I headed to the center of campus to the main Pokémon center. Each dorm has a minicenter normally attended by a student nurse and their Pokémon; typically a Chansey but really any other Pokémon could be a nurse. My dorm is attended by a girl named Rachel and her Oddish. She was a nice girl, very knowledgeable, however, since this was literally a matter of life and death I decided that a fully qualified nurse was in order.

On my way from my dorm located at the most northern point of campus, I pass the Union and practice fields which are the main hubs of campus. The fields, normally used by upper classmen and classes dedicated to battling were completely full. From my vantage point I could see the water field where typically water type only battles took place. But, now they were being used by a Pidgeotto and a Machop both being directed by the same trainer. He looked to only be a year or two older than me, but when his ferocity flared up as he directed his Pokémon he seemed to be much older. His Machop dodged the Pidgeotto with obvious skill and training landing on a small platform in the water. As it was gaining its sea-legs on the teetering dais his Pidgeotto quickly delivered a wing attack, knocking the fighting type into the water.

I couldn't see anymore as I kept walking, although I wanted to stay and watch the two Pokémon train. I loved seeing the graceful yet calculated way both Pokémon moved. I just hope mine liked to train. Scratch that. I just hope mine like me.

I look to my right to see the Student Union. A new building, it was full of restaurants and games, as well as a designated study area for those here more inclined to academics. The front of the Union is a giant wall of windows; something I feel may not have been the smartest decision for a campus full of Pokémon. They must be hyperbeam proof, I thought. I mentally shrugged at the folly of the designer and continued past a couple dorms and entered the on campus Pokémon center.

It was just like any typical Pokémon center. Video phones resided to the left of the entrance with little privacy curtains if a conversation required one. To the right was the waiting area for those whose Pokémon were being tended to. To the left of the counter and down the hall is the pool area for recovering water types. Right now Nurse Joy was busy helping another student with what looked like an injured Magby. I decided to wander around for a bit while I wait.

Just as I go to turn around I smack foreheads into someone walking in.

"Oh my god, I'm so sorry," I manage to eek out while I rub my forehead still stunned from the blow. "I wasn't looking."

"Yea, that really hurt. Next time warn a guy."

I recognized that voice, but I was still in too much pain to open my eyes. At least I can just get Nurse Joy to look at this now that I'm here.

Once my blurred vision began to clear I could see Jarret standing directly in front of me rubbing the same spot on his forehead as I was. He stood at exactly the same height as me: a hair below six feet. His hair, almost dark enough to qualify as black, usually was just long enough to cover his hazel eyes, but it seems he's gotten a haircut since I last saw him. Now it stopped just above his eyebrows. He looked great to be honest. In his arms he cradled an adorable pink Pokémon I've never seen before. It must not be native to Kanto or Johto which were the two regions I've lived in. Hoenn, Sinnoh, or Unova were the other three options. I'll just have to ask.

"Hey Jarret. Who's this cute little guy?"

I leaned in to pat it on the head when I felt a sharp sting on my cheek.

"Ow! What was that for?" Jarret was laughing, a sound I could listen to forever.

"This 'cute little guy,'" he said obviously mocking me, "is my Happiny, Grace. She's of an all-female species. She will eventually evolve into a Chansey if you couldn't tell." He was still chuckling.

"Well I guess I deserved that than didn't I?" I leaned towards Grace again. "I'm very sorry for my mistake, little one."

Her glare was immediately transformed into a giant smile.

"Hap Happiny!" Her voice was tiny and high pitched, yet completely cheerful. She was one of the most adorable Pokémon I have ever seen.

"So where's your other one?" I straightened up to face Jarret once again. His eyes met mine squarely. They were stunning,

"Oh, he's probably hiding behind me. He's pretty shy," he explained all while smiling. "Duke? Come introduce yourself," he said only slightly turning his head.

A small beak began to poke out from behind his leg.

"Ruff?" Duke seemed to question.

"It's okay. C'mon out. Say hi."

Next a talon tentatively poked out, then a leg, followed finally by the rest of Jarret's Pokémon. Finally outside the sanctuary of his trainer's body Duke began hopping around. He was obviously a bird of prey with a sharp beak and talons to do maximum damage. However, the meek look on his face says otherwise. He honestly didn't look like he could hurt a bug type. His wings were currently at his sides and instead of just flying a couple of feet he insisted on continuously hopping to his destination.

Jarret must have caught my perplexed stare as he began to explain, "My Rufflet, Duke, is only about a day old. It takes a few days for some flying types to get used to their wings let alone flying around everywhere. I'm actually on my way to the aviary now so he can hopefully spread his wings and get some tips and tricks from the older Pokémon." He set Grace down, grabbed Duke, set him on his shoulder, and picked Grace up once again. Duke clung on to Jarret's shoulder with a face that said it was terrified to be up so high. A flying type scared of height, what's next? I thought. He nuzzled his trainer with a soft coo when he realized he wouldn't plunge to his death.

"But I gotta get going. I have class in an hour so I'll shoot you a text later?"

