Chapter 12 - Jet Badge

The sunset glimmer over the landscape of Mistralton City; a few planes approach and leave the airport as Jon views it all within Bumblebee's interior. Jon sat in the back passenger seat, not wanting any conversation with his guardian. To avoid any suspicions from the humans, Bumblebee took out his avatar in the driver's seat.

"Do you know which part of the city you're heading to?" The young scout asked with a low tone but still upbeat voice.

Jon didn't move away from the window, "to the Pokemon centre. It's too late to head over to the Gym."

Bee parked in one of the spots in the parking lot around the Pokecentre. Bee opens his doors for the boy and his Gardevoir. They both hopped out and waited by the sidewalk.

"Are you coming or are you staying out here?"

Bee's avatar hops out of himself and next to the boy. Bumblebee was a little taller than Jon—about the average height of a woman.

"Are you gonna eat anything? It's almost 10:00."

"I'm not hungry."

Bumblebee frowned, of course he won't be hungry after what happened today. The young scout looks into the boy's eyes, seeing some of the life in them wither away. The shine that was once there—the excitement of adventure no longer burned. All his years living on Earth and learning human culture from Spike, now everything he knew, was thrown out the window.

"Hey, Jon, wanna find somewhere to sit down or do you want to go into the Centre now?"

Jon looks at Bee, "let's find a bench to sit down on."

After some time, Jon found a seat at a local cafe. Jon lets out the rest of the team and orders food for them. The waitress asked if they wanted anything, Bee said he was good and Jon asked for something small.

"I thought you said you weren't hungry?"

"I lied, I was a little…but I still feel like throwing up a little."

Bumblebee grims at Jon's pessimistic tone. He just sounds so defeated in life, I wonder what could cheer him up a little. Bumblebee looks around, trying to come up with a conversation.

People chattered behind them, cars honked their horns and wild Pokemon flew through the skies. Everywhere Bee looks, a human is—most of the time—accompanied by a Pokemon. Pokemon, that's right. This world centres its culture around Pokemon, each having their own similarity to E-84.

"Hey, Bee."

"Yeah?" Bumblebee brought his attention to the boy.

"Remember last night, when I asked you about Spike… How did you two meet?"

Ah- Bee gave a smile, "we met when he was on work duty. That was when we first awakened on their planet. Megatron wanted the oil they were gathering." Perhaps Jon could ask me some questions before his food arrives.

"Were you and Spike close?"

"Yeah! We went on different missions together. Spike, his father, Chip, and his girlfriend—now wife, showed us their world and culture!"

The waitress got back with the Pokemon food and Jon's meal before leaving again. Jon took a bite out of his sandwich before asking questions again.

"You call your Earth 'E-84'. What do you call ours?"

"E-96."

Jon tilted his head, "why don't you just call your Earth, well… Earth, and called our world the Pokemon world?"

Bee got taken aback, "well… no, you're right. Makes things a whole lot simpler. Perceptor and Wheeljack were the ones who came up with the name, should talk them into changing it."

Bumblebee brightened up when he saw Jon giggling. I guess he found it funny—kids are easily entertained anyway.

Jon took a sip from his drink.

"So, Jon, about Mewtwo." Bumblebee pauses momentarily wondering if Jon will make a reaction. When Jon didn't he continued, "back at the cave—I don't mean to eavesdrop—but Daisy mentioned you are bonded to them and they gave you a Gardevoirite, what's that all about?"

Jon blinked, he didn't know what to say. He's not well-rounded when it comes to human and Pokemon bonding.

"I'm not sure, to be honest. When the mercenaries caught Mewtwo, something just clicked inside of me and we were fighting as though we were one." Jon grabs his backpack and opens it, taking out a stone. He then gives it to Bumblebee to have a look at it.

"This is the Gardevoirite. I looked it up online and it said it's a mega stone."

"Mega stone?"

"That's what it said; it's popular in the Kalos region, some sort of gimmick for the trainers and Pokemon. I only know of Dynamax/ Gigantamax."

"Dynamax/ Gigantamax?" Bumblebee looks even more confused.

"It's a phenomenon that happens in Galar, which makes Pokemon grow really big—most of the time during battle. Any Pokemon can grow big."

"Are there other 'gimmicks'?"

