Chapter 26

The moment Leaf and Red emerged with Silph Co.'s president, they were thrown into a different kind of battle. News reporters swarmed them, buffeting them with questions and blinding them with their flashing cameras. When Howard Wright named Red as Silph Co.'s savior, the reporters honed in on him like hawks, pushing Leaf aside so they could shove their microphones in his face. Over the reporters' shoulders, Leaf could see the discomfort on Red's face, plain as day. Like a deer in headlights, Red stood wide-eyed and frozen, completely unsure how to handle being the center of attention. He was only somewhat saved by Howard Wright speaking up again. Leaf noticed that the president didn't mention that Giovanni was after the Master Ball specifically. He simply said the "terrorists" wanted Silph Co.'s technology.

Red's nightmare continued for a few days, until he left Saffron. He snuck out in the middle of the night, without saying goodbye to Leaf. It saddened her, but she couldn't blame him. No matter where he went, the paparazzi were there, too. Everything he did, from eating to training, apparently needed to be recorded. There were always so many of them that Leaf couldn't get near him. His challenge against Sabrina (he won, of course) was broadcasted and commentators analyzed him the same way they analyzed Blue. They were definitely kinder about it, though. If they were harsh on Blue before, they were now merciless once a rumor about him selfishly standing in Red's way at Silph Co. began to spread.

Leaf was able to avoid the bloodshed. Most reports left her out and if she was mentioned, she was grouped with Jacob and some others as brave volunteers. Someone did recognize her as the rescuer of an abducted Diglett, but otherwise, she was insignificant. Not that Leaf minded. She enjoyed having some privacy. The only backlash she received was from Mom, who couldn't decide if she was more proud of her daughter for helping others, or more upset that her daughter endangered herself.

A Pokemon Center nurse returned Venusaur's PokeBall to Leaf. Out of everyone on her team, Venusaur had taken the most damage. The other day, Leaf went to the Saffron Library and read a book that said the fire from a Houndoom, which was native to Johto, contained toxins. As a result, some never fully recovered from their burns, feeling a ghost of the pain for the rest of their lives. Reading that sent Leaf into full panic mode. She rushed back to the Pokemon Center, demanding to speak with Venusaur's nurse, needing a ton of reassurance that Venusaur's burns weren't that severe, though he needed to be under care for the full week.

Leaf headed out the Pokemon Center, towards a nearby cafe to eat breakfast. The cafe had a TV that was turned on to the news channel. Leaf ordered an omelet and sat down at a table facing the TV.

The reporter was unsurprisingly talking about the "terrorist attack" on Silph Co. Not a single person, whether on TV or in real life, had been talking about anything other than that. Even President Ken had released a statement. Except for Ed Levy, the scientists who conspired with Team Rocket, along with some grunts, had been arrested. President Ken promised that the others would be apprehended and justice would be served.

All the blocks around Silph Co. had been closed off for investigation. The reporter was now revealing some of the findings. The police had discovered a tunnel system beneath Saffron, with Silph Co. at its center. The tunnels could've only been made by Diglett. The theory was that the terrorists used some number of Digletts to create the tunnels where the bombs were set up. With the help of Ed Levy and his team, the terrorists were then able to infiltrate the building. Leaf remembered the Diglett she'd rescued and the Team Rocket grunts at Diglett's Cave. Guess I know now what those were all about.

"There's speculation as to whether the attack on Silph Co. is connected to the one at Cinnabar Island years ago," the reporter added.

This wasn't news to Leaf. She'd overheard some trainers at the Pokemon Center discussing whether the terrorists were from Johto, if they were the same ones that started the war that took Blue's parents. Last week, Leaf would've rolled her eyes at the thought. Now that she'd seen what Team Rocket was capable of, now that she knew Archer was likely from Johto, she wasn't so sure what she believed in.

The reporter then brought up the running count on casualties. Leaf immediately began to focus on her omelet. The number was going up each day and she didn't need to know what it was.

