When I woke up, I'd already been healed and was in a Pokéball at Cynthia's side again, none the wiser as to what even knocked me out, and without even being able to ask who did it. Still, at least the Pokéball situation was one I could rectify.
Generally speaking, I did not like being into my Pokèball. Way back when, being outside of my Pokèball meant that I needed to maim some Pokèmon, or feeding time. For all that that brings up hazy, negative memories, I liked the freedom that came from being outside and not having to do either of those things.
There was also the fact that, bitter I may be about it, this was a whole new world to explore, and hell if I was going to have an orb get in the way of me doing that, especially when I now had the relative power and speed of a semi-truck.
Thankfully, after a token protest about me being outside, Cynthia decided that there was no point in fighting me on this and placed me on egg duty. I had wondered what the fourth aura I felt around her was, but I'd imagined it to be a Porygon or Rotom, like in Lucas' and Cyrus' cases, weak as the lifeforce was.
So now, I carried the incubator. I didn't know how to feel about that; if it was yet another attempt at forcing me to be gentler... well, it was fucking working. You try to intimidate or get into a physical altercation with someone while holding an extremely fragile egg the size of you on your back; I assure you, it won't go well.
Also, the egg somehow seemed... happy? Whenever I went to check on it with my aura, which was weird enough. How could you be happy already when you weren't even born?
Well, clearly it was managing to.
Also… learning TMs was weird. I had never given them much thought, but it was very much not a "Here's a step-by-step lesson in how to perform this move." like I'd imagined, which would make sense. I now also understood why they were so freaking expensive. It's very much like that scene in the Matrix, where NEO is first brought in and has the chips uploaded into his brain.
I now know Drain Punch.
My half-assed training in Ice Punch with Porygon couldn't even compare, even after I've had all this time to practice.
Thinking about the Togepi line, it was one of the few types of Pokèmon who could learn Aura Sphere. And unlikely as it was, I'm pretty sure both their evolutions weren't gated behind levels; if Cynthia felt the need for a flier, she could very well have a Lv.1 Togekiss- Lv.2, technically speaking, if leveling up is a requirement for the happiness evolution like it is in the game. I wonder if that's what guided her decision to get one, but then again, Garchomp can fly too.
I wonder if it's reacting because it feels us "similar", in some weird, Pokèmon way. Togekiss are aura users and evolve via happiness, just like the Lucario line.
Idly, I paw at the bell around my neck put there as a collar, making it produce a trill. I thought I would feel much angrier than I am at the idea of wearing a collar, but the fabric of the ribbon it's tied to is not tight or itchy, and the bell is not really a constant noise maker.
The fact that this is a Soothe Bell, rather than a more innocent sort of gift is not lost on me; it's clear Cynthia wants me to evolve into a Lucario, and knows that the way to that is through a Riolu's heart.
All in all, I am neither enthused nor offended by the thing, remaining ultimately ambivalent. Besides, Cynthia hardly strikes me as the loving type; neither of my fellow Pokèmon have gifts or names other than those of their species. To be honest, none of the personality she showed in the games or even the anime is shining through... but then again, this is barely a teenager, and the "canon" Cynthia was practically queen of the world.
These thoughts are what I'm thinking about as I sit in the stands of the Floaroma Contest Hall.
Of course, the words of the people around me are not lost on me. Since we showed up bright and early due to Cynthia being part of the contestants, I was sitting here in the stands when they were almost empty. With the competition not already begun, people have latched on to the most interesting thing going on... which apparently is the Riolu sitting on an incubator.
"Is that your Pokèmon, ma'am? No? Whose is it then?"
"Is that a Riolu? They're super rare!"
"Is it watching its trainer compete? Why is it not in a Pokèball?"
"Is that an egg in an incubator? Why is it holding that?"
"Aww, it's so cute! Can I go pet it, mommy?"
God in heaven, why did you need to turn me into a marketable plushie
As I try to ignore the uneasiness I feel about being the center of attention, I feel something crack across my skull. It doesn't... hurt, per se, but it's also not pleasant.
