Vol. I, Part 2: Chapter 18

  The sun shone brightly on the pasture grass. Bianca, Cheren, and Hugh were overseeing the release of the Electric-types. The Joltik playfully scattered throughout the fenced-off grass. The three Emolga had already claimed the old oak tree and were chasing each other through the branches. Klinks and Klangs floated aimlessly, enjoying the fresh air, while the Tynamo splashed happily in a man-made pond.

  Nate, Hilbert, Riolu, and Elekid stepped out onto the grass.

  “Well, about time you guys showed up,” Hugh remarked, placing food bowls around the Joltik enclosure.

  “Sorry, we had a little detour,” Nate replied. He nudged the Pokémon beside him. “Say hello, Elekid.”

  Elekid ignored the greeting, his gaze fixed on the rolling green fields.

  “Woah! You brought Elekid out?” Hugh exclaimed, sounding tense. “Is he alright?”

  “Yeah, Elekid recovered just fine. We came out here because he wanted to show us his strength.”

  “Oh, really?” Hugh replied, eyeing the Electric-type warily.

  “At least, that’s what Nate thinks,” Hilbert added, scanning the grass near his feet.

  “Well, well, look who’s out and about,” Cheren said, wandering over from the Tynamo pond with Bianca.

  “Wow, Elekid! You’re looking great!” Bianca cheered.

  Elekid turned to face them. He frowned, clearly unimpressed by the crowd, and ultimately decided to ignore their presence entirely, crossing his arms.

  “Hilbert was right. Elekid is not a people person,” Riolu’s voice echoed in Nate's mind.

  Nate smiled at his partner’s comment. “Seems Elekid isn’t too interested in meeting new people. He almost ignored me too if I hadn't offered him berries.”

  “The best way to win a Pokémon’s heart is through its stomach!” Bianca commented with a wink.

  “So, everything is fine with Elekid? No outbursts or unprovoked attacks?” Cheren asked, adjusting his glasses.

  “No, nothing like that. I don’t think Elekid is an angry Pokémon at all. He was just frightened and overstimulated in the lab,” Nate replied.

  “That’s good to hear.”

  They let Elekid wander around the pasture. He inspected every bush and rock with the scrutiny of a building inspector.

  “Found you!” Hilbert’s voice rang out.

  Nate turned to see Hilbert clutching a Joltik to his nose. The yellow Pokémon tickled Hilbert’s face with the tips of its mandibles, emitting tiny sparks.

  “Hey, cut it out! That tickles!” Hilbert laughed.

  “Looks like Hilbert found his friend,” Hugh replied.

  “When Rosa and I went to check on them yesterday, that Joltik was really sad that Hilbert wasn’t there,” Bianca noted softly. “It’s strange how easily some Pokémon bond with people. Even wild ones.”

  Nate thought about Bianca’s comment. It was strange. He never pretended to understand the mystic bond between people and Pokémon. It was just something that happened. He saw how quickly his Deerling had accepted him. And even now, Elekid seemed to trust Nate enough to want to prove himself.

  “Hey Cheren,” Nate began.

  “Yeah?”

  “Earlier, Elekid was showing me his moves, eager to let off steam. I think he wants to battle.”

  “You want to battle Elekid?” Cheren asked, confused.

  “Well, actually, I was hoping you could battle me and Elekid. Just a quick sparring match.”

  Cheren rubbed his chin thoughtfully. “It seems Elekid is well enough.” He turned to the yellow Pokémon, who was throwing jabs into the empty air. “What do you say, Elekid? Would you like to battle me?”

  Elekid gave Cheren a wide, excited grin. He flexed both arms, and sparks danced hungrily above the plugs on his head.

  “I take that as a yes,” Nate replied.

  Nate and Cheren moved to the battle arenas a short distance from the pastures. Bianca tagged along to be the “judge.” Riolu stood beside Nate as he positioned himself inside the trainer box.

  “Alright, Elekid, I’ll be your Trainer for this battle,” Nate said.

  Elekid stepped onto the packed dirt of the arena, completely ignoring Nate’s comment.

