"That is enough for today, John." The caretaker of the Halfway house, Jenny Langstrom, told me. I was on the roof with my phone watching a 'how to' on patching a leak. It was one of the jobs I picked up at the guild.
"Ok Ms. Langstrom. I got it done, so the leak should be patched. Let me clean up then you can have Ludicolo sprinkle some water to test my work." I told her as I collected my tools and trash. I carefully made my way to the edge of the roof. "Ok Opal bring me down." I felt my body be lifted then moved off the roof and down to the ground.
Once there I set my tools and trash down to pick up Opal. "You did a great job." I told her while giving her a hug. She has been training her powers again for her fight with normal. Ruby and Sapphire as well. But where they are physical Opal must rely on her powers alone.
[Your welcome Bro.] She said watching me work with Jenny's Ludicolo to see if the leak was fixed. Water streamed down from the roof as I went Inside to check it out. In the attic space I felt the area and sure enough, there was no water.
I ran back down and stuck my head out my room's window. "We are good. You can stop." With that the Ludicolo stopped spraying water.
I came back down. "That should do it Ms. Jenny" I picked the toolbox up and walked over to her shed. Opal plopped herself on my shoulder.
"It is a rare few that know how to do odd jobs. Most are either too young or don't care." Jenny said walking with me. She looked at the children playing with their pokemon at the Lotad pond.
I put the tools away and locked the shed. I then handed the key to Jenny. "With that I will go spend my time with my team."
She smiled and stepped back. "You have a cute team. Treat them well."
I looked up at Opal. "I will." I pressed my face into Opal's leg making her get embarrassed. Jenny laughed as Opal pushed on my head to get it away.
I stopped teasing Opal as Jenny left. She smacked the top of my head. [Why did you do that!?] she exclaimed.
"Because you are my little sister and I love you." I responded. I lifted my arm to hold her hand. "So what if I tease you. It only shows how much you mean to me." She puffed up her cheeks. "You're lucky you're out of reach." I tease. We walked back to the pond where Sapphire and Ruby were sparring.
They stopped when they saw me. I knelt as they ran over. They tackled me to the ground. [John!] Sapphire exclaimed, pressing her face into my chest. Ruby yapped and rubbed her head in my hand. I pet both of their heads.
"Hey you two, how is the training going?"
Ruby made her happy growls while Sapphire gave me a straight answer.
[New move, learned.] she said, jumping off my lap.
She ran up to a tree and took a wide stance. Paws at her hips. She closes her eyes, lifting her hands and shifting her feet to a fighting stance. Her back paw turned white then she opened her eyes and with a yell punched the tree. The light flashed and there was a loud crack.
There was silence then the tree began to groan as it fell backwards. It hit the ground with a thud. Sapphire turned to face me, her tail wagging and eyes bright. [I'm strong now!] She said running back for praise.
I was speechless. How could such a small body hold that much power? I pulled out my phone and activated the Dex app. I aimed the camera at Sapphire. "Hold still Saph." I told her as the app scanned Sapphire
Once it was done, I picked her up and set her on my lap. I smiled while petting the spot between her ears. Her tail wagging so fast it was a blur. Opal and Ruby got closer to look at my phone.
After the app had gotten the information on Sapphire, we all looked at it.
Subject: Riolu
Index #: 447
Species: Emanation Pokemon
Type: Fighting
Below that was the biology, behavior and natural abilities. Reading through those I looked at her. "You and Opal have a lot in common. You can both sense emotions and read minds."
[Though mine is more fine tuned.] Opal remarked, giving her sister a hug. She said something in Poke speech that got Saph excited.
"What did you tell her?"
They both looked at me with a smile. [Secret.] they both said. Ruby laughed at me as well, knowing what was said.
"Well, let's see her moves." I scrolled down on my phone. Instead of moves I got a sync button. "What the heck." I tapped it. It brought up instructions: select Ergo-watch from the next menu and hold the Pokeball of the Pokemon you want specific data from.
I did what the instructions said and picked up up Sapphire's blue ball. I tapped the scan button on my phone, the center button on the ball blinked green a few times as the word scanning and a loading wheel shaped like a Pokeball worked on the phone screen.
After a minute the screen showed Sapphire with her blue eyes. Followed by her stats.
Name: Sapphire
Age: 10
Species: Emanation pokemon
Evolution: Riolu
Type: Fighting
Trainer: John Grimm
Height: 3ft 5in (104cm)
Weight: 65 lbs (29.5 kg)
Unique aspects: Blue eyes instead of the normal Red. Bone structure is less dense than normal. (Does not affect combat ability.)
