Chapter 6
The bus ride from Rota to Cerulean was just as uneventful as the other one, although the kids were more entertained with Lucario sitting with them and chatting. The awe of a talking Pokémon would probably keep them occupied for a while to come, not to mention his tales of the old days were captivating. That all meant I got to relax without Ash whining about boredom and scroll through the internet for… anything really. Of course… it wouldn't be a journey with Ash if the relaxing didn't get interrupted.
My Pokénav rang while in the middle of an article about legendary sightings, cutting of the music playing in my headphones, Lance's contact taking up the screen.
I scooted as far as I could against the bus window, turning to face away from everyone, before answering.
"Hey," I stopped myself from saying his name, less attention the better. "What's up?"
"I… where are you?" Lance raised an eyebrow, probably noticing the moving scenery behind me.
"On a bus to Cerulean, was in Rota for a bit," I explained.
He nodded. I could practically see the questions forming in his head, but he seemed to remember the reason he called.
"Is the audio going to your headphones?" he asked. He waited for my nod before he continued. "There was an attempt by Team Rocket to extract the trio from the rehab program. Jessie, James, and Meowth were found resisting the extraction and complied with authorities on everything after the Rocket members were captured. I wanted to keep you in the loop about them."
"Thanks… do you know the names of the Rockets that were caught?" I said, chewing on my lower lip. He hummed as he shuffled through papers on the desk in front of him.
"Dray Areno and Lia Ferris, do you know them?" he asked.
"No. Probably unnamed grunts from my perspective," I said.
"Is there anything about Team Rocket you can tell me? Anything to slow down or stop them at all?" Lance asked.
"No." I said, maybe a little too quickly, if his raised eyebrows were any indication. "Right now isn't the right time, it could lead to many…" I stopped to glance around the bus, checking if anyone was listening. Lucario met my gaze for a brief moment as he continued to distract Ash, Misty, and Brock, and the tourist behind me had been snoring for a while. I still lowered my voice and hunched further down and around my Pokénav. "A lot of people could die if anything happened with the Rockets right now. On the other hand, nothing happens with them if we do nothing." He didn't seem too keen on that. "Trust me, please, just know I'll inform you of anything need to know… but… keep information on me to a minimal when discussing with gym leaders, okay? The less they know that I know, the better."
Lance's face pinched up some before he understood the hidden meaning in my words and he clicked his tongue.
"Understood, I'll trust your judgement for the time being, but the moment anything goes south…" he didn't need to finish the thought, his gaze spoke volumes. I had to hold back a shudder of fear, now I know why dragons listen to him so easily.
"Thanks again for telling me about the trio. I'll think of something to help them in the future," I said. He nodded, jaw ticking as he thought about something.
"Call if you need anything," he said after a long moment and hung up before I could say anything else.
Hopefully he'd listen and not try anything too… noticeable for the time being.
Attention Passengers, we are approaching the beginnings of Cerulean's lakes. Many water-type Pokémon call these lakes home and may be visible as we pass.
Several tourists pressed against the windows of the bus, cameras flashing as sparkling lakes and rivers came into view.
XXX
The Pokémon Center was like a breath of fresh air after the bus ride and the late hour meant that Ash wasn't in a complete rush to go to the gym. Even he had some sense of time for these things. Misty kept her head down until the two of us were in our own room, the boys and Lucario in another.
"What do you want to do?" I asked, once Misty and I were both done showering. I sat on my bed, back against the wall. Athena was stretched out beside me, her head on my lap, and Ruby snuggled up to my side, while Ekans and Koffing chose to remain in their Pokéballs.
"Sleep? What else… oh," Misty trailed off. She dropped the towel she'd been using to dry her hair and pulled Kakuna onto her lap, her other Pokémon in their Pokéballs. She worried her lip while I let her think things over.
"I don't want the boys to know," she said, gaze set on Kakuna, "but… if you'd… will you come with me?"
"I will," I nodded. "We can go tomorrow, after breakfast."
Misty fidgeted some but nodded.