Looking down, I see that it's a black Pokéball, with a gold center, outlined by white, and a red line, outlined in gold, running over its top. The ball, of course, did not open and suck me in since I'm already owned by someone else, regardless of my feelings about it. Looking back at its source and hearing a few gasps, I see that a green-haired guy is in the pose for throwing a Pokèball. Tall, maybe a little older than a teenager. Probably wealthy.
Seeing my obviously uncaptured state, he clicked his tongue. "Should've known." As the people kept looking at him, he huffed. "What? None of you knew for certain whether it was a wild or a captured one. Pokèmon training is about shooting your shot even in the face of uncertainty."
As he spoke, I hopped off of the incubator and reached out for the Luxury Ball. Clicking on it until it minimized itself, I held it in my paw, idly wondering what to do with it.
"Ah, yes, that's mine," Greenie said. "Give it back."
I blinked, staring at the man as he held his hand out expectantly. I raised my own paw... and shoved the ball in my mouth, gulping a mouthful of saliva, before grinning at him.
"What! No, you stupid Pokèmon! Do you have any idea how much those cost! How dare you?!" He shouted and flailed, as people began openly laughing at him. I would've bared my teeth in a challenge, but it was hard enough to pretend to swallow the Pokèball, and I didn't want to make it look like I still had it.
Thankfully, a green-haired woman who looked older than him approached him. "Well, didn't you say that training was about shooting your shot, Hayden?" She smiled placidly at him. "Sometimes things go well, and sometimes, they don't."
"You... ugh. Whatever. I'm outta here. Enjoy your stupid contest, Cheres."
At that, he stomped away. Good. I kept my eyes on the green-haired woman, who turned towards me as I discreetly spat out the ball in the handkerchief around my neck for safekeeping.
"I apologize for the disturbance he may have caused. Is your trainer competing in the contest?" She asked, and I nodded, eyeing her. She seemed to be the very picture of composure, and her aura reflected that.
"Wonderful! Is it alright if I sit with you, then?" I blinked, tilting my head before shrugging in acceptance. Why did she choose to sit next to me, anyway? Weirdo.
My musings are cut off as I see the lights dim as a spotlight falls on a redhead with short hair, sunglasses in a peach-pink two-piece suit. Pink petals are falling around her, and somehow, she manages to not make it look horrendous, which is kudos to her for knowing her style, but still.
I don't understand fashion.
"As Mother Nature grants our dearest city a spectacular bounty of beautiful flowers, we return the favor by giving our all to make as dazzling a display as we can to show our gratitude here in the Floaroma Town contest!"
Cheers and claps erupted in the audience, with my seatmate politely clapping together with the audience. I can't help but notice however the hint of panic spiking in her as the audience rouses, though following her gaze leads to nothing.
"As a reminder to both newcomers and old guard alike, we are at the beginning of the contest season for this year. The winners of this contest will receive the Floaroma Ribbon; anyone who is able to achieve five ribbons will be able to participate in this year's Grand Conference, where the best of the best will show off their skills! Coordinators, here's the prize you'll be contesting each other for!" She showed off a little golden and orange pin. Moments later, she introduced the judges as well as herself... the name Zoey tells me something, but I'm not sure what.
"And now, without further ado, let's begin! Please welcome Contestant Cynthia to the plate!"
I watched as Cynthia began her appeal. To be honest, I wasn't sure what sort of beauty Gabite could put on, but I suppose being a dragon type she could put on a sufficient light show to dazzle the-
"Let's dance, Budew!"
That's not Gabite
I tilted my head, watching as the squat, tiny sprout-like Pokèmon appeared from the Pokèball center stage. After a moment, I shrugged, pulling out the Pokèdex I'd snatched off Cynthia's purse while she was changing, and handed it to the green-haired woman, who blinked.
"Ah... you truly have a penchant for taking things that do not belong to you, huh? That's not a good thing..." I pointed at the arena.
"You want me to record it?" She asked, and I nodded. "That makes sense. Very well." Turning the device on, the monotonous voice of the Pokedex began blaring. "Unrecognized user accessing the Pokèdex. Please, insert personal passcode or return this Pokèdex-"
"Pokèmon League Official Authentication Override." The woman commanded.