Known moves:
Tackle
Growl
Rock smash
Foresight
Howl
Bullet punch
Force Palm
Counter
I whistled. "You are a special girl Saph. I always thought you were underweight but it turns out you are fine." I pet her head again. This time she held my hand there. [More!] she cried moving onto my lap.
I kept scratching her head making her flop on my chest enjoying the feeling. I pulled up example videos of the moves she knows. The one for Force Palm matched with what she showed us. It is a good move for her as most of her opponents will have a high defense.
"You have a good move set for the gym. Why don't you take a rest." I told her moving my hand to scratch under her chin. She went limp again forcing her head into my hand. I laughed, giving her cheek a playful pinch. "Ok I need to get up." I picked her up. Seeing her weight reminded me that most people can't even lift her. Good thing I trained.
I set her down under a tree for her to rest. I also put her ball back on my thigh. I removed Opal's ball and pulled up her information next.
Name: Opal
Age: 12
Species: feeling Pokemon
Evolution: Ralts
Type: psychic/ F@!%@? (warning: error in data. Please troubleshoot at a Pokemon Center or replace pokeball.)
Trainer: John Grimm
Height: 2ft (61cm)
Weight: 16.5lb (7.5kg)
Unique aspects: Shiny variant of a Ralts Line. The blue hair is more towards turquoise and the head crest has taken the appearance of an opal gemstone. Eyes are gold in color. The skin appears white but has pigments of lavender that pop in the dark and the shade.
Known moves:
Tackle
Growl
Disarming voice
Calm mind
Confusion
Psychic
"Hmm, it seems like something is off with your ball Opal." I said putting my phone away to look at it. I deactivated it so it could be opened looking for any errors.
[What's wrong with my ball?] she asked, teleporting onto my shoulder.
"The app gave an error on your typing. So I am trying to see if there is any obvious damage. Have you noticed anything when you're inside?"
She shakes her head. [Not really but sometimes I think that the shadows in the environment are deeper.] She watched me work on the ball before I gave up.
"Argh, guess we are going to have to see the Pokemon center about this. Hopefully it is fixable. For now, you get to be out until we fix it." I shrink the ball and holster it.
[Yay I get you all to myself. Prepare to be annoyed.] she said gleefully. Practically dancing in the air.
"Yeah, yeah love you too sis." I tell her, poking her in the belly.
[Hey!] The cry of indignity kept me laughing as I pulled my phone back out. "Please get down before you strain yourself. We need to get training."
She sighed and landed back on the ground. [So what move are you thinking of?]
Pulling up the list of moves that would be easy for her to learn I saw Swift. "How about this?" I knelt down and showed her the video of the move. In it a barrage of stars came flying down on the target. "With that many projectiles Norman's pokemon would be hard pressed to doge."
She watched the video a couple more times. Her hand on her chin cutely. [It looks good but it can still miss.]
"Not if you are controlling each star." I retorted. "Look at this move." I backed out and pulled up telekinesis. In that video a Ralts was moving a vase in the air between two spots. "If you can learn to use this move in tandem with Swift you can set up ambush points to strike when needed. Taking your opponents by surprise." I explained excitement creeping into my voice.
Opal got excited too before realizing something. [What about my mental issues? Wouldn't all that put a massive strain on my powers?]
My smile disappeared. She was right. I made a big stink about her health and here I am about to possibly hurt her severely. "You're right, I'm sorry. Thank you for reminding me."
[I almost didn't.] she crossed her arms . [But the migraines are annoying.]
"Still happy you told me. We can practice on Swift first. Once we have that down we can move on to controlling them." With my hand to my chin I was planning put the training. Opal just sat on my foot waiting for me to get started.
[I think you are overlooking something Bro.]
"What's that?"
[Neither of us know where to start on learning Swift. It is not only a different typing but also a different style. At least with Telekinesis I have a strong foundation with my powers and my use of them.] She then floats into the air. [I can more or less do it now on a lower scale. I would just have to put more strength into it.] She alighted back on the ground.
"That makes sense." I sat back down now realizing she had no foundation for an emission move outside of her typings. How would she even start? "Maybe those videos have training instructions?" I dug my phone back out.
