something go through him; Ash's support, no doubt. "Thank you."
Kecleon Green received a semi-transparent yellow stone from Kecleon Red. "Do you want this to be stored for later or are you going to use it immediately?"
"Immediately," Pikachu said with conviction.
The Kecleon then put the stone on the counter, within easy reach for Pikachu. He then took the sack of money and extracted what might have been the correct amount.
"Alright, just go and touch it when you're ready," said Kecleon Red.
Pikachu took a deep breath. Ash put his hands on his shoulders, giving the Electric-type his support.
Even since he and Charizard had their big spat, Pikachu had let the overgrown lizard's words eat at him. He couldn't stop himself from imagining a world where he had taken Raichu's offer. It sounded so… easy. He would be stronger, possibly faster, too. He saw his defeats in the past turning into victories, his losses righted. Perhaps Ash might have even gone home a Champion, instead of runner up.
But that might have just been wishful thinking on his part.
Yet, in Pikachu's opinion, it always seemed unnatural for a Pokémon to evolve from exposure to a stone. And the rodent had never met a good Raichu in his time, all of them having been bossy jerks. He hoped that wouldn't be the case for him, but Pikachu knew there were downsides; he knew exactly what he'd be giving up.
If they ever went back home and he was stuck as a Raichu, he knew that the way everyone would treat him would change. Ash would never again give him a ride on his shoulders, he would simply be too big for the boy to carry that easily over those long treks through the wilderness. And while Kanto and much of Japan might have been willing to allow small Pokémon like a Pikachu out of their Pokéballs at all times even in the cities, a much larger Raichu would not have as much freedom.
Yet, if it meant more power, the power to help Ash have his dreams and to give him safety… that was a small sacrifice to make. All it would cost him was his pride and admitting Charizard was right.
His eyes closed, Pikachu moved his paw over to the stone. No turning back now!
And then he waited. He didn't feel any different, no surge of power, no feeling of his organs and bones shifting and reforming in an instant.
Pikachu opened his eyes. He was still a Pikachu. "Uh, did I do something wrong?" he asked.
The Kecleon looked very alarmed.
"Uh… the stone might be defective!" said Kecleon Red as he placed several Thunder Stones onto the counter. "Try these!"
"And try removing your items. Maybe there's interference!" suggested Kecleon Green
Pikachu took off his Light Ball and handed it to Ash. He then brought his paws over each Thunder Stone. Nothing happened.
"Is this normal?" Ash asked. "I thought the Thunder Stones were supposed to make Pikachu evolve."
"We don't know!" said Kecleon Red. "One of our cousins said that there might be a problem with some Maiju not evolving correctly, but I thought it was just hearsay until now!"
Kecleon Green nodded his head. "Yeah, this is weird. I don't know how to explain it!"
Pikachu immediately deflated. He had spent his whole life refusing to evolve himself, and now that finally had a reason to try, the Thunder Stones simply had no effect on him. It was as if he was just… not allowed to evolve!
"Don't worry, Pikachu!" Ash reassured him. "I'm still your friend, no matter what happened here."
The words stung. Pikachu knew that after spending the whole year with his trainer, that evolution, that getting raw power along, did not matter to him. Yet, the rodent wanted that power for Ash's sake. "It's… disappointing, but thank you, Riolu."
The Riolu smirked back.
"... Uh, we're sorry for the inconvenience," said Kecleon Green.
"Will you be purchasing anything else or would you prefer a refund?" asked Kecleon Red.
"...I don't know, maybe a refund?" Pikachu answered, his ears deflated. He had been thinking of evolving all day and he hadn't considered the possibility of failing. He might have thought Ash might have talked him out of it, but what actually happened was not what he imagined.
The Kecleon nodded their heads and then returned the money back to Pikachu.
Pikachu and his trainer walked out of the store, having purchased nothing.
They walked in silence for a moment, before Ash spoke up. "Where did you get the money anyways? I mean, Brock mostly handles the purchasing of the important stuff, but I didn't think you carried any with you."
"I asked Misty and Brock for the money while we were looking for you." Pikachu answered, his voice drained.
"I guess you wanted to make it a surprise," Ash replied.
Pikachu nodded his head. He did. Granted, his decision not to invite anyone else was somewhat deliberate.
"...Maybe I shouldn't evolve either?" Ash posed as he continued to walk.
Pikachu stared.
"Pikachu," the Riolu began. "What if I was the one going to evolve one day?"
"Eh?" the rodent uttered. "... Are you going to evolve?"
"Not that I know of," Ash admitted, "But, one day, maybe I will. And, I'm kind of scared of what it might be like… " his ears drooped slightly, as he took a concerned expression. "Because, I know how you feel about it."
"Ash," Pikachu's eyes started to water. "You don't have to hold yourself back. If you feel it's the right time for it, you should." Just like how this was supposed to be the right time for the Electric-type. "I know I made a point about not evolving, but… that was my choice. You should choose what's right for you."
Ash looked at himself. He seemed… conflicted, though Pikachu was unable to explain how. "Alright, Pikachu, thanks for telling me."
"Ash! Pikachu!" voices called out, though the speaker was hard to make out.
"Who was that?" Ash questioned.