After she finished and paid for her meal, Leaf stepped out of the cafe and observed the scene around her. People in business casual clothing rushed by. Cars honked at each other. The sky was blue and cloudless. From where she stood, it was as if everything in Saffron City was completely normal. No matter how tragic the catastrophe, life moved on.

And she had to move with it. Since Venusaur had just been discharged from the Pokemon Center, it was too soon to challenge the Saffron Gym, or even train, though Leaf knew her Pokemon needed to do some. She thought about how effortlessly Red and Blue's Pokemon worked together. Individually, Leaf's Pokemon were pretty strong. But as a team, they were weak.

Leaf smiled. She knew what to do today.

Every summer, Leaf and her parents picnicked at a small park near the ocean. Picnicking was a popular activity, since Pallet Town didn't have much to offer other than space and greenery. Saffron City, however, had no space and no greenery except for the occasional sad, thin tree on the sidewalk. If Leaf wanted to have a picnic with her Pokemon, it would have to be at one of the surrounding routes. If her memory served correctly, Route 6, which connected Saffron to Vermilion, was by far the most suitable option. Route 5, 7, and 8 didn't have much grass she could sit on.

Leaf bought a red-and-white checkered blanket, a can of soda, and some snacks for herself and her Pokemon. She exited Saffron and set everything up in a grassy area by the gate. It wasn't the most ideal setting. To her left were the gate and an Underground Path terminus. Up ahead were the dirt path and tall grass where other trainers battled. She sat where she'd be facing the woods. Not the most beautiful view, but it was her best option.

Everyone was initially intimidated by Venusaur. He was double the size of Ivysaur and much more rugged, even with the pretty flower on his back. It was when he fell onto his stomach and smiled that they began to accept his new form.

Leaf handed everyone their treats. There was a shop in Saffron that sold a wide variety of gourmet Pokemon treats. She got dried fruit for Venusaur, a seed mix for Fearow, fish jerky for Golduck, cookies for Vulpix, and beef jerky for Dratini. Since Haunter didn't need to eat and Leaf didn't want it to feel left out, she bought it a star-shaped light-up toy to play with.

"Are you a boy or a girl?" Leaf asked the ghost.

Haunter was too busy admiring the rainbow lights to respond.

"Boy?"

Haunter cackled.

"Girl?"

Haunter cackled in the same manner as before.

"I'll say you're a girl since the team has three boys already," Leaf said. "Or maybe you just don't have a gender. That's alright, too. Your choice."

Haunter picked up the toy and made itself invisible, making the toy look like it was floating. It flew over to Dratini and made itself visible again. The light from the toy accentuated the disturbing way Haunter's face was twisted. Dratini squealed and coiled himself up so that his face was hidden.

"Leave Dratini alone, Haunter," Leaf chided. The cackling ghost drifted away and Leaf inched closer to Dratini. "It's alright, Dratini. Haunter's gone."

Dratini slowly lifted his head. Leaf said, "You know, Haunter isn't that bad. It saved you from that Golbat at Silph Co."

Dratini blinked and then looked at Haunter, who somersaulted in the air. "I'll keep an eye on Haunter, but do know it's not trying to harm anyone. It just likes to play tricks. If you don't react, it'll get bored and stop."

The dragon seemed to be contemplating Leaf's words. He picked up the remainder of his beef jerky, slithered to where Haunter was, and began to eat. Leaf smiled. She could tell by the way Dratini carefully eyed Haunter that he was still wary about it, but she was happy to see the dragon making an effort to be brave.

If only Dratini can make an effort like this in battle. Leaf pushed the thought away. This picnic was just for fun. She was determined to keep it that way.

Something incredibly soft and warm pressed against her leg. Leaf's heart melted when she saw Vulpix curling up beside her.

"Hey there, did you enjoy your cookies?" Leaf asked, scratching behind the fox's ear.