Pulling the Ralts entry back up I opened the link for Swift and noticed that there were two videos. One showing off the move and an explanation for trainers by trainers. The other only had a Gardevoir in the thumbnail. Opening it the Gardevoir waved with a text box saying to show the video to my pokemon. After a few seconds the Gardevoir began speaking and making gestures, she even summoned a single swift star over her hand.
[I think that is for me. She is explaining how to use the move.] Opal said, getting closer to see the screen.
"That is genius!" I exclaimed. "Having one video for trainers only and one for pokemon to learn from other pokemon is pure genius." I marveled at the modern standard of training pokemon.
[Yeah, yeah but before we get to training maybe you should look at Ruby.]
I looked up and saw Ruby looking at me with sad eyes. "Oh my god! I'm so sorry big girl!" I set my phone down and held out my arms. She brightened up and tackled me. She began to rub her head against mine as I laughed. Her big poofy tail was wagging as I buried my face in her scruff.
"Do you want to learn a new move too?" I asked which got answered by a happy yap. "Ok then, settle down so that we can pull up your info."she settled into my lap as I grabbed her ball. Letting it sync to the app I was not happy with what came up.
"What the hell?"
Name: Ruby
Age: 10
Species: Tricky Fox Pokemon
Evolution: Zorua
Type: @!%@?!& (warning: error in data. Please troubleshoot at a Pokemon Center or replace pokeball.)
Trainer: John Grimm
Height: 2ft 10in(86.3cm)
Weight: 30lb (13.6kg)
Unique aspects: red eyes instead of blue "@& %*!?* (error in data. Data is corrupted. Please troubleshoot at either a Pokemon Center or replace pokeball.)
Known moves:
Tackle
Scratch
Growl
Bite
Copycat
%#'@!=#}
"There are more errors this time." I mutter doing the same investigation into Ruby's ball that I did with Opal. "Either something is wrong with the app, the watch, or the ball." I grumble using my phone camera's zoom to aid in my investigation. Once again I could find no obvious problems.
Ruby cocked her head to the side. She was so cute with one ear flopped over. "It's fine. So long as the ball works. Though I may just keep you all out just to be safe."
[Worry wort. There goes my alone time.] Opal said, burying her face in Ruby's tail. [So soft.] Ruby whined as she tried to reach Opal. "You two can cuddle when it is time for bed. For now we need to train." I separated them.
We then had to decide on who would go first. Ruby made the decision for me by laying down. I remembered my speaker and ran to my room. Once I had it I turned it on and synced it to my phone. "This way you won't have to stop to come watch." I explained to Opal. Opal nodded and put some distance between her and us. I hit play on the video for swift and the Gardevoir's pokespeech filled the air.
The video was quite long. I can only imagine what was in it. Every now and then Opal would stop to replay a segment to hear it more carefully or watch the visuals. After an hour she paused the video. [I think I can practice the basics on my own. Why don't you start helping Rubes with her move.] She put the phone in my hand and ran back to where she was practicing. She held out her arms and closed her eyes. Nothing happened but I knew she was doing her best.
"Ok Rubes, let's see about getting you practicing as well." I sat her in my lap and pulled up the moves that a Zorua could learn easily. After thinking about her fighting style we settled on Feint attack. With it she could fade into the shadows and ambush her opponent from anywhere.
"When you master it we could even combo it with other long range moves you can learn. It would be like the teleport tactic that Abras like to do." I say pulling the video up. The start had a trainer standing with his Zoroark. It was an impressive specimen standing far taller than their trainer.
"Sup fellow trainers. Before Bix here starts talking I want to give you a helpful tip. Make sure to find a shady spot for your friend to practice. This will help speed up their learning. With that said, Bix, take it away!" The trainer high fives the Zoroark before leaving the screen. I pause the video.
"Let's head under that tree." I point and Ruby runs over. Once she was in the shade I moved the speaker closer and started the video again. The air was once again filled with Pokespeech as the Zoroark, Bix, began to give out instructions. I sat close by so that Ruby could have me rewind sections.
It was cute how she would run over and paw my knee. Then she would sit in my lap and wait for me to rewind. Tapping my arm to tell me to stop. I didn't mind her fur was soft and the tail was tickling my chin.
[I'm jealous.] I looked up to see Opal watching us as she was taking a break. Her cheeks were puffed out from being miffed.
"Do you want me to hold you too?" I ask knowing the answer. She just turned her back on us with a 'hmph' that made me chuckle.
I laid back and enjoyed the sun. I looked up when I felt something lay on my side. It was Sapphire, she decided to use me as a pillow. I laid back and started to rub her head and back. I gave her ears attention because of how soft they were.
