~~Hello readers, I'm back with a new chapter.
I don't own anything from Pokémon or Futurama.
Only my original characters belong to me.~~
It was now early afternoon at Planet Express.
Zoidberg had just taken Sioku and her Flareon into the head quarters building where they met Professor Hubert Farnsworth.
Professor Farnsworth invited Zoidberg, Sioku, and Flareon into his office where they settled in.
On the sofa, Sioku lay asleep in Hubert's arms.
Zoidberg stood near the sofa and watched Sioku from a distance.
"Professor, how is she doing?" asked the lobster quietly.
Hubert lightly placed his hand over the girl's forehead.
The rising heat in her body warmed his skin instantly.
"Sioku is burning up, so she probably has a fever. You and I must bring it down as quickly as possible," he answered urgently.
Zoidberg stared at his new friend thoughtfully, then looked toward the bathroom's entrance.
"I have an idea," he said suddenly.
"What is it?" asked Hubert.
"I'm going to prepare a cool wash cloth for her," answered Zoidberg before he hurried away.
In the restroom, Zoidber grabbed a folded rag off the counter and soaked it under cold water from the sink.
He then squeezed the water out of the rag before returning to Hubert's side.
Hubert gently took the small towel from him.
"Thank you, Dr. Zoidberg," said the professor.
"You're welcome," Zoidberg replied.
Hubert placed the wet cloth on Sioku's forehead.
Sioku started to twitch as her breathing increased.
Beads of sweat rolled down her face.
Hubert placed his thumb on Sioku's wrist to check her pulse.
He noticed that her heart was racing at a high rate.
"Calm down, Sioku, you'll be okay. I'm right here," he assured softly.
"Professor, Sioku looks terrified. What's wrong with her?" said Zoidberg frantically.
"Her condition is getting worse," Hubert answered sadly.
"What can we do?" asked Zoidberg.
Hubert carefully laid Sioku down on the couch and stood up.
Zoidberg sat on the floor next to the couch and laid his head on Sioku's chest.
"I must give her fluids through an IV," answered Hubert calmly.
Zoidberg's eyes widened at that in shock.
His mind flashed back to the story of Sioku's traumatic experience.
"Are you serious? Professor, won't the medical equipment traumatize her again?" he responded with a saddened expression.
"Don't get worked up, Dr. Zoidberg. Hydrating Sioku's body with IV fluid is our best option. It's the only way we can save her," Hubert explained smoothly.
Zoidberg let out a shaky breath in fear for his ill friend.
"Sioku will be all right, Dr. Zoidberg," the professor reassured.
Zoidberg watched Hubert curiously as he gathered medical supplies from a cupboard.
Hubert then attached two tubes to a portable IV machine.
Lastly, he filled an IB bag with fluid.
Zoidberg lifted his head as he saw Hubert approached the sofa.
"Please step away from her for a minute, Dr. Zoidberg," the professor instructed.
Without a word, Zoidberg reluctantly moved back to his original spot.
Hubert set the machine on the coffee table before carefully taking Sioku into his arms.
He then sat down beside Flareon.
Zoidberg stared at the machine, then at Sioku.
A stinging sensation coursed through his heart.
He didn't want to witness Sioku being put in an uncomfortable situation.
Hubert started the process by cleaning Sioku's arms with a disinfectant wipe.
He then inserted both needles into her veins.
Lastly, he powered up the IV machine by pressing a combination of buttons.
The machine began to beep quietly.
Sioku's eyes shot wide open as she winced in pain.
She looked down at her arms to find two tubes connected to them.
Her body trembled like a leaf against Hubert.
"What's happening to me?" she wondered nervously.
The professor held Sioku tight in a comforting way.
"It's okay, Sioku, this is Professor Farnsworth. You're safe with me," he said soothingly.
She shivered violently in Hubert's arms.
~Flashback to The Lab~
Sioku lay flat on her back, strapped to a steel table with a mask over her face and three electrodes stuck to her chest.
Dr. Colress inserted large needles in Sioku's arms.
Aldith simultaneously powered up two machines that extracted Sioku's blood.
~End Flashback~
Sioku lowered her head as a wave of nausea crashed into her.
The shaking in her body intensified.