Vulpix purred before rolling onto her back. As Leaf rubbed her belly, an image of Vulpix being blown away by Archer's Weezing flashed through her mind. It felt so real that Leaf could smell the sulfur. Her ears seemed to be ringing as well.

Leaf didn't realize she'd zoned out until Vulpix climbed into her lap and began closely examining her face.

Leaf gently moved the fox's face away from hers. "I don't think I ever asked any of you. Do you actually like battling, or do you all mostly do it for me?"

Her Pokemon blinked and for a heart-sinking moment, Leaf thought they would reveal a depressing truth. That this whole time, they battled and got themselves hurt just to make Leaf happy. Some Pokemon lived for those high stakes, but others preferred a more calm and peaceful life, like Mrs. Woods' Chansey. The round, pink Pokemon that carried a large egg in her pouch was a gift from her practically mythical husband, before Red was born. She spent her time helping Mrs. Woods take care of the Pokemon in their clinic and singing in the garden. A Pokemon like that was not meant to be a fighter.

With a smile, Venusaur rumbled. Fearow raised her head and cawed. Golduck nodded and then quacked. Vulpix barked and bowed, raising her rear up and wagging her several tails. Haunter cackled and somersaulted.

Leaf was grinning until her gaze landed on Dratini. The dragon was silently looking down. He glanced up at Leaf and when their eyes made contact, he quickly looked down again.

Leaf moved closer to him. "You don't like battling, right Dratini? It's OK if you don't."

No response. Leaf began to wonder how she would send the dragon over to Professor Oak. She knew she could do so at the Pokemon Center, but never checked how the process worked.

Dratini slithered away, stopping a few feet away from a thick tree. Though she had no idea what to expect, Leaf found herself holding her breath.

A purple shock wave rippled off Dratini's body. The Dragon Rage launched forward, slamming into the tree trunk. Leaf heard a bird shriek and fly away. The dragon returned to Leaf's side, his purple gaze darting between her face and the ground.

It took Leaf a moment to understand. "You do want to battle."

Dratini nodded.

"Did you always want to battle? Or did something change."

Leaf's other Pokemon were watching. Dratini's eyes met each of theirs. When they reached Haunter, they were quickly cast down.

Leaf understood this gesture quicker than the one earlier. A switch had flipped inside Dratini. Seeing how bravely everyone battled at Silph Co., knowing that Haunter had saved him, made the dragon want to become stronger. Leaf's smile was so wide that it ached.

"I'll help you get to where you want to be," Leaf said, placing a hand on Dratini's head. This was her first time touching the dragon, she suddenly realized. He was made of countless tiny, smooth scales. "We'll all help you."

Her other Pokemon made sounds of agreement. Dratini's eyes lit up. He nuzzled the palm of Leaf's hand.

With a new surge of energy, Leaf stood and faced everyone. "Alright, enough serious talk! We're here to have fun. Let's play a game! How about…" She paused to think of something they would all be capable of doing. "...charades! One of us pretends to be something or someone and we have to guess what or who it is. I can go first."

Leaf backed away a few steps, pondering what she should be. When she made a decision, she flapped her arms and began jumping around.

Golduck guessed it immediately. He quacked and placed a webbed hand on Fearow, who was surprised, but then regarded Leaf thoughtfully.

Leaf beamed. "That's right. I'm Fearow! Was that a good imitation of you?"

Fearow cooed and the others made sounds that Leaf interpreted as laughter. She gestured at Golduck. "Since you guessed right, it's your turn to act."

Leaf and Golduck switched places. The duck thought carefully and then raised his hands, arching them forward in a sort of menacing way. He quacked obnoxiously loud multiple times.

Haunter cackled and drifted over to where Golduck was standing. Everyone laughed and Golduck raised his head, proud of his good acting.

Haunter laid itself on the ground and began to zigzag, squealing. Golduck tapped Dratini, who looked embarrassed, on the head and returned to the stage. Leaf watched the duck in awe. To think that less than two weeks ago, he was Psyduck. Psyduck would never have been able to guess anything. Hell, he probably wouldn't even have realized they were playing a game!