I dozed off for a while only to be startled by Sapphire moving. Sitting up I could see Ruby with a faint shadow forming over her body and a dark spot swirling underneath her. I grabbed Sapphire motioning for her to be quiet while we watched Ruby. Silently cheering her on.
Just as the spot was getting bigger Opal let out a yell breaking Ruby's focus. The shadow around her vanished as she opened her eyes. I looked over at Opal and saw her looking at a tiny star floating in front of her. She was looking at it with awe.
"Great job sis!" I called out getting up. Before going to Opal I kneeled next to Ruby. "You almost had it. Try again." I scratched under the side of her jaw making her give a happy whine. "I will be right back. Take a break." I pressed my face into the top of her head then went over to Opal.
Opal was still staring at the star. "So what is the next thing to do?" I ask her, marveling at the little star.
[I would guess I have to practice making multiples at the same time, then how to throw them.] the pondering broke her concentration and the star fractured and fell apart, fading from existence. Opal's face fell a mile.
I tap her chin up. "Cheer up sis. You will get there." I stand walking back to the speaker. "I mean you got the hard part done. The rest is just practice. How many times did I get a string slap from my bow?"
Sapphire raised her paw excitedly. "Go ahead Saph."
[Many!] she cried.
"Exactly! With practice and repetition I learned mentally and physically. Now I can knock and release in one motion without any fear. You will all get there one day. It just takes practice." I look at the time on my phone. "But for now we need to get lunch. Come on you three."
The girls excitedly run after me as I head inside the halfway house. Inside the various trainers were getting their pokemon under control. One girl was chasing a little petilil around the room.
"Lilly, get back here. You need to eat." The petilil was squealing in delight as she thought the two were still playing.
One of the boys stepped in to help. "Bulbasaur, grab her." His bulbasaur released vines to try and capture the wayward flower bulb. However the Petilil had other Ideas. Dodging the vines she landed on the bulbasaur and started glowing.
Seeing this I stepped in fast. "That's enough little one." I said removing the petilil from her perch. I set her on the ground just as quickly. Feeling a little drained. "Opal, can you talk to her?"
[I will, but never do that again!] She marched over to the confused and now slightly scared mon.
"Oh my god I'm so sorry!" The girl said, rushing over. "Are you ok? I was just given to her two days ago and she just won't listen."
I hold my hand up to stop her. "I'm fine, just a little winded. You may want to spend more time with her. Pokemon have a will of their own." I told her, trying to keep her calm. "Anyway it looks like someone has something to say."
Behind her the little Petilil was walking with her head down. Opal was next to her. "Lilly?" The girl said looking at her partner. Lilly looked up at her and ran giving her a hug while crying.
[She thought they were playing and that the Bulbasaur was trying to hurt them.] Opal told me while she climbed into my lap. I told the girl as much.
The girl thanked me and picked up Lilly to head back to the table. I grab Opal from under the arms and do the same.
"You have a way with words there." Jenny said, finding her own chair.
"I grew up in Littleroot. Spent my childhood at the lab. I am grateful because I met my partners there as well." I told her, giving the side of Opal's head a rub. This got the usual reaction of her puffing up her cheeks which I promptly popped. Again we had our little battle as she waved her hands around trying to hit my chest. Of course I blocked them while laughing.
The other trainers stared at us. "Sorry we do this a lot. It has sort of become a thing between us." I explained. After that everyone started eating. I chose to eat on the floor with my team. I felt that if I sat at the table I would be putting distance between us.
The girl with the Petilil followed my example and even tried to feed her by hand. Seeing the Petilil gingerly take the pokefood made me smile. "They will make a good team." I say to no one in particular.
[Not better than us.] Sapphire says taking a power pose. I smile and rub food off her face. "I would hope not."
After that I quickly finished my meal and helped Jenny collect the dishes. While I was doing this the girls ran outside with everyone.
"Your parents raised you well." Jenny remarked while drying the dishes I washed.
"I would hope so. They are the Rangers for Littleroot."
"You are Tim and Sandy's kid?" Jenny asked.
"Yes I am."
"I remember when your father came by to deal with some troublesome wild pokemon. He was talking about your mother being home with you. He was so happy."
I smile as she talks about my parents. I was proud that my parents were so well liked by the community.