"Hey, Sioku, please speak to me. Tell me what's bothering you," Hubert pleaded.
Instead of responding, the girl collapsed over a sleeping Flareon.
"Sioku!" cried Hubert.
Flareon jolted awake and lifted her head.
She stared at her unconscious trainer with a worried expression.
Zoidberg heard the commotion and raced over to Hubert.
"Professor, what happened?" he asked.
"Sioku just had another panic attack. She collapsed over her creature," answered Hubert fearfully.
The fox attempted to wake Sioku up by licking her cheek.
Sioku lay motionless over the Pokemon.
Zoidberg leaned himself against the couch and examined Sioku cautiously.
"Sioku doesn't look injured, but she is suffering from post traumatic stress disorder. Your medical device must've triggered it. She is also very weak from losing blood," he said.
"Is there any way to wake her up?" asked Hubert.
"No, there isn't anything you can do physically. You need to let Sioku come out of this on her own," answered Zoidberg firmly.
Hubert sighed heavily, then started to rub Sioku's back in a soothing way.
"I'll be here when you wake up," he said softly.
"So will I," added Zoidberg.
The lobster laid his head on her shoulder and closed his eyes.
Hubert watched the IV bag until all of the liquid had drained out.
He then removed the two IV lines from her arms.
~Two Hours Later~
Sioku opened her eyes and stared up at Hubert.
"Hello, Sioku, how are you feeling?" the man greeted softly.
Sioku petted Flareon under her ears.
"I'm fine, but... where am I?" she replied.
"You're at my place," answered Hubert with a smile.
Hubert placed his hand over Sioku's forehead once again.
He smiled in relief knowing that her fever had broken.
"Your body has taken a turn for the better," he said.
"Thank you for staying with me during my recovery. I'm very grateful to you and Dr. Zoidberg," Sioku replied.
"You're quite welcome, Sioku, Dr. Zoidberg and I are glad to have you," Hubert added happily.
A brief period of silence passed as Hubert stroked Sioku's hair gently.
"Sioku, I didn't mean to frighten you when I hooked you up with an IV. I only wanted to restore your health," he said softly.
"I know you meant well," Sioku replied.
Zoidberg heard the conversation and lifted his head.
"I'm sorry to interrupt you, Sioku, but I'm glad to hear your voice again. I was worried about you," he said.
Sioku petted Zoidberg's head in response.
Hubert gently lifted Sioku onto a seperate cushion before he released her.
Zoidberg slowly approached Sioku before taking a seat beside her.
"Hi, Dr. Zoidberg," she greeted with a bright smile.
"Good afternoon, Sioku, you seem to have more energy now. I'm glad you're okay," Zoidberg replied.
Sioku grinned dreamily as she let Zoidberg's voice sink into her mind.
She joyfully wrapped her arms around him.
Zoidberg nuzzled Sioku's neck in return.
"You two have already formed a bond. That's wonderful," said Hubert to Zoidberg.
"Yes, I have found another best friend in Sioku. Unlike other humans, this beautiful young lady didn't turn me away because of my looks. She has a good heart and a kind personality," the lobster explained.
Sioku grinned and hugged Zoidberg tightly.
"Awe... you're so sweet," she responded cheerfully.
Hubert laughed as he watched Zoidberg blush.
A brief period of silence passed by.
"Professor, do you know anything about the portal that brought Sioku here?" asked Zoidberg.
"I was curious about that too," Sioku chimed in.
"Yes, that portal is one of my creations. It is designed for dimensional transportation," answered Hubert enthusiastically.
A blush came to Sioku's cheeks as she perked up.
"I love your spirit," she said to Hubert.
"Thank you, Sioku," replied the professor as he ruffled her hair.
"At least one of your inventions is working," Zoidberg remarked.
Hubert's face turned bright red with embarrassment as he hollered. "Dr. Zoidberg! Don't say that out loud!"
Sioku couldn't help but laugh hysterically at Hubert's reaction.
"You two are hilarious," she commented.
"Sioku, would you like to have lunch with Dr. Zoidberg and me?" asked Hubert.
"I'd be honored to have lunch with you guys," answered the teen with a bright smile.
Hubert patted Flareon's head before he stood up.
"I'll be back soon," he said.
"You don't have to worry about Sioku. I'll stay by her side," assured Zoidberg.