Golduck laid on his back, quacking and batting the air with his hands and feet. Vulpix barked in delight and trotted over. She shakily stood on her hind legs, stuck a paw forward, and barked. When no one said anything, she got down on all fours and then stood again.

Leaf glanced at her Pokemon. She could see in Golduck's face that he knew, but he was keeping quiet. Is he giving everyone else a chance? That's sweet. Fearow's eyes were narrowed in deep concentration. She was clearly thinking very hard and struggling to come up with an answer. Haunter seemed to have noticed as well, since it was hovering around the vulture, making funny faces that caused Vulpix to lose her balance. Dratini seemed distracted by Haunter as well.

Venusaur, who was at the opposite end of the group, rumbled. A vine slid out from his back and stretched over everyone, landing gently on Leaf's head.

Leaf giggled. "Me?"

Vulpix barked and ran over to Leaf, hopping into her lap. Venusaur took his spot on the stage. Leaf smiled as she watched him. Of course her starter was the one who recognized her.

Venusaur raised his head and formed an S shape with his vines, the bottom curves resting on his sides. It was his version of putting his hands on his hips. Golduck burst out laughing.

"You're too smart, Golduck," Leaf said, chuckling when the duck nodded. "Someone who hasn't gone yet should go."

Leaf had barely finished the sentence when Fearow cawed eagerly and switched places with Venusaur. She stood tall and spread her wings, trying to appear bigger. She cooed in her deepest tone possible. Venusaur rumbled and Fearow looked pleased with herself.

"Alright, Dratini," Leaf said. "Your turn."

Dratini shrank and shook his head. "Don't be nervous, Dratini. It's just a game. You got this!"

The others made sounds of encouragement. When Dratini still didn't budge, Venusaur picked him up with a vine, startling the dragon, and placed him where Fearow was.

Dratini stared wide-eyed at everyone. Fearow and Vulpix continued to cheer, but the dragon remained frozen and soon, Leaf wasn't seeing Dratini anymore. What she saw instead was Red, so overwhelmed by reporters that he looked like a lost child. The sun suddenly seemed very bright now.

"Dratini, you don't have––" Leaf was interrupted by a cackle. Haunter drifted over to Dratini, who eyed the ghost warily, and leaned close.

Leaf didn't know what Haunter communicated, but Dratini slowly nodded. Leaf's eyes widened as Haunter lowered itself and Dratini slithered onto the ghost. Haunter floated back up and gazed sternly, silently at everyone. Dratini, who was still quite wide-eyed and rigid, squeaked and purple shock waves rippled on his body.

Leaf gave a small smile. For some reason, she wasn't as amused as she should've been. "My friend, Red?"

Haunter cackled. It lowered itself so that Dratini could get off. The others cheered and Dratini covered his face with his tail.

"You two did a fantastic job," Leaf said. "Especially you, Dratini."

Dratini looked at Leaf, eyes shining. Haunter cackled and he half-glanced at it, nodding his head awkwardly before returning to his seat.

Leaf stood. She was about to go up, but weirdly found she couldn't. Her legs felt rather heavy. "Alright, that's enough charades for now. Let's relax and enjoy the nice weather."

Haunter picked up the light-up toy, veering to the side when Vulpix pounced at it. The ghost cackled and began to fly off into the woods, with Vulpix and soon Fearow chasing after it.

"Don't go too far!" Leaf called out.

Golduck grabbed her attention next with a quack. He pointed to a pond ahead, beyond a patch of tall grass, and looked at Leaf for approval. Leaf nodded and Golduck began to leave, but then stopped and turned his head to the left. Following his gaze, Leaf saw Dratini, pointedly avoiding eye contact with the duck. Golduck quacked and Dratini looked at him in surprise. Golduck quacked again and cocked his head towards the pond. Dratini lit up and quickly joined his side.