Pikachu turned his head to the source of the noise. It was a large canine Pokémon with an orange-brownish pelt and piercing green eyes.
The rodent could only stare, his gaze fixated on the creature's sharpened teeth and massive stony spikes around his neck… wait…? Why was he familiar?
"It's funny how we just ran into each other!" the canine said.
"Hi!" Ash called out. He focused eyes on the newcomer and scrunched his face. "Brock?
"...Brock?" Pikachu called out, disbelieving it. This canine was the Gym Leader they had been traveling with for the better part of a year?
The canine chuckled. "Yeah, I guess you almost didn't recognize me."
"Wow, you evolved?" Ash declared. "The only reason I knew it was you was because I could…feel you, I guess."
"Yeah, just around Sundown. I became a Lycanroc!" said the Rock-type.
"There you are!" Vulpix declared as she ran forward, panting. "You ran off again!"
"Wow, you're fast!" said Zubat as she flapped over. "I hope you didn't bother anyone else."
"Don't worry, I just smelled that Ash and Pikachu were nearby," said the Lycanroc
Vulpix breathed a sigh of relief. "Good, good. I'm glad for it."
"We should probably get back to that inn," said the Lycanroc.
"Wow," Ash marveled. "What was it like to evolve?"
"Like all sorts of things," Brock said. "It felt like my heart stopped beating, yet I also felt very warm." He made an awkward grin. "Honestly, it felt great, especially since gir- I can growl!" Though that last statement sounded like he was trying to cover something up. After all, he could growl before.
Pikachu continued to stare at the newly evolved Lycanroc, though it wasn't the fact Brock had become a Lycanroc that had bothered him. Instead, it was what it implied.
Brock could evolve, while Pikachu could not. At first, the Electric-type wondered if that had something to do with being from outside of Citrine, yet this was clearly not the case. Maybe it was something to do with evolution stones? But he had a feeling that if Vulpix touched a Fire Stone, she would become a Ninetales.
Instead, the Electric-type wondered if there was something… wrong with him, something that was preventing him from evolving… was it unnatural?
He had always known that he was strong compared to other Pikachu, so maybe there was something there? But then, why did he evolve from a Pichu to his current state all those years ago?
Something did not make sense, though he wondered if there was a way to do so as well.
From their room at the inn, Misty lamented she was going to be teaching to her precious daughter, but she knew her little Togepi wanted to be just like her one day, minus being a mustelid.
Fortunately, she could justify delaying any physical combat for the meanwhile.
"Okay, Togepi, what are the weaknesses and strengths of the Water-type?" she asked.
Togpei placed a finger…limb…digit over her mouth. "Oh! Oh! Fire types are weak to water. And Electric-types are strong against water?"
"Very good!" Misty commented. It wasn't an exact or complete answer, but Togepi was just starting out; she did not even make a distinction between a Pokémon's own type or the move itself. Right now, she did not need to know everything about battling or type matchups just yet.
"Yay!"
Misty figured that for now, Togepi would be better served by learning the fundamentals, the most basic and obvious facts. Though the Water-type knew that as much as she would have preferred her young Pokémon learned none of this yet, Misty knew that this was essential for her growth. So, as much as it pained her to do this, the water weasel knew she had to start somewhere.
… Honestly, she had no idea why she never thought to formally educate Togepi before. Maybe it was the language barrier.
"Okay, and what are the benefits of your type?" Misty asked.
"Hm?" Togepi gained a perplexed look. "I'm… Normal-type?"
"Fairy," Misty corrected. She learned that back during Togepi's first examination from a Nurse Joy. "Do you know what the powers of Fairy-types are?"
"No! But I want to know, Mommy!" Togpei proudly declared.
"A Fairy-type like you can't be hurt by a Dragon-type's strongest attacks, and if you use your Fairy magic, you'll hurt dragons alot!" Misty said.
"Like Charizard?"
"No," Misty giggled. "Charizard is not a Dragon-type. He just looks like a dragon, silly." She tickled Togepi.
The little egg giggled, falling on her rear. "You're so smart, Mommy!"
She may be a little biased. Misty imagined, a smile over her face.
"So, when I do this, I'll beat a dragon?" Togepi's arms started moving back and forth. She began to build up momentum for a Metronome.
Misty balked. She reached over to her little Pokémon's hands and put a hand over the arm tips before she blew up the room. With a single grab, she stopped the Metronome from building up."No, Togepi. Don't do that."
Togepi's expression darkened, looking at her adoptive mother as if the little egg had done wrong. "...Why not?"
"Because…" Misty didn't like to look at her Pokémon's sad face. "Because it's not a safe move to use, okay? You can only do that when it's really desperate, because you don't know what will happen."
The little egg still looked saddened. "...Okay."
"We can work on actual moves later, okay? Right now, it's just not the place for it," Misty promised, hoping to move her precious Pokémon away from her current mood.
That seemed to do the trick as Togepi promptly let out a cheer. "Okay!"
Misty breathed out a sigh of relief. Her Pokémon was feeling better.
Then, just as was wondering what to do next, Staryu and Zorua walked through the door.
"Hello, Mistress! Hello, Togepi!" Staryu declared. Unlike normal, there was a blackened belt over his core.