It was at this time that a loud roar was heard and the trainers outside started yelling. I dropped what I was doing and ran upstairs into the room I was staying in. I snatched up my bow and a case of the collapsible arrows. Then I slammed open the window and jumped out on the roof. Already with an arrow knocked onto the string.
On the ground was a Dragonite. Around it were some of the other trainers. The rest were standing back, some holding their pokemon.
"Big Brother!" The female trainer from before rushed forward. A man stepped off the back of the dragonite. He was wearing a leather fur lined jacket with goggles.
"Gina! How is my little sis doing?" The man leaned down and gave the girl a hug. Seeing this exchange I put the arrow back in its case and holstered my bow.
"So are you the protector here or something?" The man called out to me.
"No sir, just a well prepared trainer. Give me a moment." Once my bow was collapsed and holstered to my thigh I climbed back in my room placing some collapsed arrows to my thigh holster and went back outside, this time through the front door.
"Sorry about that. When I heard the yelling I thought the worst. My name is John Grimm." I held out my hand which he gladly took.
"Good to meet you John. The name is Marshal Draco. This is my little sister Gina." He pulled his sister into a one armed hug. "Gina here wanted to start her journey here in Hoenn instead of back in Johto."
Gina tried to hide her face in Lilly's leaves. "Marshal, stop, you're embarrassing me."
Marshal got a laugh. He let Gina go. "Go say hi to Dokhla he missed you."
Gina looked at the Dragonite with excitement. "He finally evolved!" She then ran over to greet the big dragon.
I smiled at that sight. It reminded me of Sapphire when one of her friends evolved. She was so happy for them.
"Do you have any siblings?" Marshal asked.
"Sort of." I started to look around when a star went shooting by.
[Sorry bro!] I saw Opal running from the tree line with Sapphire and Ruby behind her. [Sapphire thought that having a target would help me learn Swift better. It did but I forgot to pay attention to what was behind her.] Opal was disheartened.
I smile and pick her up. "You were doing your best. Now cheer up. Marshal, I would like you to meet my team and my sisters."
Marshal blinked in surprise then started laughing. "Let me guess you are an only child. You were also pretty young when you met these three and vice versa."
"Um… yeah, how did you know that?"
"It is a really common thing. When you are an only child and you don't click with other kids you will latch onto any positive relationship.my best friend calls his Scyther big brother even though he is older." He explained.
"Oh so this is more or less normal?"
"Yeah people get attached to their pokemon. It is no different than a pet for most. Trainers will put their lives in their partner's hands. Anyway that is an interesting team you got. Your Riolu and Zorua have interesting eyes. Then there is your Ralts. She is not the average shiny." He leaned in to get a better look at Opal.
Opal turned away, hiding her face in my chest. At the same time she glowed and Marshal was pushed back. He didn't fall but did lose his balance.
"Are you ok?" I ask, worried that he might get mad.
"Nah, it's my fault. I should have asked before getting in her face." He held out his hand to Opal. "Sorry, I didn't mean to scare you."
Opal looked up at me expectantly. However I gave her a disapproving look. She did her usual pout and held out her hand. Marshal gave it a gentle hold. "See, all better." He stood up and looked at me. "She is very pretty. As are the eyes of you other two."
Hearing this Sapphire hid behind my leg as Ruby stood in front of me growling. "Sorry but we had a few altercations from people wanting them." I explained trying to calm Ruby.
"No, that is fine. It is better that they are wary. Many people would do anything to get a non-standard pokemon."
"I'm sorry, what do you mean non-standard pokemon?" I was genuinely curious. It was a new term for me.
"Sorry it is a relatively new term." Marshal pulled out an old pokedex. He quickly opened an entry for a dragonite. On the next page were the comparison pictures for a normal and shiny Dragonite. "You know how pokemon tend to look like near exact copies of their species? Regardless of being Shiny or not."
I nod then it dawns on me. Opal was a different shade of blue from her mother and then there was her horn. "So they are considered non-standard if there are deviations from that?"
Marshal nodded. "Your entire team is non-standard. I am sorry to say but a handful of people will want your Ralts by any means. So keep that bow close." Marshal's tone was now dark. He was serious and his smile was gone. This was a warning I should take to heart.
"No problem. I snapped a kid's leg in half when I was ten. He tried to take Sapphire from me." My tone also dropped as I thought of that happening to Opal. Marshal got goosebumps from the mood shift. "What do you think will happen if they try to take Opal?"
It was at that moment that there was a smack on my face. [Bad John! No get mad.] it was Sapphire and she had jumped up to smack me with her tail.