I pulled out my Pokédex when I realized she wasn't going say anymore and booked time slots for Ash and I to do our challenges, two days from now. He wouldn't be happy with the wait, but he'll get over it. I glanced up to check on Misty to see her still worrying her lip, one hand gently rubbing Kakuna's shell.
"What are you afraid of?" I asked quietly.
"What if… if all these years… I was right," Misty whispered. She tried to hide it, her face turned downwards and her hair undone curtained around her, but I could see the slight shake in her shoulders and hear the shallow breaths. Kakuna hummed a wordless rhythm and used her limited movement to nuzzle closer to her trainer. "What if they really do hate me?"
"Misty," I whispered. I hated it but damn am I a sympathetic crier, my eyes watering when I heard her sniffle. "I promise you, that won't be the case. And if I'm wrong you can punch me as hard as you can as much as you want."
Misty chuckled a little, though it was a bit forced. She used one arm to cradle Kakuna as she crawled under her the blankets, back to me.
"Good night," she said.
I waited a few minutes, before getting up to turn off the lights. I curled up with Athena and Ruby once more.
"It'll work out," Athena said as I ran my hand through her fur.
XXX
"But I want my second badge now," Ash whined over breakfast.
"The Cerulean Gym takes reservations only," I explained. "If you went running in now, they'd give you a fake badge and send you off."
"What? They can't do that!" Ash huffed. He stuffed pancakes into his mouth and grumbled around them, syrup dribbled down his chin.
"Actually, they can," Brock said around a sip of tea. "Any gym can hand out fake badges to display that their rules weren't followed. Trainers are welcomed to return later if and when they realize it, so long as they follow the gyms rules."
"Well, how come I don't know any of these rules?" Ash asked.
"Because you don't do research," I said, pointing my fork at Ash for emphasis. His face paled at the thought and he shoveled more food into his mouth. "So take today to train and tomorrow, you and I will have our Cascade Badges."
"Fine," Ash muttered.
"Good," I nodded. "Brock, Lucario, you two help Ash with his training. Misty and I have something to do together."
Are you certain you won't need me? Lucario asked.
I shook my head.
"We're not doing anything dangerous, and you'd be really helpful with Ash's training. You can catch what none of us can," I said. Lucario nodded and finished his breakfast. Misty for her part was only pushing her food around, taking small bites whenever someone glanced at her.
"Ready to head out, Misty?" I asked. She snapped to focus and nodded picking up her plate. Brock and I shared a look and he nodded to show he understood before he started distracting Ash.
The walk to Cerulean Gym was quiet. Athena walked at my side, her bright blue eyes scanning over everything. Misty's eyes were focused ahead of us though it was obvious she wasn't really seeing anything, but moving through muscle memory.
The Cerulean Gym was easy enough to find, the building was huge and surrounded by water. The roof was angled up and made completely of glass, a giant statue of Starmie hung above the main entrance with the league emblem in the middle. There were people milling around the entrance, and what looked like a school trip about to head inside.
Misty led us around the side of the building and stopped in front of an unmarked door. Her hand hovered over the knob, the other in her pocket grasped around what I assumed were keys.
"I'm right here, Misty," I assured, resting a hand on her shoulder. She nodded and pulled a single key from her pocket, a little Seel keychain attached to it. There was a short hallway leading to another door, instead of inserting the key again, Misty held the keychain in front of the lock. There was a beep and the door clicked open slightly, allowing us to push it open and enter.
The drab hallway couldn't prepare me for the sudden whiplash of the room we entered. Pale blue walls were complemented by plush orange furniture and colorful pillows. Pictures lined the walls and various end tables placed around the room. A half wall divided the room from the kitchen on one side and another hallway sat on the opposite side leading further into the house. There were several water features around the rooms, bubbling softly and a giant wall length, floor to ceiling, aquarium sat across from the front door, a few small water Pokémon swam around in it.
"They're probably still asleep," Misty said, looking around. She couldn't hide the small smile on her face as she took in her home. She walked over to the tank and greeted the water types inside, most responded while a couple hid away.
"We keep newborns in here for the first week or two after hatching to make sure they get special care. Except for Goldie and Flip, they've been in here for years," she explained. Goldie and Flip were a Goldeen and Magikarp, both small enough to fit in one hand together. They stayed close to the glass, their voices garbled too much for me to understand, but the way the moved made me think they were letting her know about the new babies.