"...Greetings," Zorua added in her usual meek tone.
"...What's with the belt, Staryu?" Misty questioned.
"Nothing. Nothing at all," though that was obviously a lie.
Misty rolled her eyes but accepted that all Pokémon had their quirks. Staryu's turned out to be that he liked to be overly flashy with his attack names, struck poses in combat, and now, apparently involved him wearing belts. … Why was this familiar?
"... Are we interrupting something?" Zorua questioned. Though she did not cower anymore, the spectral fox still deferred to others when possible. "We just wanted to check into our assigned room." The split was pretty simple. Ash, Brock, and Misty shared a room with their respective teams; Onix, due to his size, would sleep in his Pokéball. Zorua opted to sleep in Misty's room.
"I'm learning!" Togepi proudly told them. "Mommy is teaching me!"
"That's right," Misty smiled, proud to say that.
"Oh, that's very neat," that declaration cheered up Zorua. "What subjects are you learning about? Perhaps I can be of assistance."
"Right now, it's just Types. Though, Togepi is still very young. She doesn't know that much just yet." Misty declared.
"Aspects are an interesting subject," Zorua agreed. She walked into the room and reached into her bag. "Every Maiju has its own innate connection from one or two of the Aspects."
"Why am I a Fairy-type and Mommy is a Water-type?" Togepi questioned, an innocent look in her eye.
"I um…" Zorua gave Misty a pleading look.
In return, the Buizel felt a little lost. Telling her Togepi the answer to that question opened up a whole can of worms, because it felt like such a big and complicated topic to cover. What would Togepi do if she knew?
Staryu nudged Misty. "You can tell her, she's ready for it."
Knowing this was not going to be easy, Misty took a seat on the bundle of hay that Pokémon like to use as a bed and gestured for Togepi to come to her.
Togepi waddled over to her and leapt onto her body. The Buizel regretted it a little, as the egg Pokémon was so much bigger relative to how things used to be.
"Okay, Togepi, because you're older now and I can properly talk to you, I'll tell you where you came from, okay?" Misty in a solemn tone.
"Is it a story?" Togepi said innocently.
"It's… something like a story," Misty said.
Misty took a deep breath and struggled to find the right way to put this. "The truth is, Togepi. I am… not your original mother."
"...You're not?" Togepi started to look hurt.
Misty nodded solemnly. "Not too long ago, we found your egg, lost and abandoned. We didn't know what you were or how you got there, or who your original parents were, but… we wanted to raise you. You became my sweet baby because of that."
"...Oh," Togepi looked worried. "So, you're still my Mommy?"
"I am," Misty felt her eyes water. "I wasn't even a Water-type when I had you, I was human. But I was still your Mommy, even then, right?"
"Yes!" Togepi cheered. She grabbed onto Misty with a hug. "...But why am I still not a Water-type?"
"I can answer that!" Zorua said. "It's because one of your original parents was a Togepi or later evolution. You likely inherited being a Togepi from your mother, though rarely it could have been the father that provided the species."
"...Oh, Okay!" Togepi answered back with a cheer. "So, my… other Mommy was maybe a Togepi?"
"That's right," Misty answered. "I don't know what happened to her, but I am sure she and your father would have loved to meet you."
"...Hm, I wish I could, but I love my Mommy already!" Togepi said.
Misty gently patted the little egg. This went better than she thought it would. Thankfully, Staryu seemed to be very wise about these matters.
"...So, Mommy. What was it like when you hatched?" Togepi questioned again.
Misty giggled. "No, silly. Humans don't hatch from eggs."
"They don't?" Togepi asked innocently.
"They don't!?" Zorua asked seriously. "But how? How can you not be from an egg? That just seems… odd."
"I honestly don't know," Misty admitted. The origins of humans and Pokémon were not something she really paid attention to. Instead, she focused on her adopted daughter. "But, that's just the way it is. Humans aren't like Pokémon."
"Humans sure are different." Togepi cheered. "Hey, Mommy. What's a year?"
"Why do you ask that?" Misty questioned the sudden change in topic.
"Pikachu left his Mommy when he was a year old," she answered.
"Oh, Togepi, you don't have to do that," Misty said.
"But what's a year?" she continued to ask.
"A year is twelve months, Togepi," said Misty. "Or as Zorua would say, around twelve Moons. It's a lot of time. You're just over half of that."
"Oh…" Togepi pouted. "...What's it like to go through a year?"
"Back home, you could see the year pass by the season!" said Staryu. "Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter, and then back to Spring again! You haven't seen them all yet, but you loved Winter!"
"Oh…" Togepi said. "What are all those?"
Misty smiled. Okay, how she remembered what it was like to be a kid who always wanted to ask questions and learn so much. She was very willing to indulge.
But before, she could answer, Zorua spoke up. "...What are seasons?" she restated.
Misty blinked. It seemed odd that the fox who was nearly as old as she was did not know what something so basic was. "...You don't know what seasons are?"
"... I never even heard of the concept until now," Zorua said, her tone sounding awkward.