  “Herdier, let’s go!” Cheren yelled.

  In a flash of light, Cheren’s partner appeared. Herdier’s fur glowed in the sun, a well-groomed Pokémon fit for someone as meticulous as Cheren.

  “Herdier, huh? I didn’t know you had one,” Nate shouted.

  “Herdier's been my partner since he was a Lillipup,” Cheren stated proudly.

  “Then let’s see what he’s got!”

  Nate mentally listed all the facts he’d learned about Elekid in school. Electric-type. Basic Pokémon. Can learn Quick Attack, Leer, and Thunder Shock early. Stronger attacks may be Shock Wave, Discharge, and Thunder Punch.

  “Are both Trainers ready?” Bianca shouted.

  “Ready!” the boys said simultaneously.

  “Then let the battle begin!”

  “Alright Elekid, let’s start with a Thunder Shock!” Nate commanded.

  Elekid immediately ignored him. Instead, he unleashed a deep, guttural cry from the depths of his chest. Translucent rings of sound emanated from his mouth, aiming directly at Herdier. The roar was so piercing that everyone, including Nate and Riolu, instinctively covered their ears.

  “That sounds like a Screech attack!” Riolu projected over the noise.

  Screech?

  “Herdier, don’t give in! Use Retaliate!” Cheren cried.

  Herdier dashed through the sonic rings, shaking off the disorientation, and charged straight for Elekid.

  “Elekid, intercept Herdier with Quick Attack!” Nate shouted.

  Elekid stopped the Screech and wound his arms in a circle. Electricity crackled around his fists, and sparks showered from his head. As Herdier jumped to clash, Elekid met him with a heavy, electrified fist, sending the dog Pokémon backward.

  That looked like Thunder Punch!

  “Elekid will not obey you, Nate. He is his own master,” Riolu stated calmly.

  “Then what should I do?” Nate asked.

  “Be here. Let him know we’re on his side.”

  Riolu was right. Nate wasn't Elekid’s Trainer. He couldn't command; he could only support.

  “That was a great hit, Elekid! Show Herdier your strength!” Nate shouted, putting his whole chest into it.

  Elekid glanced back at Nate and grinned. The intensity of the sparks on his head grew brighter.

  “Elekid is tough, Herdier. Let’s show him we are tough, too. Use Work Up!” Cheren commanded.

  Herdier growled, huffing a breath that flared his nostrils. Determination and ferocity burned in the Pokémon’s eyes as a red aura flared briefly around him.

  Elekid charged electricity once more, spinning his arms like turbines, and unleashed a Discharge attack. A wave of electric bolts flew in every direction.

  “Herdier, Take Down!” Cheren yelled, shielding his face from stray sparks.

  Herdier ran, weaving through the barrage. He leaped into the air and dove headfirst into Elekid. The impact was solid. Sparks vanished as Elekid tumbled backward, digging his heels into the dirt to break his fall. Herdier landed and shook his fur, wincing slightly from the recoil damage.

  Elekid struggled to get back on his feet. He dropped to one knee, panting.

  “Hang in there Elekid! You can keep going!” Nate shouted. “I believe in you!”

  Elekid’s head snapped up. He stood on both feet, one eye squeezed shut against the pain. He shook the dirt off his body, gave a short, defiant growl, and ran straight for Herdier.

  “Here it comes. Herdier, use Bite!” Cheren ordered.

  Herdier brandished canines coated in dark energy. He pounced at the charging Elekid, jaws wide, but Elekid was ready. He reared his arm backwards, his fist glowing with energy, and smashed Herdier’s flank with a devastating Brick Break.

  The attack sent Herdier tumbling to the ground in a heap of dust. He tried to rise, but his legs wobbled and gave out.

  “I’m calling it there! Elekid is the winner!” Bianca declared, hand raised.

  Elekid walked over to Herdier and offered a hand to help him up. Herdier gave a small bark of appreciation and licked Elekid’s face. Elekid recoiled instantly, wiping the slobber off with a look of utter disgust.