"Sorry you guys." I said, giving her head a rub. "I'm not mad anymore."
"Dude you are one terrifying person. I feel bad for anyone who crosses you." Marshal said, shaking off his chills.
I wave my hand to move on. "You should go be with your sister. It's why you're here after all."
"You are right. It was nice meeting you." He shook my hand and left. He gave Gina a necklace with a black stone as a gift.
I turned away to head to the tree line. "Ok Opal, what was that about?"
Opal jumped from my arms. [I didn't like him close to me.]
"That is not a good excuse."
[I know and I don't care. It was wrong on both sides. Just leave it alone.] she crossed her arms waiting to see what I would do.
"Fine, show me how you're progressing."
She smiled and summoned a bunch of stars. [I think I have it down.] she then let them loose smacking a tree from all directions. The tree let out a groan before falling.
"That is great. How are you doi- ack!" I yelled as something heavy and furry landed on my head. I fell forward on the ground. When I regained my composure Ruby was on my back and the girls were laughing.
"Oh haha, laugh it up." I reached back and pulled her by the collar with a finger pitting her on her back with me leaning over her. "But you should know that you shouldn't leave your guard down."
Ruby looked up at me with shock at the sudden switch. She then looked away. Not defeated but almost shyly. She must have been embarrassed. I smiled and leaned back pulling her into my lap.
"Don't feel too bad. You did a great job." I started to rub her back and sides. I didn't forget to give the same attention to the sides of her face. She was loving it. Letting out happy growls and chirps.
After she was satisfied Sapphire quickly took her place. [Me next!] she cried, grabbing my hands and putting them on her head. I began to pet her as she lay her head on my chest facing me. Her body quickly relaxed from my touch. I focused my pets on her soft ears and aura sensors. They had a velvety feel with a firm center.
She turned to mush when I started to massage them. Her tongue stuck out a little. She was so cute and adorable. She would get like this with mom. Mom would hold her like a baby. I don't know why Sapphire and Ruby like to lay or lean on my chest when I pet them.
After a few minutes I could hear her snoring softly. I smile and carefully set her down on a soft patch of grass. Ruby went over and laid with her covering them both with her tail. Opal looked at them then at me.
"Are you not going to join them?"
She answered by jumping in my lap. [Not before I get my massage.] she declared.
I chuckled as I dramatically flexed my fingers. "Well sit back, relax and enjoy the Gholdengo touch." I then sunk my fingers into her hair and applied slight pressure. Opal let out a sigh as she relaxed.
"The migraine must have just been starting. Good thing you wanted a massage."
[Nope, it started mid way though you petting Sapphire.]
The correction was a little shocking. "Then I need to go get the pain meds." I started to get up when a force put me back on my but.
[You promised not to give me those things.] The tone she had was like a growl.
"I did so long as your migrain-"
[I WOULD BE LOSING MORE THAN A FUCKING MIGRAINE!]
Her scream fried my mind. I lost all control of my body and slumped over. The world was spinning and all I could hear was distant ringing. It didn't take long to recover. Opal was crying next to me. Her head pressed against my body.
For some reason I felt extreme fear and sorrow. As if something valuable will be stripped away from me. Then I realized that Opal's horn was touching my arm. When I moved to touch her head shot up to look at me. In that instant her feelings were gone.
She immediately backed up in fear. She put her hands out to push me away. She was babbling in pokespeech. Her golden eyes were streaming tears. It was odd to hear her normal voice. But seeing her like this I moved past her protests and picked her up pressing her to my chest. "It's ok, Opal. Just calm down."
Her sobs stopped after a minute. "There we go." I rubbed her back. "Can you tell me what you meant?" I was curious why she was so adamant against the medication.
[Don't…. Loose… you.] she choked out. Her powers are unstable from the migraine and her emotional state.
"Why would you lose me silly? I will be right here." I tried to set her down but she refused to let go of my shirt. I gave up and pulled up the Dex app on my phone again. Pulling up the data I found a paragraph that might help me.
Psychic types may become reliant on reading the minds of others for their mental security. This may lead to a visceral reaction when they are told to stop. This is worse in evolutionary lines like Ralts and Riolu as they sense emotions passively. They sense their trainers and loved ones within a certain area and will not pass that distance. They get anxious and panicked. Some will refuse being put in their pokeball.
That information helped a lot. I cupped Opal's face, lifting it so we were looking at each other. "Opal, are you so desperate to know what I am thinking?"