Misty stared. Did Citrine not have seasons? It was too cold to be at the Equator, so it had to have been on a part of the world that had to experience seasons. "Winter is the season in which the land is covered in snow and frost and many plants die or hibernate. Spring is when the ice melts and new life thrives and flowers bloom. Summer is when it is warm and sunny. And Autumn or Fall is when the leaves brown and then fall, as the world gets colder to prepare for Winter. This doesn't sound familiar to you?"
Zorua shook her head. "...I have never experienced this phenomenon."
"...The world does not get colder or warmer on a yearly basis?" Staryu asked, his light glittering.
"No," Zorua shook her head again. "The temperature stays consistent for each island."
Suddenly, it made sense why Citrine had no concept of a year, since there was no difference between one month to the next… What were Sawbuck and Deerling like?
"Mommy! Is something wrong?" Togepi looked like she was getting worried.
"Don't worry about it." Misty let out a sigh. She had no explanation to give to her daughter as she couldn't understand it either. Instead, she would rather talk about something else, something simpler. "Let's go over your types again."
"Okay!" Togepi obliged.
In the back of the inn, Ash made soup for his friends, whilst the others who could cook prepared their own contributions. Usually, Pikachu would have been with him, but after what happened today, it was no surprise to the Riolu that the Electric-type wanted some time alone to himself.
The Riolu threw the vegetables into the air and casually diced them before they landed into the cooking pot full of water. Remembering Brock's instructions, he threw in a pinch of salt and several spices and then set the large pot over an open flame.
He sat down on a stone and let his mind wander.
Pikachu couldn't evolve. And it bothered the Electric-type greatly, so much so that Ash could feel his distress and worry even though the rodent was elsewhere.
Turning a glance around, he saw that no one was really close enough to bother him.
The Fighting-type reached to the belt he slung over his shoulders and grabbed Dexter. "Dexter, do you know why Pikachu can't evolve?"
The Pokédex hummed to life. Conjecture: Pikachu is not an ordinary Pikachu.
Ash raised an eyebrow… Did he have eyebrows, come to think of it? "What's that supposed to mean?"
Dexter made several clicking noises. An odd feeling from the Pokédex went up Ash's arm. Pikachu has shown to be incredibly powerful for his species, including demonstrating significantly higher voltage than normal. For example, it was improbable for him to have defeated those Spearow on Route 1 by himself. This anomaly is presumably why Team Rocket has taken such an interest in him.
"So, because Pikachu is special, that might be why he cannot evolve?" Ash questioned. "Are there other Pokémon who have something similar about them?
Connection to home server unavailable. Unable to answer question. Dexter beeped.
"Thanks for trying," Ash said to the Pokédex. Honestly, it was a long shot to see if Dexter knew anything; outside of asking Professor Oak or maybe Scholar Aspen, he had few options.
He set Dexter down where he sat and went back to mealmaking.
The Riolu opened the cooking pot and began to stir the ingredients, just to make sure that the food inside was evenly cooked. He took a spoon and tasted the developing soup; then he added another pinch of salt.
"Hey, Dexter," Ash asked his Pokédex. Though as he began to ask the question, he started to feel a little silly. But, maybe he had to ask, because he knew something was… different about the Pokedex now. "Why did you lie to me earlier?"
There was no verbal response for a good minute, but Ash could feel that the Pokédex was… contemplating an answer. Or maybe he had just gone crazy. A Pokédex shouldn't have feelings, but maybe he came off as rude?
"...I mean, I know I needed to take a bath and I really shouldn't have gone a whole month without one, but… I didn't expect you to use the DexNav to lie to me like you did. I didn't even know you could lie." He wasn't even upset, more, he was surprised.
No response. Was he just imagining the little machine thinking? On the other hand, Dexter had voice activation, yet he wasn't even responding. Maybe asking a different set of questions might have been better?
"...And you did save Zorua and Squirtle, didn't you?" Ash said at last. "You're the one who knew where they were. I'm glad that you told us where to go."
I am Dexter. The Pokédex spoke through its digital voice. I was created by Professor Oak to ensure your safety as well as to gather information about Pokémon where available. I did what was my purpose.
"And I'm glad for that! I'd probably still at Viridian without you!" Ash declared. He then thought about it a bit more. Brock and Vulpix had been wondering how Dexter got to them in the first place. Back then, asking questions like that was set aside because Squirtle and Zorua were in danger and then after that, it just kind of fell by the wayside. There was no one who claimed to be responsible for sending the Pokédex, so maybe Dexter didn't need anyone to send him? "...You sent yourself to Brock's team, didn't you?"
There was a bit of hesitancy coming from the Pokédex, which was odd. Eventually, Dexter answered. Yes, they were the ones I encountered first, after my escape from the Sneasel identified as Silver.
And that was it. An ordinary Pokédex shouldn't have been able to move itself, much less escape. Even Ash knew the next question he asked was as dangerous as it was ridiculous, but his adventure was prone to both. "Dexter, are you a Pokémon?"
The Pokédex seemed to radiate a swell of different emotions, confusion and fear as the greatest of them. A Pokédex shouldn't be afraid, as far as Ash knew.