Jon shrugs, "you'll just have to see them for yourself."

By this time, Jon's Pokemon already finished eating. The waitress came back collecting the empty plates and bowls.

The sun went down and the stars slept in the sky.

Jon gave a big yawn and then texted his mother and sister about his whereabouts. The young trainer recalls his Pokemon.

"Ready to head to the Pokemon centre?"

"Yeah…" said Jon as he tried pulling on Bee's blouse.

"Is something wrong?"

Jon slightly blushed, "can you stay with me tonight? I don't feel like sleeping by myself."

If Bumblebee could, he would be punching air right now due to cuteness overload. Keeping his composure, Bee replied, "sure thing."

There were many people in the centre, some old, some young. Pokemon who were sick and some being returned to their trainers; trainers staying in for the night.

Bumblebee and Jon made their way to the nurse stationed by the reception.

"Are you two here for the night?"

"We are."

"Umm, excuse me. Can you heal my Pokemon?" asked Jon.

"Of, course. Oh, and here is your key to the room."

"Thank you!"

Jon handed his Pokeballs over while Elfen followed behind the nurse. Bumblebee and Jon walked their way up the escalator and into their given room.

The smell of disinfection held strong in the bedroom. There were two beds, both having red and white coverings. Jon placed his backpack on the ground beside his bed whilst Bumblebee looked around the room.

"They have bathrooms here, meaning you can shower." Bee pointed out.

Jon merely nodded, taking out his nightwear and headed towards the bathroom. Bumblebee waited for him when he was done. He must be tired from today.

KNOCK KNOCK.

Bee opens the door to find the nurse from before with Elfen.

"Here you go, miss."

"Thank you very much," Bumblebee said as the nurse handed over a tray of Pokeballs. Elfen excused himself and walked into the bedroom.

The Autobot placed the tray on the countertop.

By this time Jon was out of the shower, there were a few scratches on him but nothing major. After finishing brushing his teeth he heads out to the bedroom.

Jon stops by the bathroom door, "you change?"

"This? Oh, yeah. Just a simple code switch into a nightwear attire. Are you ready for bed?"

"Yeah," was all Jon said before hopping into the bed.

Elfen goes into the other bed to lay rest. Bumblebee turns off the lights, snuggling with Jon.

"Hey, Bee?"

"Yeah?"

"Do– do you think you can train us?"

"Huh?"

"Do you think you can train me and my team to defend ourselves from Decepticons? You saw what happened today, and… I don't want to be scared or have you worrying about me."

"Jon, you are my charge, meaning you are my responsibility. Of course, I would worry about you. Yes, I'll help train you but know this: I'm here to protect you."

"You mean it?"

"Yes."

"Goodnight."

"Goodnight."

BEEP BEEP BEEP

Bumblebee shot awake at the sound of the alarm. The Pokemon possessing the phone flew in circles around the sleeping pair.

"Rotom, shhh."

The Pokemon didn't stay quiet," it's time to get up, it's time to get up."

Bee groaned, not wanting to get out of bed—it was warm. Bumblebee looks next to him, the boy still asleep and curled next to him. A smile crosses his face. The scout gently waved his hand through his hair, it was curly and soft.

"It's time to get up, it's time to get up!" Rotom sang again. This time, however, Elfen was the one to shut up the plasma Pokemon.

"Thanks, Elfen."

The embrace Pokemon nods.

I just want him to let him sleep in. Bee sighs getting out of bed, changing his coding into a casual fit. Bee looks over at Elfen, meddling the bed and gently waking up Jon. Once again, Bee couldn't help but have a smile on his face; his Pokemon cared for him as much as he cares for them.

Or perhaps Elfen is the 'mother' of the team.

"I FORGOT!"

Bumblebee spun around in Jon's direction, "what did you forget?"

No answer was given, Jon dashed into the bathroom with his clothes and soon after came out to collect his Pokeballs and belongings, putting them on his belt. While that was going on Elfen made his bed and finally tidied up the room.

But before Jon could dash out of the room, Bumblebee tackle hugs him in his place, "where do you think you're going this early in the morning?"

"To Mistralton Gym!"

"Without breakfast?"

"Yeah!"

Bee draws his attention to Elfen wondering if it's true—Elfen nods.