A little Barbroach slithered around on the bottom with a Remoraid darting around it. A Horsea and Skrelp were curled around some coral, eyeing Misty, and a small Wooper sat in one corner snoozing. As I stepped up, I could see three Clamperl shells clustered together, small movements in the shell made me think they were sleeping too, while a fourth Clamperl propelled itself across the tank.
Once one Pokémon noticed me, all of the awake ones noticed, and clustered at the glass in front of me. Misty giggled.
"They like you," she said, watching them follow me as I moved around to look more at the tank, my own laughter mixed with hers. Athena made a huffing sound in her amusement as she inspected the room.
"Who's out here?" Came a voice from down the hall. A Vaporeon came into the room, hackles raised before spotting Misty. "Misty! You're home!" Vaporeon bounded over to Misty who held out her arms to embrace the Eeveelution.
"Vaporeon," Misty cooed as he stood on his hind legs to hug her.
"You would not believe how worried the girls have been," Vaporeon said, nuzzling into her neck. "Honestly, not a single call. You're so lucky they didn't try to… to…" Vaporeon trailed off as he locked eyes with me.
"I've missed you too," Misty said, completely missing what was actually being said. "This is my friend Brit. She's here to help with something… personal."
"One-Who-Is-All," Vaporeon said, dropping back to all fours and bowing his head to me. "My trainer told us you could come by… but this…"
"Vaporeon, could you do me a favor?" Misty asked. I nodded my head towards Misty to help the water-type focus so he nodded at Misty. "Can you go wake them up?
Vaporeon nodded and ran to the hall's entrance, and began to inhale deeply, chest puffing out. Athena snapped her head to me, calling out a warning before Vaporeon released.
"Wake… UUUUUUUUUP!" Vaporeon's voice reverberated through the house, echoes of white rings swept through the halls. There were muffled screams that followed and doors slammed open.
"Like, what the hell," someone groaned.
"Vaporeon, why?" someone else whined.
Misty's three sisters came shuffling out of the hall in their PJs, one still clutching a pillow. For the life of me, I couldn't remember who was who.
"We need our beauty sleep," the blonde sister said.
"Misty?" All three stopped at the sight of their little sister and looked torn between running to her and…
"Wow, Runt, couldn't make it far, huh," the blue haired sister smirked.
"Unless you somehow managed to become a water-type master in the last month and a half," the pink haired sister added.
Misty's fisted clenched and her jaw ticked, but before she could say anything in response, I stepped in front of her.
"Hi, I'm Brit," I said. All three turned their attention to me, recognition clear in an instant. "I'm Misty's friend, and we came over because Misty had something serious to discuss with the three of you."
"Right…" Misty huffed and pointed out her sisters for me. "Brit, this is Daisy," -blonde sister- "Lily," –pink sister- "and Violet," – blue sister.
"Is everything ok, Misty?" Daisy asked.
"Yeah, what's wrong Runt?" Violet asked.
"Maybe we should sit," I suggested, motioning to the sofas.
The sisters were clearly confused but sat together on the couch while Misty took a solo chair angled towards them, I sat on the arm rest of Misty's chair. Misty fidgeted in discomfort as she stared at her lap. The silence that followed was seriously unbearable, but I handled it like any adult…
"Misty doesn't like how you treat her," I blurted out.
"What are you talking about?" Lily asked.
Athena sat at my side while Vaporeon looked torn between going to the sisters and comforting Misty. I looked at Misty and realized she had no intention of speaking just yet so I took over.
"Misty feels like the three of you mistreat her and from that she's come to think you don't love her," I explained. Misty flinched but nodded in agreement, worrying her lip once more.
"Misty, how could you possibly think that?" Violet asked.
"Because!" Misty shot to her feet, fist clenched at her side. "Because you always call me Runt, and gave me broken toys, and told me I wasn't good enough to stand with you! Because you always mocked my dreams and made me feel every bit as small as you clearly think of me! Because I know… I know…" Misty sniffled, head tilted down. "I know you all blame me for Mom!"