...Yes. Dexter said as he lifted himself off the stone and levitated towards Ash, tendrils of electrical current underneath. The glassy bulb on its top left glowed and moved within, acting more like an eyeball than anything else it had done before. Tendrils of electrical current
The Riolu, having gone through some weird things before, was unafraid. "That's pretty cool," he said. "You're basically like a Claydol or Baltoy, aren't you?"
Similar, yes. Though I believe I am a species called Rotom; however, there is very little known about them, especially their origins. Dexter answered. He tilted his body forward, his eye zooming in on the Riolu. You seem enthusiastic.
"I am. It's weird, but I'm used to weird," Ash said. Dexter had been with him as long as Pikachu had been; he was already a trusted friend in a way. "How long have you been like this, anyways?"
Unknown. During our exploration of the library, I began to take note that I was able to access the visions and psychic imprints. This prompted further introspection, which led me to developing further capabilities. Dexter answered. When I was seized, I determined the best route to escape and return to you and tapped into an innate levitating capability I did not know I possessed.
Ash nodded, taking it in. It sounded like Dexter had just come to life on his own. "So, does DexNav actually exist?" After all, that was the new first thing Dexter did when the Fighting-type got him back.
Technically, DexNav did exist, but the program was never developed past its alpha state. But yes, I merely made the likeness of a radar and made an estimation of where I recalled Squirtle and Zorua were being held. Then, today, I used this same deception to direct you back to the bathhouse.
That made sense, as far as Ash was aware. "So, what are you going to do now?"
Unknown. The Pokédex turned its body away and shifted itself to the sky. Likely, continue as I always have, doing the tasks I was made to do… I believe my creator might be interested in my existence.
"Professor Oak would like to talk to you," Ash confirmed. Though come to think of it, would he be able to understand Dexter?He was, after all, a Pokémon. Maybe that was a question for another time. "But, is that really all you want to do?"
Unknown. The Rotom shifted his gaze back to Ash. I had not considered what I should be doing other than cataloging. And ensuring your safety.
"ASH!" a voice called out. Misty's. "YOU DONE YET?"
That was the Riolu's cue to finish cooking.
Ash did one last taste test. It was nothing compared to what Brock could do, but it was good enough. He took the cooking pot out of the fire. "You could have dinner with friends?" he offered. It seemed like a good idea.
Dexter seemed to hesitate. He seemed nervous about meeting others, revealing his current state. …Should I? Could I even eat?
The Riolu shrugged as he took the pot into his arms. "You don't have to. It's your choice." Ever since Butterfree wanted to fly away with that pink Butterfree, the then-trainer had been starting to realize that, sometimes, he had to let his Pokémon do what they wanted. And lately, he had gotten into the habit of asking his friends what they wanted to do. That probably included Dexter, now.
He then walked off in the direction of his other friends.
Dexter floated behind him, following the Riolu. I believe it would be rude to not introduce myself.
Ash smiled back. Maybe Dexter couldn't figure out why Pikachu couldn't evolve, but it was always good to have another friend.
At the outdoor dining area at the back of the inn they stayed at, Brock observed the table filling up as food and plates were being distributed. The Minccino innkeepers offered fresh fruit and berries, whilst Brock's friends put cooked food onto the table.
The Lycanroc wondered what he should do. He knew he messed up. He started flirting again, something which he had managed to set aside during his entire stay as a Rockruff, just because he wasn't attracted to Pokémon.
Vulpix sat away from him on a small cushion. She occasionally turned a glance at him, but then promptly tried to pretend she wasn't looking at all.
The two of them weren't a couple, yet at the same time, it was hard to ignore that meeting with Kyuko… that marvelously attractive female.
"Wow, it really does suit you!" Squirtle declared, taking Brock from his imagination. He walked around the Lycanroc, examining him. "You're so big now. And you look so strong."
"I feel strong," Brock admitted as he flexed his front legs. "Ever since I evolved, it felt like I was more… me, I guess. I'm stronger and faster." On top of having having some old habits resurface.
"I heard it's different for Ivysaur and Venusaur. Those forms are more sluggish and less agile because of the amount of mass they have to carry." Bulbasaur said. The Grass-type set a pot of fried rice onto the table. "It's not so bad for Ivysaur, but Venusaur are so large."
"The Square Cube Law is a pain," Squirtle agreed. "It's the same for Blastoise."
"... You know about that?" Brock said. While it was easy to accept that Pokémon in their parties could read signs, it was another thing entirely to know that they also knew the terminology of physics.
Squirtle chuckled. "Oh, come on. We're just as smart as humans, if we really want to be."
"I know, but…. It's surprising," Brock stammered. Then again, Zorua was basically a magical chemist and she was about Ash and Misty's age.
"Hello Uncle Brock!" Togepi bounced over, eager. "You got so big!" Squirtle and Bulbasaur backed away.
"Sure did!" the Rock-type smiled.
"So, how was evolution?" Misty walked over. "You feeling okay?"
"Good enough." Physically, he never felt better. Though, Brock was still what to do about Vulpix.
"Can I ride you?" Togepi asked.
Misty took the cushion next to the Lycanroc and gave the answer. "Only if you do well on your studies."
"Okay!" Togepi said. The Buizel then gently guided Togepi to sit next to her.
Brock gave a grin to the two of them. They looked so cute together. "How'd it go?"