"Thank you, Dr. Zoidberg, you've been a great friend to her. I'm glad she met you," Hubert responded before walking away.
He entered a kitchen area across from the restroom.
Sioku, Zoidberg, and Flareon were in the living room by themselves.
"Hey, Dr. Zoidberg, do people really dismiss you because of your appearance?" asked Sioku.
Zoidberg let out a dejected sigh.
"Yes, people refuse to acknowledge my personality. They only judge my way of life and make rude comments whenever I walk by," Zoidberg explained somberly.
Sioku's heart sank as she took in his words.
She affectionately held her crustacean friend close.
"Oh, Dr. Zoidberg, you don't deserve any of that awful treatment. I promise to be your true friend and treat you with respect. You are a unique individual who deserves love and friendship," she responded smoothly.
"Your acceptance means a lot to me," Zoidberg added.
The two continued to embrace each other in silence.
Sioku closed her eyes and let all her worries melt away one by one.
She felt a rush of hyperactivity surge through her system.
Flareon suddenly woke up and shook her head, bringing Sioku back to reality.
Zoidberg chuckled in response to the noise.
"Do you want to go outside, Flareon?" asked Sioku as she released Zoidberg.
The fox jumped up and started fanning Sioku with her fluffy tail.
Sioku giggled as she ruffled Flareon's fur.
Flareon then hopped down on the floor and shook off.
"Your fox is full of energy, Sioku," Zoidberg pointed out.
"She reminds me of myself," Sioku responded with a smile.
"Let's go, Flareon," commanded Sioku.
"Hold on, Sioku, may I come with you?" asked Zoidberg.
"The more the merrier," answered Sioku with a grin.
Zoidberg put his arm around Sioku and led her to an exit door with Flareon running beside them.
Sioku happily leaned into him.
"Professor! I'm taking Sioku and her fox outside for a few minutes," called Zoidberg.
"All right, but please don't leave her side. Sioku doesn't know her way around the city," Hubert called back.
After opening the door, Zoidberg led Sioku and Flareon out to a back yard.
Sioku and Flareon explored the area as they walked around.
Zoidberg followed behind them and watched Sioku closely.
The trio wandered down a grassy path lined with bushes, trees, and flower beds on both sides.
"This yard is beautiful, Dr. Zoidberg," Sioku commented.
"Thank you, Sioku, I agree. The professor and I work together to maintain it," Zoidberg responded.
"Dr. Zoidberg, would you like to see Oshawott again and meet Lilipup?" asked Sioku.
"I sure would," answered Zoidberg happily.
Sioku retrieved two Pokeballs from her bag.
"Oshawott, Lilipup, come on out!" she commanded.
The two Pokemon emerged from their Pokeballs and started to explore the new area.
Oshawott immediately raced to a pond in the middle of the yard and jumped in.
Sioku couldn't help but giggle at the splashing sound.
Zoidberg smiled at Lilipup as he watched it run circles around Sioku's legs.
"Your dog seems to be all wound up," the lobster pointed out.
"Lilipup is my newest Pokemon. I caught it before I met you," Sioku informed.
Zoidberg responded with a nod.
Lilipup started to growl in annoyance as Flareon ran after it.
"Sioku, why is your dog growling at the fox?" asked Zoidberg.
"Lilipup has little dog complex. It tries to pick fights with fully evolved Pokemon," Sioku explained.
Flareon playfully swatted Lilipup with her paw.
Lilipup lunged at Flareon, then bit the end of her tail.
Flareon yelped in pain as she flung Lilipup away.
"Knock it off, Lilipup!" yelled Sioku.
Lilipup looked up at Sioku in response.
Zoidberg watched the scene with an amused expression.
"Lilipup has been acting this way toward Flareon since I caught it. It gets along with Oshawott really well though," stated Sioku.
"We should start going back inside now," Zoidberg replied.
Sioku retrieved two Pokeballs from her bag.
"Oshawott, Lilipup, return," she commanded.
Lilipup shook off before entering its Pokeball.
Oshawott climbed out of the pond, then raced back to Sioku before entering its Pokeball.
Zoidberg put his arm around Sioku, then led Flareon and her inside the building.