Leaf smiled as the two made their way to the pond together. She was right to bring everyone out here today. For the first time, her Pokemon were truly bonding with each other. They'd all trained together a lot. Some had even worked together in battle. But today, they were getting to know each other on a more personal level. She couldn't believe it took her this long to facilitate that.

There was a low groan beside her. Leaf turned and pet Venusaur's head, marveling a bit at how tiny her hand looked against it.

"Do you feel different from before?" Leaf asked.

Venusaur closed his eyes and nodded. He opened his eyes and Leaf looked into them. She saw herself, of course, but there was something else as well. When Leaf met Golduck, she saw a sharpness, an intelligence that was far out of Psyduck's reach. There was something else in Venusaur's eyes, but Leaf couldn't figure out what it was. Wisdom, maybe? But that didn't seem quite right.

"You're really growing up," Leaf said, heart swelling. "You were just a little Bulbasaur not too long ago. You only stood up to my knees."

Venusaur's gaze softened. He gently brushed Leaf's cheek with a vine. It was then that she realized she'd started crying.

"So much has happened recently. So many awful things that I don't understand," Leaf stammered, trying to keep her voice from breaking. "And the only person I can really talk about it with is Red, but he's not here and I already miss him like crazy."

Venusaur nodded slowly. Leaf smiled. "I know you know. It's cheesy as hell. My parents would probably freak if I told them." She wiped her eyes. "But whatever, that's not the most important thing right now. Team Rocket…we're missing something, but I have no clue what that could be. I still can't believe Red and I are the ones dealing with them. I was expecting my journey to be eventful, but not like this."

Venusaur rumbled. "Yeah, I bet you weren't either. Thank you, thou––" A sob escaped Leaf's lips. She clamped a hand over her mouth and breathed deeply. Once she regained her composure, she continued, "Everyone fought hard at Silph Co. I mean, you guys always do your best, but you could've been seriously hurt this time. I know as a trainer, I have to accept that risk, but I don't think I could truly forgive myself if something happened to you."

Venusaur's vines wrapped around Leaf and pulled her close. She closed her eyes. Maybe it was because Venusaur was hugging her, but she found the tears were no longer coming. Though her starter was cold-blooded, Leaf felt warm against him. She let herself be held until she heard a cry.

Fearow zoomed out of the woods, light-up toy in beak. She circled in the air, continuing to make sounds of triumph. Shortly after, Vulpix and Haunter appeared. The fox fell onto her stomach, tired and defeated. Haunter, on the other hand, flew after Fearow, eyes blazing. The vulture halted as darkness began to swirl around her.

Leaf was horrified. "Haunter, stop!"

She didn't know if Haunter would've listened because Fearow hastily flew out of the dark twister. Fearow charged at Haunter, trying to use her wings to swipe at the ghost, who danced around her.

"The both of you stop! Now!"

Fortunately, the two Pokemon drew away from each other. As they flew down to Leaf, she asked sharply, "What was that all about? Attacking your friends over some toy? Don't ever––"

Leaf stopped. She wasn't sensing any tension between Fearow and Haunter. In fact, their faces had been glowing until Leaf began to scold them. Now, they were looking at each other and Leaf in confusion.

It clicked for Leaf when Vulpix dragged herself to Fearow and Haunter's side and barked. "You were battling for fun."

The three Pokemon nodded. Up ahead, Leaf noticed Golduck and Dratini heading back to them. When they arrived, Leaf saw drops of water trickling down their bodies.

"It has been a while since we've trained. After Silph Co., I wanted everyone to rest properly." She looked back at Venusaur. "Especially you. I just got you back this morning."

Venusaur groaned and Leaf understood. "You're ready."

Venusaur nodded. Her other Pokemon nodded as well. Leaf smiled. "Alright, then. Shall we begin?"

Kinda dark, kinda wholesome, kinda emotional chap. I felt that was a good way to process the previous one. Hope you all enjoyed the team bonding as well :)

Thanks for reading!