"As well as it could be expected. Goldeen is working on trying to teach her the Alphabet and basic reading skills. And I went over typing and other basics."
"Where do Pokémon learn how to read anyways?" Brock questioned. "Like, I assume there are schools for it in Citrine-"
"By Imperial Decree, children over thirty moons old are required to take basic education," Zorua chimed in. "Which includes the fundamentals in mathematics and literacy."
"But, how does that work for back home?" the Lycanroc questioned. "Where do Pokémon learn how to read?"
"That's fairly simple," Goldeen landed in a bowl set aside for her. "Because humans leave so much writing everywhere, many Pokémon are encouraged to learn to read signs as knowing what anything is can be the difference between knowing what is safe or dangerous. Typically, wild Pokémon are only able to learn if their parents instruct them, and Pokémon caught by a trainer learn to read from their peers who do. Granted, most only learn the most basic of words such as what boxes contain their favorite Pokéchow."
Brock felt like this was a massive scientific discovery, both on the intelligence of Pokémon and the effect of how much Pokémon are able to adapt to the presence of human civilization. If Professor Oak was here…
Greetings. A mechanical voice buzzed out.
Brock turned to the source and saw Ash's Pokédex floating right beside the Riolu, the latter holding a cooking pot larger than he was.
The Pokédex floated over to the Goldeen, electrical sparks floating from around it. I have overheard your testimony on Pokémon literacy and found it interesting.
"... Thank you?" Goldeen managed to say.
"Are you seeing what I'm seeing?" Misty whispered over to Brock.
The Lycanroc nodded his head. Somehow, Ash's Pokédex was levitating. As far as he knew, Pokedexes weren't supposed to do that.
"You guys remember Dexter?" Ash said as he put the soul filled pot on the table. "Well, he's… changed."
It's good to meet you. I know you all already, but none of you have met me as I am now.
Pikachu, who had previously sat on his own away from the table, walked over to the Pokédex. "...Ash, what's going on?"
The Riolu rubbed at the back of his neck. "Honestly, I can't explain it either. I guess, maybe Dexter… evolved from just being an ordinary Pokédex."
That explanation may have to suffice. Dexter agreed. I cannot explain it either, but I became aware of my own cognizance recently when I escaped Silver. Since then, I have been wondering how to approach this situation.
"Huh. So that's how Brock's team found you," Squirtle muttered. "Thanks for getting us out of that jam by the way."
"... Same," Zorua bowed her head, unsure of how to take this.
Dexter bounced in place as he heard the praise, though he then turnee his focus onto the spirit fox. Do not be afraid of me. I apologize for my statement to capture you when we first met.
"I'm mostly over it now," said Zorua, her tone more confident. "I am glad to have learned so much, but have also found friends."
I wouldn't mind being among them. The Pokédex moved over to Zorua and lowest its body. Perhaps you may be interested in a collaboration? I am afraid my trainer is ill suited for intellectual pursuits.
"Hey!"
Zorua accepted with a light giggle. On the other paw, Pikachu rolled on the floor and started to laugh.
While the reactions of the room were originally one of confusion, Dexter was quickly accepted as just another member of the group thereafter.
Onix shifted his head and turned towards his trainer. "Fly or Swim?"
"Why are you asking me that?" said the Lycanroc as he remembered. After all, it was not hard to remember the desires of his starter once he became aware of them. "Is this about you wanting to do both of those?"
Onix nodded. "Wonder which come first. Sea may hurt. Sky may be harder."
"Not sure, but they're both equally as likely as the other, especially with Ash around," Brock admitted. After all, Ash had somehow caused a Pokédex to evolve into a Pokémon. A flying or swimming Onix might be somewhere there.
"Swim may be easier," Onix admitted. He then shifted his head to the side. "Charizard want to speak. Right now."
The Lycanroc turned his attention to where his Pokémon had been looking. Charizard stood out in the darkness. The large lizard gestured with one of his claws for the Lycanroc to follow him.
Seeing as the rest of the group was all getting their introductions with Dexter, he saw there was no harm in speaking with Charizard right now. "Onix, if they begin eating, cover for me, okay?"
"Will do," promised the rock snake.
The Lycanroc got out from his cushion and walked over to meet the Fire-type. As soon as he walked away from the light of the dinning table and into the darkness of night, the Lycanroc noted that the world brightened, as if suddenly illuminated by a Moonglow. It must have been an innate night vision he possessed..
"Is there something you need?" He asked the dragon.
"Something like that," Charizard sounded glum. "Everyone seems to appreciate the fact you evolved."
"They like it more than I do... I still wish I had hands. I miss being able to pick stuff up with fingers, but I'll manage," said the Rock-type. Though he was unsure of why Charizard seemed so depressed all of a sudden.
"Hands are nice," Charizard agreed, his voice still dour. He let out a sigh of frustration. "I can't do this…"
The Lycanroc blinked, that was out of the blue. "Do what? If you need help, anyone, especially Ash, could give it to you."
"...Ash can't know. And not especially that rat…" Charizard emitted a low growl, probably referencing his bad blood with Pikachu.
Maybe it was the type-advantage or the fact his evolution made him feel a bit arrogant, but Brock wasn't afraid of Charizard anymore. He narrowed his eyes. "Why not?"
