We eventually found our way to what looks like a tourist resort town. It seems we washed up on a relatively remote part of the beach—a 15 minute or so walk away we saw crowds that rivaled those in the human world. I suppose with the responsibilities of running the world, the pokemon here need to 'get away from it all' every now and then. Seeing all these pokemon families playing tourist is quite a sight!
I've been taking it all in…being here again. Last time, I wasn't actually out and about for long before Gwen and her dear friend caught me, rather unawares, in that desert oasis. But now…now I'm grateful to at least get the time to appreciate more of the sights this world has to offer. For starters, the lack of humans is simply surreal. I had minimal contact with humans before joining Gwen's team, but that was so long ago now that I've grown quite accustomed to them. After being used to their presence for so long, I cannot quite imagine living life without them!
Yet here it all is, seemingly peaceful and functional as can be. It makes me feel…a bit out of place, to be honest. Where we're from….well, some pokemon battle, or perform, or even work with humans, but many just…exist. Live with and are taken care of by their humans. Thinking about my own life…I was wild for a time, living in the ocean, but after getting injured at a young age, I always had Gwen to look after me…I can't quite imagine having that level of responsibility for myself, let alone for other pokemon. I suppose if I was born in this world, I'd probably have a job and my own family by now. Such a strange thought! What kind of career would I have, I wonder? There must be all kinds of jobs here, many of which I assume are unique to this world. What kind of skills would I have had to offer? Since Gwen settled down with her schooling and started a family, my battling days have been pretty much over (not that we don't practice between ourselves, it's important to stay fit, of course). But otherwise we don't do very much…not compared to the pokemon here, anyway.
Thinking about the others…I wonder what happened to them? Could they have made it here too? Are they all together? How are they coping? I hope they're alright—they are all quite capable, but the stress and confusion of being here…well, I recall it didn't exactly bring out the best in me last time. Especially when I found myself cornered by Dr. Laurel and his Audino, then later by Gwen and Skitty.
As we walk, I recall that strange encounter. It was truly surreal—there I was, battling a couple of kids who were trying to arrest me, when one produces my own pokeball. I don't think I've ever felt as many emotions in a whole day as I did in those few milliseconds, most in the realm of shock, anger, and an all consuming fear.
But, that's all behind us now. What's important now is that we find the Exploration Center, possibly the others, and then hopefully a way home.
I do hope that, if they are here too, no one else has suffered amnesia. It was quite a blow to reunite with Gwen, just to learn she hadn't the faintest idea who we were. All those years of memories…she has been regaining them over time, but there are still missing pieces.
As we travel, I've also been stealing a few glances at Stephanie. As strange as it is for me…I can't quite fathom how it would be for a human. Gwen seemed to take much of it in stride, but then again what other option was there? Lost, alone, and without memories…one needs to be able to find help wherever they can. Stephanie's been asking Rotom a few questions—she's comfortable enough talking to her it seems, probably since her Pokédex gave her the power of human speech in our world, but she still seems leery about speaking with me. Not that she hasn't tried, it's just…well I think it's still a little strange for her is all.
It's fine though, Rotom's doing enough talking for all three of us. And then some.
"I just feel so cut off without the Pokédex! No database, no nothing!" Stephanie snorts, "how did you survive before having it?" "I didn't know any better! I was so naive! But now I'm enlightened! And suffering immeasurably!" She flies around our heads in a frenzy. It seems ignorance is bliss. "I'm sure you'll live," I offer. "Badly!" She cries with mock drama "you just can't understand…" I laugh, then notice Stephanie staring at me again.
She sees me look and turns away, blushing slightly, "sorry…I know it's-that it's still you…that I already technically know you…kind of…but actually being able to understand a pokemon other than Rotom is so…" she looks off into the distance, brows knit together. "It's quite alright, I understand. It will take some time…it's all rather…strange." She nods weakly, not looking my way again.
We regard the bustling town spreading out before us. There are hotels, various shops selling all kinds of beach and ocean themed trinkets, and even a few stalls advertising lessons for things like surfing (or how to use Surf, for those who are able).
It's a lovely beachside town, but the fact remains that we are hopelessly and utterly lost with no food, water, money, or clue about anything. Among our team, Rotom and I saw the least of this world, so as to finding the Exploration Center, I have absolutely no idea where to start.
I wish Gwen was here…I don't know whether the others came here or not, but wherever they are, I hope they're alright.
We wander around aimlessly, just trying to get situated. As we go, something catches my eye. A pair of pokemon appear to be haggling for a rare looking item at a small store. But that's not what I notice. Firstly, they don't look like tourists; they have rather a lot of supplies, and don't seem at all relaxed. Secondly, they both have badges that look…incredibly familiar.
I'm vaguely aware Stephanie and Rotom are continuing to walk, but I'm frozen to the spot, studying the badges. It takes me a moment, but then I'm certain—those are the same badges Gwen and Skitty had; a golden circle emblazoned with an ornate 'EC' with a large red ribbon stuck on the back. In other words, the official badge used by teams from the Exploration Center.
"Excuse me?" I say, approaching the pair. "Can I help…you? The espathra replies, looking me up and down, the shaking her head, "I'm sorry, you reminded me of someone." She clears her throat, "can I help you?" She says, more confidently now, as her partner, a grapploct, continues haughtily bartering with the shopkeeper.
"Well I was wondering—" "Dragalge! There you are, what are you thinking, wandering away like that!" Rotom and Stephanie appear beside me. Now Espathra and Grapploct are both staring, eyes wide. "Well I'll be darned…" Grapploct says, "what are the odds! Just like Delcatty's friend's team…Gwen, was it?" He says, turning to Espathra. "Yes! We actually are the very same Gwen's team! And we're looking for the Exploration Center!" I say, shocked to hear her name come from the pokemon. I suppose our reputation proceeds us. "What? No way…for real?" Espathra says looking between us, incredulous. She turns to her partner, "hey! We should bring them back to the Center! Master Delcatty will wanna know about this!" She says to Grapploct. "But we haven't finished the assignment!" "This is more important! Come on, you know this would be top priority!" "We would be incredibly grateful," I offer, desperate not to lose the only lead to the Exploration Center we may ever find. "We woke up on that beach, and…well we have no idea where exactly we are or how to get home." He looks between us, then sighs, slumping his shoulders, "oh alright, we can head back now."
We start following them through the town. "By the way, who's this? A new teammate? I don't remember a fennekin," Espathra says, gesturing to Stephanie. "…in a manner of speaking," she says, "I'm actually Gwen's wife, I'm a human too. Or, I was, anyway." "Wow! Another human? Amazing! Are there any more of you?" "Well there's our son, Elliot, but…we don't know if he's here, or Gwen either for that matter." She looks down, I'm pretty sure with a few tears in her eyes. I understand, the not knowing what's happened…if they're here, if they're back home, wondering what going on…it makes my head spin.
But don't worry Gwen, we're heading to your Exploration Center. If we have any hope of getting home, I'm sure it's there.