Sioku affectionately leaned into Zoidberg and let her mind wander as they traveled.
Back at the office, Professor Farnsworth greeted them in the doorway.
"Lunch is ready," he said.
"Thank you, sir," replied Sioku politely.
Sioku, Flareon, and Zoidberg followed Hubert into a dining area.
~Small Time Skip~
Sioku had just finished helping Zoidberg and the professor clean up after their meal.
She sat on the sofa between Zoidberg and Hubert.
Flareon sat on the floor by Sioku's feet.
"Pardon me, Professor Farnsworth, may I use the portal to return to my home world? I have a gym battle coming up soon," said Sioku.
"I don't see a problem with that. There's a portal entrance located near the restroom. Look for a glowing orb of light on the ceiling. You may come back and visit us any time," replied Hubert.
"Thank you, Professor Farnsworth, I appreciate you and Dr. Zoidberg for all your help. I'll never forget both of you," Sioku added graciously.
Hubert embraced the girl in return.
"I wish you the best of luck, Sioku," said Zoidberg warmly.
She started to lead Flareon toward the swirling orb of light.
Before they could proceed, Zoidberg caught up to them while breathing heavily.
"Dr. Zoidberg, what's wrong?" asked Sioku.
Zoidberg pulled her into a hug and answered. "Sioku, I'm going to miss you so much. Please be safe out there."
Sioku grinned as she returned the embrace.
"I'll miss you so much too, Dr. Zoidberg. You don't have to worry about me. Flareon and I will be just fine," she said softly.
"Good luck, Sioku," replied Zoidberg as they released each other.
Sioku petted Zoidberg's head one last time before grabbing Flareon's fur collar.
Zoidberg stared at his new friend sadly.
"I'll be back soon, Dr. Zoidberg," she assured.
The two then stood under a glowing portal.
A vortex of light energy swirled around Sioku and Flareon before hoisting them into the air.
The portal then transported them back to Route 19 in Unova.
As soon as they landed, Sioku quickly led Flareon straight to the trainer school in Aspertia City.
Sioku entered the school, then skipped happily down the corridor with Flareon running by her side.
Flareon and her trainer stood by a wall while waiting for the gym leader to arrive.
A brief moment of silence passed by.
Flareon shook off, then started to sniff the ground.
Sioku paced back and forth as she thought about Zoidberg.
The door in front of them opened up a few minutes later.
Sioku looked toward the doorway in surprise.
A tall man with black eyes and jet-black hair stepped out of the room wearing a friendly smile on his face.
He wore brown shoes, blue dress pants, a white dress shirt, and an orange necktie.
"Good morning, mis," he greeted.
Sioku was immediately impressed by the friendly man's politeness.
"Same to you, sir, my name is Sioku. I came here to have a gym battle with you," she responded joyfully.
The man held his right hand out to her and continued. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Sioku, my name is Cheren. I'm a gym leader and a teacher here at this school."
Sioku blushed with excitement as she shook his hand.
Cheren kindly led Flareon and Sioku into the room.
He then turned to another man standing near the entrance.
"Pardon me, sir, but we have a new challenger this morning. Her name is Sioku," Cheren said politely.
"I'm pleased to meet you, sir," Sioku added shyly.
The man simply nodded before joining Cheren at the opposite end of a medium sized battle field.
Sioku stood next to a wall, nervously staring at the floor.
"I wish Dr. Zoidberg and Professor Farnsworth were here," she thought.
The referee cleared his throat before he spoke in a loud voice. "The battle between Sioku the challenger and Cheren the gym leader is about to begin. Both trainers will use two Pokémon each. The battle will be over when both Pokémon on either side are no longer able to battle. Both trainers may substitute their Pokémon at any time. Trainers, please bring out your first Pokémon."
Sioku's heart began to race with anticipation.
She took a few deep breaths in order to calm herself down.
Cheren confidently held up a Pokéball and shouted. "Patrat... come on out!"
The normal type rat Pokémon, Patrat, emerged from its Pokéball and stood on the field in front of Cheren.
With her mind finally cleared, Sioku proudly took her position on the other end of the battle field.
Before Sioku had the chance to pick up a Pokéball, Oshawott popped out and jumped down onto the field.
Sioku was once again surprised by her water Pokémon's mysterious appearance.