Instead of answering, Charizard looked him in the eye. He seemed to think about his response for a moment, before uttering a defeated sigh. "... I envy you."
"Me?" Brock just stared, incredulous. This was the first time he had heard of someone ever being jealous of him of all people.
"Everyone cares about you, they look up to you, even as a Rockruff." Charizard uttered. "Now that you've evolved, you hold their awe, their admiration. Back home, even when you make yourself a fool, they still listen to what you have to say. You guided everyone."
"It helps that I'm the oldest one. Even though I never left my hometown before I met Ash and Misty, I've learned enough to care for others," the Rock-type said. Brock was uncertain where Charizard was going with this, but he had a feeling. Charizard chose to speak with him over Ash for a reason. "Why are you bringing this up?"
"Pikachu asked me what I wanted a while ago," Charizard sounded drained, not even bothering to name call the Electric-type. "I could have been free, left you to figure out this land for your own, and yet, I never did. I did not want to go off into the unknown."
"Then why do you keep fighting with Pikachu? And why do you keep ignoring Ash's orders?" the Lycanroc frowned. "You constantly kept trying to fight for dominance in the group, didn't you?"
"And yet, despite being the strongest, no one cares," Charizard muttered. "The strong are supposed to eat the weak, and no one here follows that!" He stomped his foot on the ground.
Brock was not much of a psychologist, but he had read some guidelines and pamphlets on Pokémon behavior as part of his goal to become a better breeder. While most of them covered the topics of health and appearances, some covered health and education. One in particular, emphasized that Pokémon learn behaviors from their trainers. And this did not sound like something Ash would teach. Now, while this could have been something taught in the wild, Brock had a feeling that this was not the case here.
"...What was it like being in Damian's group?" Brock went straight for the heart of the matter.
"Electrabuzz would always bully me around, while Tauros kept tackling me into the dirt in the training sessions. Damian encouraged it, because he wanted to toughen me up. This was before he just gave up on me!" Charizard said bitterly. "Why do you care about that?"
Brock took a deep breath. Perhaps it might have been unfair to assume that it was only Ash's inexperience being the cause of his difficulties with Charizard. While Damian had ultimately failed to raise Charmander well, he still conditioned the Fire-type to think in a certain way, to behave in a certain way, to expect certain things.
"Charizard," Brock said. "You aren't Damian's Pokémon anymore. Stop living by his rules."
The Fire-type turned away, a sign of obvious shame.
Brock continued. "I don't know what you wanted exactly, but I don't think evolving gave it to you. It made you strong, but I don't think that was the goal. That was supposed to be the means to the end."
"...Perhaps, Pikachu was right then. I would have been better off not rushing to evolve as fast as I could." Charizard sounded lost. He had to have been if he was saying something like that.
"To be fair, unless Pidgeotto evolved into a Pidgeot then, Ash would have gotten seriously hurt when that Aerodactyl picked him up," Brock said, trying to give the Fire-type what support he could.
Charizard's expression shifted slightly, becoming brighter. "... I do have fond memories of that battle."
It suddenly made sense why Charizard confided in him over Ash; Brock was an evolved Pokémon who had what Charizard craved yet had a hard time admitting, perhaps even to himself.. That's why he did things like volunteer to cook every now and again.
Hearing the others starting to eat, the Lycanroc went to return to the others. He had some final words for Charizard. "It's not too late you know; Ash hasn't given up on you."
"Perhaps." That seemed to cause the dragon an intense discomfort.
Yet despite that, the two of them attended dinner.
Zorua liked books, she decided.
She sat in her mother's lap as the Zorark showed her pictures and weird squiggly lines that all held meaning. She couldn't understand most of it, but she enjoyed listening to her mother talk.
"Who dis, Momma?" she asked, with what little words she had available to her. There was a Zorua there, but he was the wrong coloration. He was currently sitting down with a smile on his face.
Momma laughed, "That's your father when he was like you, but a bit older. This is the first time I met him."
"Papa?" Zorua questioned. Her father was so
"You're showing her the album already?" Papa laughed as he walked into the room.
"She seemed interested," Momma said back.
"Be careful what you teach her," Papa said back, but he seemed happy. "She'll start asking questions about it."
Zorua couldn't quite understand what was going on. "Momma? she struggled to find the words. Many words were still hard for her. "Wat you like?" Since she saw her father when he was very young, she wanted to see the same about her mother.
"I understand, Sweetie," Momma made a giggle and turned the pages of the book, flipping towards the end. "This is what I looked like when I met your father."
Zorua stared at the picture, not able to understand. Momma did not look like a Zorua.
Zorua awoke from her slumber, rising herself out of the hay bed.
It was still night out, with the only illumination coming from moonlight that entered through the windows. No one in Misty's room was awake.
Sighing quietly to herself, Zorua got out of bed and stepped through the door. Though she was fully capable of remaining perfectly quiet for hours on end, she did not want to risk disturbing anyone else.
Nocturnal Maiju were out and about, cleaning the building while making small talk. A Nickit mopped the floors with her tail, whilst a Wooper cleared debris with water. They didn't pay Zorua any attention as she took a seat upon a cushion within the lobby of the inn and let herself think; she wasn't going to be sleeping again anytime soon.