She shook her head no.
"Then would not sensing me make you lonely?"
She flinched, I knew I hit the nail on the head.
"Opal, I will never leave you. How about this, if you take the migraine medication you will stay with me all day." She looked at me confused. "I'm saying that I will not leave your sight. If we are traveling you are either in my arms or on my shoulders. I won't even put you in your pokeball until the meds wear off." I pressed my forehead to hers. "How does that sound?"
She looked at me for a minute before nodding vigorously. Still talking in pokespeech. "Come on, use your words." I told her.
[I would…. like that.] Her voice was quiet. I gave her a hug to comfort her.
"Then let's get the pill down. You should probably disconnect from my mind so that you are not scared." The moment I finished her grip tightened. I sighed standing up holding her in my arms. We went up to our room and I got her medication. I read the instructions and pulled out one pill.
We headed down to the kitchen where Jenny was making preparations for dinner. "What's the matter with you two? You look like someone died."
"Opal is finally going to take her medication for her migraines." I told her, grabbing a cup and filling it with water.
"Oh good. What was stopping her before?"
"She was scared to lose me."
Jenny looked confused for a moment. "In the short time you have been here I know you two are inseparable. How could such an idea enter her mind?"
"Turns out that the Ralts line gets mentally attached to their trainers. Making even the notion of cutting off the link they maintain inconceivable. It would be like killing a part of themselves."
Hearing this Jenny turned to look at Opal. Opal refused to meet her gaze. "So now here we are. About to use a medicine that will shut down her powers." I kneel next to Opal holding out the pill trying to be reassuring. Opal takes the pill and after a moment of hesitation she puts it in her mouth and I help her wash it down with water.
I then picked her up and took her outside. Behind me Jenny called out. "I hope it goes well."
Outside Ruby and Sapphire were still sleeping. Even after all the noise. I let them rest. I sat on the ground in the shade of the trees. After a half an hour Opal started to get restless. Moving her head around as if sounds were coming from all directions. She even looked at the halfway house. She started to whimper as I assumed the effects were taking hold. I hugged her tight, telling her it will be alright. That I was there for her.
She was calling out in pokespeech. I instinctively knew what she was saying. It was scary. I can only assume it was like having my sight and hearing taken away. Only that she could still see and hear. So, for her, the world became colorless and blurry. Maybe even a little darker.
"I'm right here. Stay strong sis." I mumble to her.
She stopped being frantic but refused to let go of my shirt. I just held her until she felt comfortable enough to let go. She looked around with fear in her eyes. She then looked into my eyes for a moment, her look of fear deepening. I quickly cupped her cheeks. "Hey, I'm here. You can do this."
She looked down. Muttering in pokespeech. I smiled and stood picking up Opal as well. I moved out into the sunlight away from the trees and set her down beside me. "I am going to practice now. Is that, ok?" I asked her because I don't know if she interpreted my promise in a weird way. She clutched at my arm.
"Opal. I'm not going anywhere. I just want to get some practice with my bow." Instead of letting go she gripped on tighter. I had to force her to let go. "Opal, I promised you. You can stay by me but I can't always hold you. Do you understand?"
She looked like she was about to cry. Though she still nodded, sitting on the ground while wringing her hands. It was painful to see her like that. My usually proud and confident little sister, now nothing but a fear ridden mess.
I sight and took my bow from my thigh expanding it as I selected a tree to use as a target. I began shooting trying to hold a tight grouping at first before moving to spot targets with other trees and branches. Opal clung to my leg as I shot. When I retrieved my arrows, she would run after me not wanting to get too far.
I did this for a few hours making sure my form was perfect and second nature. By the end of it my back was burning from the strain. I sighed as I retrieved my arrows for the final time. The trees were damaged quite a bit. I checked my arrows for damage before I collapsed them for storage on my thigh.
As I did this, I heard Opal start screaming. Whipping around I saw Opal being played with by Lily. Behind them was Gina not knowing what to do. I ran over because Opal was in a panic, her eyes filled with fear. I also saw Ruby and Sapphire running over to protect Opal.
"I'm sorry I was watching you with the bow and Lily ran in." Seeing me move toward our partners she joined me. She removed Lily from Opal much to the Petilil's disappointment. Opal however scrambled to me crying and whimpering. Gina watched as I picked her up, holding her in a gentle hug as she cried into my chest. Ruby
"Why is she so scared? Couldn't she sense Lily?"