A whole new type of silence settled over the room.
Daisy was the first to stand up and pulled Misty into a hug, the other two followed shortly after, crushing Misty in a group bear hug… beartic hug? Ursaring hug?
"I'm so sorry Misty," Lily said, pulling back to look at her little sister.
"We never realized," Violet added as she too pulled back.
Daisy was the last to stop hugging her, but kept her hands on Misty's shoulders as she looked into her eyes.
"You are not to blame for Mom," Daisy said in a voice that called for no argument. "No one is to blame for that, Misty. I'm sorry you felt that way, and I'm sorry we didn't notice. We should've… Misty…"
"I felt like a burden," Misty whispered. "I wanted to prove myself… prove I was one of you."
"You aren't one of us Misty," Violet said.
"Yeah, you're better," Lily added.
"W-what?" Misty blinked up at her sisters.
"We've always been amazed by your talent Misty," Daisy said. "You were a natural with water-types before you could even walk and from the moment you and Staryu met, we knew you'd be a master one day. You're strong and brave and you work harder than all three of us Misty. You're amazing, and I'm sorry it took this long to tell you that."
I felt like an outsider by that point, uncertain of where to look so I took to petting Athena and Vaporeon, who had moved over to me once the hugging started. His skin was smooth and cool to the touch, while the dark blue spikes down his back had a rough feeling to them.
"Oh… oh Manaphy," Violet said, fanning her face and blinking back tears. "I forgot we have a guest."
"Right," Misty sniffled and turned to me. "Brit, thank you."
I stood, my back popping some, and smiled at the four Sensational Sisters.
"My absolute pleasure," I said. "Now, I think I've expended my use here, and really want to see an aquarium full of Pokémon. You good Misty?"
"Yeah," Misty smiled back and hugged me tight for a second before letting go.
"Vaporeon can go with you," Lily said. "The employees know him so they'll know you're with us."
I gave my thanks and let Vaporeon lead me around the building and into the aquarium. One employee noticed me start to walk past the ticket counter, but stopped whatever she planned to say at the sight of Vaporeon. I rolled my lips in silent laughter and listened as Vaporeon went over all of the exhibits. The first area alone was breath taking. The room was brightly lit with the tank spanning all the way across the ceiling. Fresh water Pokémon swam around the tank, splashed around on the shores or curled up next to each other on rocks.
The aquarium itself circled the gym's battlefield, each new area a different habitat for water types. The school trip I had noticed earlier were watching the cold ocean Pokémon, a tour guide going over the different species swimming around them. A Seel was entertaining the kids behind the tour guide with spins and silly faces.
I stepped closer to listen in and watch the other Pokémon enjoy themselves. A Dewgong sped past just as the tour guide mentioned its speed underwater, and earned a bunch of excited gasps from the kids. It sped past again, adding in a spin to create a vortex of bubbles in its wake. On its way for a third pass, Dewgong stopped on a dime, attention on me. Its mouth opened and bubbles came out as it called out. Soon enough every Pokémon on in the cold water exhibit were swarmed together to stare at me.
"Guess I made a splash," I joked as the school group looked at me in awe. They laughed, surprisingly, before asking me a bunch of questions.
"Why are they doing that?"
"Do you know all of these Pokémon?"
"Are you a trainer?"
"What's that Pokémon?"
"Can we see your other Pokémon?"
"Okay, kids, let's let this trainer get back to enjoying themselves," the teacher said.
"It's okay, I don't mind," I said. I crouched to be at eye level with the kids and answered their questions.
"I've found that Pokémon just really like me, even if we've never met before. My experience might not be universal, but if you're friendly towards all Pokémon then they'll be easier to befriend." I said, before placing a hand on Athena. "This is Athena, she's a very special Pokémon known as Absol. Anyone know why Absols are special?" Some of the kids whispered amongst themselves, but nobody answered. "Absols have a special power, the can sense in coming disasters, like tornados and hurricanes, or people getting hurt. So if you ever have a wild Absol approach you, chances are it's there to try and help you."
"That's so cool!" the kids said, as the looked at Athena closer.