It seemed to be a recurring problem of hers lately that whenever she slept, she would occasionally receive a memory related to the topic of the day.
When she had been captured and rendered unconscious by Silver, she recalled being held captive in a similar circumstance.
Today, she assumed that because Misty had been teaching and educating Togepi, the spirit fox received old memories about when her mother did the same for her.
Zorua did not know her mother, except for in these old locked away memories that were incredibly vivid. In them, she had been even younger than Togepi was now. It led to an uncomfortable question of why she had disappeared from the fox's life in her entirety.
And yet, from what Zorua had been able to gather, her mother seemed… off. She had always known she had to have been a spirit Zoroark. And yet, she also possessed a knowledge about the world outside, denoting she was an outsider.
Even more, that picture… Zorua couldn't remember the details, but she knew her mother was not like her. She was not a Zorua or any other Maiju, when she met her father.
At the time, she probably had no context for it, but now, she knew more.
What if her mother was human once upon a time? What if she had been transformed in a way similar to the other humans Zorua encountered?
Greetings.
Zorua let out a yelp and nearly leapt out of her skin and tumbled to the floor.
When she realized she had a panic attack over Dexter, she quickly righted herself. "You scared me!"
Sorry, but you are incredibly skittish. Is this normal for your species? The floating Pokédex questioned.
"I… actually think it might be," Zorua admitted. After all, her kind relied on illusions for protection. Then again, she had a hard time imagining her father being scared of anything, not when he was the source of fear for others.
"Are you sure it's fine to be floating about? No one here has seen anything like you." The fox turned to look at the other Maiju in the lobby, realizing that she and Dexter were making a scene. A family of Woobats eyed the floating Pokédex, having no idea what to make of the Rotom.
I have been bothered over that already. Though I have said I was merely a new form of Baltoy, which seemed to appease others so far. It might be correct. Dexter asked.
Still, it would have meant another point of identification. Then again, Ash has been wearing his hat since day one and only other humans seemed to care about it so far. Zorua shrugged, maybe it would be fine. "I assume you don't need to sleep either?"
I may rest, but it is unessential. Dexter replied as he brought himself close. I even find myself able to cross through doors.
"You must be part spirit yourself? A Ghost-type if you will?" Zorua guessed. "I have never heard of a Rotom before, but those two traits you stated are common facets among true spirits. Spirit-like Maiju such as a Green Decidueye are still mortal and need rest, nor is phasing easy for them."
Fascinating. Dexter stated. So you're implying I have in some fashion become a spirit entity? This is peculiar since I am, or rather was, a machine.
"It is my theory," Zorua admitted. She brought a paw close towards the Pokédex and touched the box. Dexter still felt like an object. "Have you felt the need to eat the residual psychic energy from another being?"
I do not know. I have never needed to feed on anything other than electricity. Dexter admitted. On the other hand, I have always been by Ash's side. Perhaps I have been feeding off of him already?
Zorua contemplated that. It made sense. Though as she thought it through, she asked a question, "Where is the Riolu anyways? Is he off training again?"
Subdued. Pikachu and Bulbasaur worked together to make sure he wasn't out doing his usual late night training routine. Dexter answered. I am up because I had no need to sleep.
"That is a shame. I was hoping to spar with him tonight." Zorua said. Though she believed her fundamentals were coming along, she had no idea how good her practical fighting ability was. Though, without Ash, she still had an avenue. "Maybe we can give each other company until the morning?"
I have no objections.
Zorua's tail wagged. From what she had managed to gather from Dexter, he was something of a learned Maiju himself. It had been a while since she had met another like herself, especially since the other apprentices left before she did.
She walked out the inn and towards the back. She had no intention of being held for ransom yet again, so they weren't traveling that far.
She wondered how proficient the Pokédex was at fighting, yet could imagine that the machine might have been even less experienced in combat than she was, since he had only just been awakened.
It wouldn't be long until she was back home, facing her father. Now, instead of merely wanting to prove a point, she had plenty of questions that needed asking, most of their pertaining to her missing mother.
Hopefully, she was strong enough.
Zorua turned towards the Pokédex. "Let's see what moves you have, okay? You've got sparks coming from your body, so let's try some Electrical moves."
Affirmative! Dexter complied, sending jolts of electricity through the air.
The spirit fox watched, eagerly as the animated machine tested and observed his own limits. She approved. Then again, it made perfect sense.
Zorua liked books after all; and what was a Pokédex if not a new type of book?
I am proud to announce that someone made a Tvtropes page for this fic and I have just become aware of it.
The theme of this chapter was the change of relationships, both of physical and emotional evolution, of having to accept change or being willing to try it.
Kyuko is literally Ninetales's Japanese species name minus the final "n", which incidentally lines it up with an actual Japanese name. Expect to see more of her later.
Plenty of you had good guesses as to what was happening with Dexter and I felt that given the themes of this chapter, it was a good way to bring him in. Dexter basically evolved from an ordinary Pokédex , which is what has been brought up.
Pikachu and Charizard don't speak to each other, but their struggles from their spat a bit ago have proceeded.