"How about we go to the Gym after breakfast?"

"Okay…" Jon said in defeat.

"Ok, I'm done eating! We're heading off!"

"Jon, wait!" Bee yelled.

During breakfast, Jon ate as though he hadn't eaten anything in a whole week, even so, he behaved lively this morning.

"Come on Bee! If I don't get there early I'll have to wait in line!"

Bumblebee gave a small grin, this kid. "Wouldn't it be better if I drove you there?"

"Yeah, but I feel like running there!"

"But you'll get tired out."

Jon exhales, his eyes gleaming with excitement, "I'll meet you there!"

Bee watched as his charge dashed to Mistralton Gym—a bright smile on his face. Bumblebee wonders what Prowl said and what Jon said. He has his Pokemon by his side and me…

Jon's body wanted to give way, every time he inhaled would come in sharp but he didn't care. Bumblebee promised to train him and his Pokemon; this would be his sixth badge. Dopamine ran through his body, just the thought of it knowing that he won't be completely useless.

A memory flash in front of him—he pauses. Elfen who was right next to him pats him on the shoulder. That's right, I have you guys with me. Jon lets go of that memory for now and pushes forward.

After a few minutes of running, he made it to the gym. Surprise, surprise, Bumblebee was already there waiting for him in the parking lot.

"Told yeah driving would be fast."

"That's fine…I needed to… to get… something…thing off my mind."

Bee tilted his head, was it his way of coping? "Well, you are the first one here."

"Really?" Jon's eyes twinkled.

"Ready to come inside?"

Bumblebee didn't need an answer, the young trainer was already headed to the door. Jon ran up to the receptionist and gave his trainer card. He hops gleefully waiting for his card back.

"Right, this way Challenger Jon."

"See later Bee!" Jon yelled as he went through a different door.

Bumblebee waved back, later the receptionist directed him to the audience seats.

When Bumblebee entered the area he was in awe. It was very different from Clay's Gym. There were cargo and commercial planes, three giant fans painted behind—what seems to be the Gym Leader.

The Gym Leader had a theme going with her. She had red hair with tan skin, from the way Bumblebee can see her: she wore a light blue long sleeves crop top and shorts, bulky pairs of gloves and boots (doesn't seem practical), and a dark blue harness.

That's right, she's the flying-type Gym Leader.

Jon entered the stadium—he was trembling in fear, where did his fire go?

Skyla made her entrance to the stadium as so, she began talking to the young trainer.

"Hey now, don't freeze up on me. I know it's getting colder outside but that doesn't mean you should. You're my first challenger of the day, let's make this battle interesting, shall we, ehe~"

The two trainers got into their position as the Referee spoke out loud, "this is a three-on-three battle, if a Pokemon faints or is unable to battle the winner goes to the other team! Let the battles begin!

Skyla lets out her Swoobat.

Jon took a sharp breath, this isn't the cave, this isn't the cave. He grabs a ball from his belt and throws it in the air, "Rocky! I choose you!"

Midnight Lycanroc howl ready for battle.

"Rocky? That's a cute name. Swoo use Amnesia!"

Swoobat temporarily empties its mind to forget its concerns—its special defense sharply rose.

"Ok then… Rocky, use Bite!"

Lycanroc leaps into the air crushing his jaws on the Pokemon to fall to the ground. Swoobat barely got up again, that move was super effective.

"It's a Psychic type?! Rocky, use Bite again!"

Swoobat didn't have a chance to dodge it, causing it to fall unconscious. Skyla recalls it.

Skyla clapped, "So you know your type matchups. Let's see how you handle this round!" She said as she released her Unfezant.

"It looks different."

"That's because Unfezant is female."

"Huh, it doesn't matter. Rocky, use Thunder Punch!"

"Uni, Quick Attack!"

Lycanroc tried leaping off the ground to hit Unfezant but Unfezant flew into Rocky's stomach, sending the wolf Pokemon flying across the field. When Lycanroc stood up Unfezant flew into Rocky's stomach once more—knocking Jon's Pokemon out cold.

Jon recalls his friend, he once again breathes in sharply. What now? The only Pokemon who had the moves to take out Unfezant was Rocky, but there's Apple (Lopunny) with Thunder Wave. Jon's heart skips a beat. He can't use that move again, not after what happened—what if?