"Please identify yourself." With that, the woman turns the Pokèdex around and stares into its camera. After a second, it replies, "Welcome, officer, how may I assist you?"
"Begin recording." And with that, she holds the Pokèdex up to the scene, and I'm left blinking in astonishment. This whole sequence can't have lasted longer than 20 seconds and Cynthia is still being introduced by the announcer, but just...
This world manages to surprise me every time. I squint at the woman as I try to figure out if I know her, somehow, but nothing comes to mind.
As the announcer finishes, well, announcing for Cynthia, she springs into action, and I find my curiosity piqued. Budew is... hardly show-offy, and her timid nature doesn't help.
"Budew, take control! Leech Seed!"
As Budew starts scattering Leech Seeds around the arena and specifically in the portions where the flowers are, I can't help but frown.
I guess in the absence of an opponent, the flowers could be drained... but surely that's gonna get her penalized.
Indeed, Budew seems to be draining the flowers of their strength, as they slowly but surely begin to wilt.
"Budew begins its appeal by assaulting the very flowers of the arena itself?!" Zoey exclaims, and there's shock and confusion running among the judges.
"Now, Sunny Day! And follow it up with Growth!"
As Budew takes in the harsh sunlight coming in from the open sky of the arena, I am forced to raise a hand as the sun nearly blinds me. The judges are forced to do much of the same. I hope this pays off, mostly for Budew's sake, because first assaulting the field and then the judges' eyes is not earning Cynthia brownie points.
"Between the Leech Seed, the Sunny Day, and the Growth, Budew is looking positively vibrant! It seems that today, however, beauty is coming at a cost." Zoey comments, not looking too enthused.
Does Budew even learn those moves, normally? I know Roserade does, and Cynthia probably used a TM for Sunny Day, but...
"Spore, Water Sport! Scatter them in the air!" Cynthia commands like a drill sergeant, opening a parasol for herself. A moment later, it's clear why as out of the top of Budew's namesake bud water and glittering spores come off, as Cynthia uses the instrument to shield herself.
The resulting effect is a field of sparkling rainbows all around Budew in a beautiful display, expanding through the air around the arena.
"And now, to finish this off! Invert the flow of Leech Seed, Budew, and keep Growth up!"
My eyes widen as I see what Cynthia has been working up to until this point, and the gasp that runs through the audience is well deserved. Water Sport to keep it hydrated, Sunny Day and Growth so that it didn't lose energy, and Leech Seed to give it the power to fire those moves rapid-fire; as Budew scrunches its face in concentration, quite literally glowing green as the flowers, which were previously wilting, pick up and become even more beautiful than they had. Despite this, Budew manages to not tire itself out, and when it is done, all the arena is sparkling as both it and the flowers' have gained a much healthier shade than they previously had, for all that they were already well off.
"An incredible display of returning what was once given to you, which I think is truly what Floaroma Town is all about!"
"I must say, I was on the edge of my seat; this was one of the bolder appeals I have seen in a while." The man among the judges commented.
"I agree. What's more, it's clear to see that the mastery of the moves she used and the creativity behind them has the mark of not a regular Pokémon and their trainer." The woman agreed.
"Truly remarkable; especially after such an involved performance, for your Pokémon to still be in perfect condition is a sign of good thought put behind it." The nurse Jenny finished.
"You were wonderful there, Budew," Cynthia mutters, though it is still picked up by her microphone, lowering herself to offer an approving smile to the plant in what... I think is the first time I ever heard her compliment her Pokémon.
"Well, it's going to be hard to top that! Give it up for Cynthia and her Bu- huh?!" The announcer stutters.
And that's for a good reason; Budew is now glowing. As everyone waits with bated breath, the Pokémon gives a triumphant cry, its form slowly shifting up and into a slightly more humanoid shape... for something that still only reaches up to my waist, or Cynthia's shin.
"Apparently, even Budew itself couldn't resist blooming under such a fantastic and warm appeal! Give it up for Cynthia and Roselia!" The announcer cried, and Cynthia grinned, picking up Roselia into a hug. The Pokémon's eyes, normally narrow, open up for a moment in surprise. Not just surprise- panic, and a moment later, I understand why.