"I appreciate the description," Athena said. She lowered her head to allow the kids to pet her. I released Ruby as well and gave a short description on the Gible line.
"That's enough from me, though," I finally said, after they had their fill of petting the two, and Vaporeon had gotten the water-types to disperse. "You guys are on an awesome tour, so make sure you pay attention to your guide. If you want to become Pokémon trainers one day, then it's important to know as much as possible."
"What do you say kids?" the teacher asked.
There was a chorus of 'thank you' before the guide led the kids to the next area.
"Probably shouldn't distract them anymore," I said.
"Oh! Follow me," Vaporeon said. Ruby decided to stay out as we followed Vaporeon down a dimly lit hallway to a stopped escalator. A sign was in front of it that read:
Deep Sea Exhibit Closed Temporarily
"We can go in, since you're with me," Vaporeon said.
"Alright, but if we get in trouble, I'm blaming you," I joked and followed him downstairs.
The exhibit was lit only by the blue light of the tanks and dim lights along the walk ways. A school of Chinchou swam past the glass led by a Lanturn, their head lights added to the atmosphere. I felt transported as I stood in the walkway, and just watched and listened to everything. A Huntail and Gorebyss swam in a dance like pattern around each other, their serpentine bodies entwining and parting as they went.
I heard someone walking towards me, but I kept watching the Pokémon, expecting a security guard. The person stopped beside me and watched the two dance as well.
"Beautiful ain't it," he said in a low, deep voice. I glanced over at him and had to look up farther than I thought, not only was he tall, but extremely bulky. I felt my breath catch in my throat, my eyes widened as I realized who exactly was standing beside me.
"This aquarium is the best I've ever seen," he said. "Cares for its Pokémon and teaches people about the value of preserving the ocean."
"Yeah," I spoke around the lump in my throat, "the ocean is important."
He turned his attention on me fully, and I wondered if I should run or try and make another difference in the world. Kinda hard to make the decision, when I was staring up at the leader of Team Aqua. He was giving me an appraising look, a small smile quirked up his lips… damn he was attractive… no bad Brit… bad. He looked just like his design in ORAS.
"The ocean is what we all rely on for life, Pokémon and people need the ocean," he said.
"You're not wrong," I said. I tapped my hand against Athena's side to reassure myself that my Pokémon were indeed there. "But…" he raised an eyebrow as I took a second to figure out how to best phrase my thoughts.
I looked up in time to see a Shellder propel across the glass in a stream of bubbles, a smile of my own formed.
"People and Pokémon don't only rely on the ocean, but the land as well, even deep sea Pokémon like this. There's a natural order that's formed around this world and how we all not only survive, but thrive. A deeper part of it all isn't the land, or sea, or sky, but how we all impact the world and those around us."
"Aye, the world needs us to take care of it," Archie said. "We need to help it be a better place for all."
"Yeah," I nodded, "but we should remember something very important…" I met his eyes, all fear leaving me as I looked at him. "No one person has a right to decide what that means, even if their intentions are good, without proper research and discovery, they can end up doing more damage than they do good."
"You sound as if you speak from experience," Archie said.
"I've… seen many people try to recreate this world in their ideal image and every time… every single time, they see the error of their ways nearly immediately after they see the… results," I said. One of which is him and Kyogre… but you know… details.
"And what have you come to think of such people?" he asked.
"I think they became blind by their ideas, by what they've fantasized in the years prior, that they lose sight of reality and the impact they have on the people and Pokémon around them. While I'm glad they get the moment of clarity in the end… it's always in the end."
"When it's too late," Archie nodded.
"They can't go back and save the lives of those lost in their power grab, the homes washed away, the Pokémon sacrificed, and so much more," I said, attention back on the exhibit. "I don't know you… but I have… a feeling there is a decision in your future… one that can result in the death of millions." I rested my hand fully on Athena's head, the gesture catching his attention like I hoped, his posture stiffening. "The wrath of a god…" He took in a sharp breath. I met his gaze once more. "I can't tell you what to do, or even what will happen fully, but… if that time ever comes… I hope you remember the person you met in Cerulean, who has seen the folly of many before you. I don't want to add you to that list."