Hearing this question made Opal cry harder. "She has a… condition. The medication for which makes her unable to use her abilities. That is why she didn't sense Lily."
"Oh my god I'm so sorry. Lily, you need to apologize!" Gina scolded Lily. Lily looked dejected and made a sad sound. Opal was still whimpering.
"Sorry, I don't think she is ready. The effects should wear off tomorrow afternoon. We can try again then." We bid each other goodbye for now and I let out Ruby and Sapphire. They were Confused at first. I explained everything and they comforted Opal. Sapphire patted her head like I do, while Ruby brushed Opal's face with her tail.
Opal hugged Ruby pressing her face in the mane. Ruby just sat letting her calm down. I laid down behind her and napped. Waking up when someone lightly tapped my face. I woke up to Opal poking me.
[Wake up.] the voice was Sapphires as she pulled on my hand. I got up and went inside with them for dinner. Some of the other trainers joined me on the floor with their pokemon. It was a much livelier meal.
That night I held Opal in my arms as we slept. In the morning we got ready and spent our time lazing about. I talked to Jenny and she told me all the jobs were done. I asked her about the Pokemon causing trouble in the area.
"Yes, there has. Lu-Lu and the others had to work together to chase him off. He interrupted a battle. Those poor boys were so scared. I thought they would run home and stop their journey."
"Would you mind telling me what it is or how it looks so I can look it up." I was thinking about capturing it for the guild and Rangers to deal with it. But hearing how difficult it was to drive it away, the chances of a live capture dropped significantly.
Jenny looked at me with a frown. "It is a golem. They should have told you at the guild."
I shook my head. "They only knew that it was a pokemon causing issues in the area. There was no detailed information."
"Then you can give them the information and collect a recon reward."
A recon reward was small, usually good for a meal or two for a trainer and his team. I knew I could take the Golem down but it would be a tough battle. The ergo-watch would help but it could only protect one pokemon at a time. I would have to look into getting a better one later.
"Do you know which way it headed?"
"North west of here. But that was a few weeks ago and it hasn't been back since."
I took down notes on my phone. "Thank you for the information. It will help a lot."
"Please be careful. The fellow was an ornery one."
"I will be careful, thank you." I head outside to spend time with Opal. Gina came by and had Lily apologize properly. Opal clung to my leg as Lily apologized and gave a mumbled reply. Lily perked up and happily ran back to Gina. I thanked her before going to play with the girls.
I had Opal on my shoulders while Sapphire and Ruby ran after me. I was the bad guy trying to run off with Opal while Ruby and Sapphire were the heros.
When they caught me they made me fall. Sapphire jumped up and got Opal before I hit the ground. Once on the ground Ruby jumped on my face, smothering me with her belly. I grabbed her and rubbed my face into her making her squeal in delight. Opal and Sapphire jumped on me playfully swatting at my hands.
It was a leisurely time. In the afternoon Opal perked up and her eyes widened. A smile began to spread as she pulled on my leg. She was making her pokespeech noises. I could also hear a faint voice in the distance as well. It seemed that the medicine was wearing off.
I knelt down and waited as her voice got louder and louder. Soon I could hear her voice clearly. [Can you hear me John?]
I smile hearing her voice. "Yes I can." I place my hand on her head, rubbing it gently. She held my hand while pressing her face into it. Happy to have her powers back.
After that we played some more before going in to eat. After a quick bath we went to bed, all of us happy. The next morning I gave all the girls their normal medication. Opal was again reluctant but at least we can still talk.
I put on my long sleeve shirt and cargo pants. The thigh holster had the girl's pokeballs and five arrows. On the other side of my hip, I had my bow collapsed. I then put my leg and arm bracers on, checking the mechanism built into the left one. The blade slid out over the top of my hand with ease. I retracted it and made sure my pack was ready.
We went downstairs and started going through the pokedex for information on Golems. The other Trainers ate their breakfast, some leaving right afterwards. Gina took a step back when she saw me. I waved as she left to play outside.
According to the dex Golems are practically living rock. They shed their outer layer as they grow. High defenses due to being made of rock. What strikes me as odd is that they are not very territorial. If anything they are almost peaceful. They tend to stay in the mountains or hills in groups.
So why is there one in the middle of a forest? There were a few answers to this and the most likely is that it used to belong to a trainer.
I made a plan of attack while holding a special pokeball made for rangers to remove violent wild pokemon from an area. Once the girls were ready we left heading North-West.