...nononononononono oh fuck!
I sit back up, scanning the too thick crowd before deciding that there is no time to find a path; Quick Attack energy gets me a huge leap, which I follow by jumping from head to head into the arena, slamming into the ground with a roll. A moment later, I'm quick to break up the hug.
I couldn't give any less of a shit about the crowd's sudden shouts of confusion.
"A Pokémon has suddenly breached the arena! What is going on?" The announcer gasps.
"Oh, um- I'm sorry, it's my Riolu. It's not well trained yet-" Cynthia mentions, but I snatch her arm and begin dragging her towards the judges. "What are you doing?"
"What are you doing, you fucking idiot? Your Budew had Poison Point, she certainly didn't lose it from evolving!" I hiss back at her, and a distressed warble from behind us informs me that Roselia herself had briefly forgotten that little tidbit.
Absolute bollocks.
Dragging her over to the judges, I hop in front of Nurse Jenny. "Get your Chansey, or whatever you have, and- oof-" I'm cut off as Cynthia grabs me.
"I'm sorry, I don't know what came over him. I'll just- ow!" she hisses, releasing me as I bite down on her hand hard. For a moment, I feel disgust as I'm swallowing blood.
Looking at the nurse, I can see she's understood absolutely nothing of my speech, so I just grab her belt of Pokémon, snatching the first Pokéball I see and releasing the Pokémon within.
"Eek! Security! Security, please!" The male judge calls.
As I watch the Pokéball release, I'm greeted with a pink and cream form towering over me. "Hi! Oh dear, what is going on Jenny?" She turns to the nurse, but I interrupt.
"Do your thing. She's been poisoned." I hiss, pointing my paw towards Cynthia.
"Oh geeze! That's not good, humans are fragile."
As Audino starts walking towards Cynthia, I look around, watching just about everyone looking at me as though I've gone rabid... again. People are nervously fingering their Pokéballs. I can almost hear their thoughts, trying to see if I'll attack someone and how to intercept me.
I see a Staraptor poised to dive at me at its trainer's command, and that's going to be an ugly fight. Popping out my Metal Claws in advance-
"Hey, everyone? Can we calm down for a second?" the green-haired woman calls out, having somehow followed me down and grabbed one of the microphones. "I know things look bad, but look." She pointed towards Cynthia. "Everything's fine. In fact, I can attest to the fact that this Riolu, prior to the contestant hugging her Pokémon, wasn't doing anything. And... well, if I show you the results on this Pokédex here..."
"Roselia, the Thorn Pokémon. Roselia raised on clean drinking water are known to grow vividly colored flowers. However, the beautiful flowers on its arms have powerful toxic thorns."
More gasps from the peanut gallery. "Roselia and her trainer couldn't have known because it just evolved so, uh, I think it was acting in her best interest?"
The male judge blinks. "Well, I'll be. A truly rapid response that prevented an otherwise dangerous injury. You were truly lucky, young lady." Cynthia just stares at me, eyes wide, but right now, I'm having to take deep breaths just to not start stabbing people.
"I think we'll call for a fifteen-minute recess. We apologize for all the excitement, and thank you, miss, for helping clear the situation."
"Ah, it's alright... I was just on vacation and happened to drop by..."
"Be that as it may. We'll return soon, and after that, we'll follow through with more hopefully not as exciting but still beautiful performances."
"...Riolu, Roselia, return." Cynthia mutters, and a moment later, I disappear in a flash of red light.
Sorry for the delay T-T don't punch things so hard your wrist fractures, kids, it's not worth it
There is a secret that foreshadows something in this chapter. Whomever notices it gets a cookie or something.
For anyone wondering how no one in the flower town knew about Roselia... They did, but they also have the ability to turn off Poison Point. Budew- or Roselia now, unfamiliar with her own physiology, couldn't turn it off in time before getting hugged, a relatively rare problem.
If you wish to support my writing, you can check me out on the place of patrons where I post five chapters ahead. Alternatively, you can always PM me in private if you wish to commission something written where we can hash out the details. Otherwise, a review is still more than enough, and I can't be thankful enough for it.
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Drink water, stay awesome. Nick of Name, out. :)