"Yea, definitely. I'll be around. I have to talk with Nurse Joy anyway while she isn't busy so I'll catch ya later!" I waved while he began to walk away and head to the back of the center where the aviary was located.

Alright. Breathe. Time to find out about these guys, I thought looking at my eggs with rising anxiety.

Just breathe.

Nurse Joy escorted me to one of the examination rooms after taking my name and I.D. number. The room was simple. A metal table resided in the middle with a small sink and several drawers and cabinets against the wall. It was simple and efficient.

I took a seat in one of the plastic brown chairs seated on the opposite wall of the sink. I wiped my cold, clammy hands on my jeans and began to take out my eggs from my bag.

I didn't realize I had begun to shake as well. It wasn't noticeable to Nurse Joy, but I could see the small tremors taking over my hands and, slowly, the rest of my body. I tried closing my eyes and taking long, steady deep breaths every time she had to leave the room. Nothing seemed to help.

What if I had killed them? Two Pokémon. Dead. I would be responsible. I think back and there was not one time I had fallen and dropped them, or shaken them on accident. This shouldn't be possible.

"Well let's take a look, shall we?" Nurse Joy said in her small and comforting voice. She took the first one, the one with the white mark, and set it gently on a beige towel that she brought in and put on the table. I watched as her hand slowly glided down the egg's side so carefully, yet exact. She removed a stethoscope from the drawer to her side and began to fully examine the egg. She stopped at points, which seeming random to me, looked calculated and precise. Her face was completely unreadable and concentrated. She seemed neither disappointed nor overjoyed. Having seemed satisfied in her examination she asked me to please switch eggs so she could examine the darker egg.

She went through the same motions with this egg as the first. What was going on in her head? I just wanted to scream in the silent minutes that passed between us. Were my Pokémon dead or alive? Couldn't she tell me that immediately?

That's when the shaking became worse. I could feel the tremors in my legs overwhelming me. I sat down to avoid the inevitable fall that would come if the trembling continued.

Finally Nurse Joy removed the stethoscope from her ears and put them back in their proper place. She scooped up both the towel and egg in her arms, and she swaddled the egg in it. She walked over and took a seat next to me on the empty chair.

"Sean, your eggs are completely healthy and the Pokémon within are intact."

The shaking stopped.

"However I do have some news," she continued.

It came back again.

"Your eggs are a bit…different than what we typically see here at PSJ."

"Different how?"

"The parents of these eggs are of a limited species. You see, only eight of their kind exist, six of which are completely sterile. They are completely incapable of breeding. The parents of your eggs, however, do not share that trait. They are obviously very capable of producing offspring. In fact, these are the first eggs of their kind to exist."

"Well what 'kind' are they?"

"You know I can't tell you that, Sean. But what I can tell you is that you'll be pleasantly surprised," she smiled.

"But why haven't they hatched yet? Hatch Week is basically over. Today is the last day and all the other dragon types have hatched. Everyone's eggs have hatched."

"With these eggs we had no idea what the timeframe would be. Our best guess was the day the rest of their type-mates hatched, but it seems that wasn't the case."

"What now then? Am I going to have to wait a while longer? Next week we're starting to work with our Pokémon in classes. What am I going to tell my professors?" I hadn't noticed my sentences were now coming out rushed and frantic.

"Relax," Nurse Joy said, "take a breath and relax." I did as I was told. "Now, I have good news for you." A shot of pure energy raced up my spine at that last sentence. "Your eggs are on the verge of hatching. Within the next couple of hours you will be the proud trainer of two completely healthy Pokémon."

I stifled a scream. I doubt Nurse Joy would enjoy an eighteen year old boy screaming like a six year old girl right in her ear. But I felt like that little girl inside. I was so excited. Two Pokémon. Two wildly, mysterious, and rare Pokémon. Two friends. All mine.

"I'll send one of my assistances to grab you some lunch from the Union so you may stay here with your eggs." She laid a hand on my shoulder. "I can tell you'll make a wonderful trainer. It must have taken a lot of courage to recognize there may be a problem with your Pokémon. You have the right kind of mindset for this." Nurse Joy flashed a proud smile to me that I couldn't help returning. She got up from next to me and placed the darker egg on the table.

"After your Pokémon has hatched and you have had some time to get acquainted press the button next to the door. I'll come in and give them their initial checkup."

She went to leave. "Nurse Joy?" I called after her. Halfway out the door she turned around. "Thank you for everything. I would have gone mad if not for you. Did you ever consider becoming a school counselor?"

She laughed. "Actually that's the field I initially received my degree in when I was a student here. It drove my parents absolutely wild! A Joy not being a Pokémon nurse? It was unheard of. But, as you can see, it's where I ended up anyway. I guess you can't escape your fate, huh?"

She laughed again, obviously recalling some entertaining memories, and closed the door leaving me and my eggs to ourselves.

I couldn't help but smile.

Phew. That one was fun to write.

I just wanted to say thank you to Ki-nee-chan and Koten123 for their kind words and encouragement. I've never allowed anyone to read anything I've written, let alone allowing anyone to give me feedback on something. I appreciated it.

Feel free to review or shoot me a message. :) I hope you enjoy!