"Jon!"

The young trainer looks at Bee in the audience area.

"Deep breaths ok?! Don't give up! I believe in you buddy! You got this!"

Jon shed a tear before wiping it. That's right, he needs to trust in his team. "Apple, come on out!"

"Use Thunder Wave!"

Uni's body became slower.

"Shoot, Uni, use Razor Wind!"

Jon panicked, "dodge it!"

Lopunny hops as fast as she dodges each slash, now she is close to Unfezant.

"Low Sweep!"

Lopunny kicks the Proud Pokemon across the room. The move injured her but it wasn't enough. Guess we'll have to chip at her health.

As commands go back and forth, Lopunny was able to come up on top; although, tired.

Skyla recalls Uni and releases her last Pokemon.

Doing the same, Jon recalls his Pokemon and calls out Gardevoir.

The arena's atmosphere grew intense, each trainer having a stare-down with each over waiting for the other to go first. Both trainers were down to their last Pokemon and both are willing to give it their all.

"Aerial Ace!"

"Protect!"

The two Pokemon clash with one another. Swanna flew back into her position waiting for her next command.

"Calm Mind!"

"Drew Life!"

Neither team had moves that were super effective against each other. So it was up to who can hit the hardest.

Swanna came down with a few Bubblebeam and Air slashes. Some managed to hit Elfen some weren't.

"This is it Skyla!"

"Oh~ ?"

"Let's give her everything we've got! Elfen, use Moonblast!

Moonlight showered over the Embrace Pokemon, a ball of sparkling light grew bigger each second until it came down on Swanna.

The referee waved his hand down, "Swanna is unable to fight—Gardevoir wins!"

Bumblebee cheered for Jon while the boy ran up to his Pokemon and hugged him.

Skyla walks to the centre of the arena, "Challenger Jon, well done. You had me worry for a sec that you wanted to bail out on me, glad you didn't. That battle was intense. I hope to see you in the Champion tournament, here is your badge," handing over the Jet badge.

"Thank you!" smiled Jon.

"How do you feel?" Bumblebee asked.

"A little bit less upset but I can't help it…" Jon replied as the pair walked out of the Gym.

Jon places the Gym badge in the display box before putting it back in his backpack. Just two more from here.

"It won't be easy but just know I'm here for you, we all are."

Jon nods, he looks down at his hand before clenching it. I'll get stronger so you won't fight alone.

"By the way, what time is it?"

"Around 1:12. We got to the Gym at 10:30."

"That explains why I'm hungry. We should head to the Pokemon Centre first though."

"Right, you gonna ride with me this time?" Bumblebee grin, pointing at his alt mode.

"Yeah," Jon laughed.

The ride back was peaceful. The thoughts that plague Jon's mind lingers at the back of his head. Jon still remembers the words Prowl said—this is only the beginning of a bigger battle, death and sacrifice will become a reality. Jon shook his head: Stop discrediting yourself, you came this far and so many people have already told you it wasn't your fault. But it feels like it…

Jon shook his head again, he looked outside at the world that he was in. It's alive and green with people and Pokemon working alongside one another. The young trainer took a deep breath: you're going to be okay. A smile crosses his face, he's not alone in this fight.

They got to the Pokemon centre where Jon could heal his Pokemon. Once done he lets out Elfen; with Bumblebee in his avatar form again they walk down to the cafe to have lunch.

Everything is going well, the food is delicious, the air smells clean, and the songs of people and Pokemon in the background.

Loud explosions shot off into the distance.

"What was that?" Someone wondered.

"Isn't Driftveil City in that direction?" another person said.

Jon looks over at Bumblebee.

"I'll call base. This is Bumblebee, please answer."

Static.

Jon got worried and called his sister—nothing.

/Bumble…bee…are you…th…air…/

"Blaster! What's going on?"

/Decep… tie…cons…attack…Drift…city down…on news…/

"Scrap, coms down!"

"Bee, what's going on?"

"Jon, you're phone! Check the news!"

Jon opened up ViewTube and onto the news channel, there was a live stream.

Military planes were doing dog fights with the Seekers but failed miserably. Bombing after bombing, screaming after screaming. This is the start of war.

As The Journey Continues...