Her cheeks turned bright red with embarrassment.
"How in the world did Oshawott know when to come out?" Sioku asked with a look of utter shock.
"Maybe your Oshawott really wants to battle first," answered Cheren.
Sioku smiled down at the happy sea otter Pokémon.
"Okay, Oshawott, I choose you," she said.
Oshawott joyfully lept onto the battle field and stood in front of its trainer.
"That is one enthusiastic Pokémon," Cheren pointed out.
Sioku nodded her head in agreement.
"Battle... begin!" called the other man.
"I'll make the first move," said Cheren.
He then pointed to his rat Pokémon and added. "Patrat, let's begin by using tackle."
Patrat immediately charged forward in Oshawott's direction.
Oshawott stared intently at Patrat.
Sioku grinned as an interesting thought crossed her mind.
"Oshawott, aim a water gun at Patrat's face!" she called out.
As Patrat came closer to Oshawott, the sea otter unleashed a stream of water directly in the rat's face.
Patrat fearfully backed up as it was sprayed by a small jet of water.
"Nice work, Oshawott," Sioku praised.
Oshawott posed victoriously in response.
"Patrat, use bite," Cheren commanded.
Patrat lundged forward and landed a direct hit on Oshawott's side.
"Nice move, Patrat," Cheren praised.
Oshawott stumbled back in pain.
"Oshawott... no!" cried Sioku.
Sioku stared down at her Pokémon desperately, hoping that Oshawott wasn't done battling yet.
"You can do it, Oshawott! Please get up and fight," she said encouragingly.
Oshawott carefully pulled itself back up on its feet.
Sioku smiled at her water Pokémon in approval.
"Good job, Oshawott, let's turn this battle around. We can do this," she said confidently.
Oshawott then faced Patrat and glared at it.
"Patrat, use tackle again," Cheren ordered.
Patrat charged toward Oshawott once again.
"Dodge it by using razor shell," Sioku commanded.
Just as Patrat was about to strike Oshawott again, the water Pokémon intercepted it with a powerful razor shell attack.
Patrat was sent flying across the battle field.
"Nice shot, Oshawott," Sioku praised with a grin.
Patrat hit the ground with a hard thud.
Cheren gasped in fear as he looked down at his injured Pokémon.
"Patrat, are you all right?" he asked with worry.
The defeated Patrat didn't move from its place on the floor.
"Patrat is unable to battle. This victory goes to the challenger Sioku," said the referee.
"You did it, Oshawott! Great job," praised Sioku with a joyful smile.
Oshawott jumped high in the air with glee.
Cheren quickly opened up Patrat's Pokéball.
"You fought very well out there, Patrat. Please return and take a long rest," he said softly.
Patrat slowly crawled into the Pokéball before it closed.
"You put up a good fight, Patrat. Now take a well deserved rest," Cheren added calmly.
Cheren held up a second Pokéball.
"All right, Herdier, it's your turn!" he called out.
The normal type dog Pokémon, Herdier, bolted onto the battle field while wagging its tail.
Sioku grinned while staring at Herdier in admiration.
"Awe, that Pokémon is so cute! I want to catch one for myself," she said happily.
Cheren only smiled back at her.
Sioku pointed down at Oshawott who seemed to be a little tired from its last fight.
"Do you still want to battle?" the teen asked with slight concern.
Oshawott nodded its head and jumped up.
"Your Oshawott has a lot of spirit," Cheren complemented.
"Oshawott reminds me of myself," Sioku replied.
Both Pokémon faced each other with fighting intent.
"Battle... begin!" shouted the referee.
"I'll have the first move this time," Sioku said to Cheren.
Cheren gave a thumbs up in response.
"Okay, Oshawott, use tackle," Sioku commanded.
Oshawott charged in Herdier's direction wearing a determined expression.
"Fight back with thunder fang," Cheren instructed.
Sioku's eyes widened with horror at the sound of that attack.
"Electric type attacks are super effective against water Pokémon. Dr. Zoidberg wouldn't want to see this," She thought nervously.
Electricity built up inside Herdier's fangs as it waited for Oshawott to approach.
"Oshawott... look out!" shouted Sioku desperately.
Oshawott looked up at its trainer before proceeding to charge toward Herdier.