"Who are you?" Archie asked, voice barely a whisper. I smiled.
"Just a stranger who has seen many, many strange things in this world," I said. "I could make an entire franchise out of all the shit I've seen."
"I don't understand what's going on," Vaporeon spoke up, "but can you find out why he's down here."
"Oh yeah," I looked at Archie with a new sense of curiosity, all fear long since gone. "Why are you down here? This exhibit is closed."
He laughed, a loud, hearty laugh.
"I could ask the same of you," he said.
I motioned to Vaporeon.
"I'm a friend of the youngest Sensational Sister," I said.
"Ah, I'm here to talk with them about conservation matters, and try to connect their charity work with my own back in Hoenn," Archie said. "They gave me access to the aquarium until our meeting later."
"I hope it goes well," I said.
"Aye, as do I," Archie nodded. "Though, I can say my trip hasn't been completely wasted one way or the other." I gave him a confused look.
"I've gotten to meet a lass who is wise beyond her years," he said. Flattered as I was, I couldn't help the slight flinch, it had been building up for a while now, guess I found my breaking point.
"Didn't mean to offend," he started, but I waved him off.
"You didn't," I said. "It's just…" Ah, what the hell, "I'm not exactly a girl, or lass, as you'd say."
"Lad, then?" he asked. I shook my head and tried to figure out how to explain being non-binary… turned out I didn't need to.
"Ah, enby or andy? Some of my crew are genderless," Archie nodded. "Didn't realize Kanto was so far in the past."
"They… they might not be… I'm not from Kanto actually," I said. "I guess I've kinda just assumed." I trailed off, as I thought about how to approach my friends with this… might as well go for broke. I was going to say more…
"A Kingdra!" I said excitedly. The majestic water/dragon swam past the glass. It was gorgeous, so regal and huge, I didn't even care that Archie was laughing as I tried to get closer.
"Like, there you are." We both turned to see the four Sensational Sisters coming down the escalator, a Flareon leading the way. Flareon paused to stare at me, but was snapped out of it by Vaporeon, who snickered at the other eeveelution.
"Oh, Mr. Aogiri," Violet nodded at Archie. "I hope you're enjoying yourself."
"Aye," Archie smiled. "I was just having a nice chat with…" Both of us blinked, realizing we never introduced myself. Unnecessary for him, sure, but he didn't need to know that.
"Brit," I said, holding a hand out to him. He grasped it in return and locked eyes with me, I held his gaze, both of us smiling as he introduced himself to me. Misty giggled, and I gave her a look, rolling my eyes.
Even in the dim light of the exhibit I could see the slight redness to her eyes, the other sisters had similar looks to them.
"Like, we look forward to our meeting later," Daisy said. "But if you don't mind us taking Brit. We sort of owe them our thanks."
"Aye," Archie nodded. "It's been a pleasure, Brit."
"The feeling is mutual," I said before following the sister back upstairs.
"Everything good?" I asked Misty, nudging her gently with my elbow.
"Yeah, we had a good talk," Misty said.
"We're going to work on being better sister," Lily said. "Seriously, thank you for bringing this to our attention."
"And I'm giving back Starmie," Misty said. "I'm going to use only my Pokémon from this point onwards."
"Misty said you were helping her train too," Daisy said. "Like, we really do appreciate you."
"Yeah, you're welcome in our gym any time," Violet said. "We can even get you tickets to our show tonight, if you'd like."
"Thanks, but I promised to help Ash train once we get back to the center," I said. "We have our battles with you tomorrow."
"Well then, we'll be sure to give it our all," Violet said.
Misty and I parted ways with the sisters to head back to the Pokémon Center, going around the building to the training fields in the back. Ash was collapsed on the ground, chest heaving, Pikachu laid next to him in much of the same state, with Butterfree and Pidgeotto perched on a tree a little way back.
Lucario stood over Ash, looking a little too proud of himself.
XXX
YAY new chapter! I hope everyone is doing okay with the quarantine, I know it can be hard on everyone, especially if you suffer from depression like I do. It becomes pretty easy to fall into bad habits. Stay strong, keep healthy, and be safe everyone!