Sioku's Pokémon didn't get the chance to attack.
Herdier barked and sank its fangs into Oshawott's back, knocking Sioku's Pokémon onto the floor.
She stared down at her injured Pokémon with a horrified expression.
"Oshawott… are you okay? Please get up," Sioku pleaded.
The defeated Oshawott didn't budge from its spot.
"Oshawott is unable to battle. This victory goes to Cheren," said the referee.
"Great job, Herdier," Cheren praised.
Herdier wagged its tail wildly in return.
Sioku opened up Oshawott's Pokeball and commanded softly. "Oshawott, return."
The sea otter climbed into its Pokéball before it closed.
"Oshawott, you fought very hard out there. Thank you for your effort," Sioku added smoothly.
Sioku then pointed at Flareon who stood patiently behind her.
"You're up next, Flareon," she said with determination.
Flareon ran excitedly onto the battle field.
The hairs on Herdier's back stood straight up as it growled at Flareon.
Unfazed, Flareon only looked away.
Herdier! Stop that," scolded Cheren.
Herdier sat down in response to Cheren's raised voice.
Cheren then turned to Sioku with a look of remorse.
"Sioku, I apologize for my Pokémon's behavior. Herdier has little dog complex whenever it's about to battle a fully evolved Pokémon," he explained.
Sioku gave a nod and smiled brightly.
"That's okay, Cheren, my Lilipup has the same problem. It growls at Flareon all the time," she responded.
"Battle... begin!" called the referee.
Zoidberg's voice echoed in Sioku's mind, giving her a major boost of encouragement.
"Okay, Flareon, use flare blitz," Sioku commanded.
Flareon released a fireball from its mouth and aimed it at Herdier.
Herdier tried to dodge it, but the flames were too fast.
The fireball slammed directly into Herdier, knocking the dog Pokémon backward.
"Nice shot, Flareon," Sioku praised.
Flareon looked up at Sioku in return.
Herdier furiously shook the flames from its fur.
"Use bite," Cheren ordered.
Herdier charged forward and landed a direct hit on Flareon.
Flareon howled in pain as it stumbled backward.
"Follow it up with thunder fang," Cheren added.
Electricity built up inside of Herdier's fangs once more.
Herdier sank its electrified fangs into Flareon's body.
Flareon growled loudly in response.
"Flareon, use thunderbolt," Sioku countered.
The fox Pokémon unleashed a powerful thunderbolt from the tip of its tail.
Flareon's thunderbolt came in direct contact with Herdier's body, paralyzing the opposing Pokémon.
Herdier tried to move but to no avail.
The dog Pokémon had been pinned in place by paralysis.
"Let's wrap this up with solar beam," Sioku instructed proudly.
Flareon stood still as light energy from the sun slowly built up inside its body.
A beam of solar light was then released from the top of Flareon's head before showering down from the sky and striking Herdier.
Herdier fell to the ground with a thud.
"Herdier is unable to battle. This victory goes to the challenger Sioku. Therefore, Sioku is the winner of this match!" shouted the referee.
Cheren opened up a Pokéball and commanded softly. "Herdier, return."
Herdier crawled inside its Pokéball before it closed.
"Thanks, Herdier, you fought very well out there. Take a good rest," Cheren added smoothly.
Sioku cheered in excitement while hugging Flareon tight.
Flareon wagged her tail against her trainer's legs with the same amount of happiness.
Cheren turned to Sioku wearing a delighted expression.
"Congratulations on your victory, Sioku, it's clear to me that you and your Pokémon have trained really hard. You defeated both of my Pokémon with brilliant strategies," he complemented.
"Thank you very much, sir," the teen replied graciously.
Cheren retrieved a badge from his pants pocket, then presented it to Sioku.
"As proof of your victory here at the Aspertia gym, I gladly reward you with the basic badge. You earned it," he said proudly.
Sioku gracefully took the badge from him and replied. "Thanks again, I really enjoyed our Pokémon battle. Hopefully you and I will meet again sometime."
"Enjoy the rest of your day, Sioku," Cheren said with a wave.
Cheren kindly opened the door.
Flareon and her trainer stepped out into the hallway.
Sioku and Flareon happily strolled down the long corridor that led to the main lobby.