  Cheren laughed. “Alright Herdier, that’s enough.”

  Herdier wagged his tail. Cheren returned him to his ball.

  “I gotta say, Elekid. I’m impressed with your strength,” Cheren complimented. He bent down to inspect the victor. “You were focused, calm, and knew exactly what to do.”

  Elekid reluctantly grinned at the compliment, trying, and failing, to keep his tough persona intact.

  “Yeah,” Nate said, rubbing the back of his head. “Elekid wouldn’t listen to a word I said. If I tried to force him, we would’ve lost. So, I just cheered him on.”

  “Precisely,” Cheren said, standing up. “And that’s what I find fascinating. Most Trainers would have doubled down, shouting louder to assert dominance. You recognized that Elekid is his own Trainer. You adapted to his needs rather than forcing him to adapt to yours.”

  “All Elekid wanted was an audience!” Bianca added gleefully. “You did a great job being his hype-man, Nate!”

  “I guess I just wanted him to know I had his back,” Nate replied.

  “And it worked,” Cheren said. “Herdier was overwhelmed not just by Elekid’s power, but by his confidence. You boosted his morale, which in turn boosted his performance. It’s a rare instinct.”

  Nate smiled, feeling a flush of pride. “Thanks, Cheren.”

  He turned to the Pokémon. “You were awesome, Elekid! You really showed us how strong you are.”

  Elekid looked at Nate, his eyes narrowing. The playful grin from earlier vanished, replaced by a sharp, calculating intensity. He took a step toward Nate. Then another.

  “Uh, Elekid?” Nate took a half-step back.

  Elekid stopped a few feet away. He raised a muscular arm and pointed a single, clawed finger directly at Nate’s chest. Sparks began to pop rhythmically from his horns, increasing in tempo until they formed a low, buzzing drone. He stomped his foot, settling into a combat stance. But this time, he wasn't facing an opponent across the field. He was facing Nate.

  “What’s going on?” Bianca asked, stepping behind Cheren.

  Elekid barked something sharp, then slammed his fists together. A burst of static electricity sparked from the impact.

  Cheren watched the interaction closely, his eyes widening. “Nate, look at his stance. He’s issuing you a challenge.”

  Nate blinked. “A challenge? To me?”

  “It seems that way,” Cheren continued. “He knows you respected him enough to let him fight his own way. Now, he wants to know if you are strong enough to actually lead him. He won’t respect a Trainer he can beat.”

  Elekid flexed both arms, plugs sparking violently.

  “Elekid trusts you, Nate. He’s looking for a Trainer to make him stronger,” Riolu projected.

  Nate looked at Riolu, who nodded solemn affirmation. “Let’s show Elekid our strength,” Riolu added.

  Nate looked back at Elekid. The Pokémon was vibrating with energy, waiting for an answer. This wasn’t a misunderstanding like in the lab, and it wasn’t a playful spar. This was an interview.

  “Alright, Elekid. You want to see if we’re tough enough?” Nate locked his eyes with the wild Pokémon. “Then we’ll show you!”

  Riolu stepped in front of Nate, fists raised, ready to strike.

  Elekid grinned. Without hesitation, he spun his arms, intensifying the sparks on his head.

  “Riolu, Quick Attack!” Nate shouted.

  Riolu vanished with incredible speed. Elekid was ready, though. He anticipated the attack, thrusting a blind Thunder Punch into the air.

  Riolu clashed with Elekid’s fist. Both Pokémon leaned into the deadlock, evenly matched in power.

  “Strike with Force Palm!”

  Riolu broke the stalemate, slipping past the guard to deliver a palm strike to Elekid’s side. The attack knocked Elekid off balance, sending him skidding across the dirt.

  “Don’t let up! Metal Claw!”

  Riolu’s claws hardened into steel blades as he chased the sliding Pokémon. Elekid recovered with a feral snarl, planting his feet and unleashing a Discharge. A ring of electricity expanded outward, rippling through the dirt.

  “Block it!”

  Riolu crossed his arms. The electricity slammed into him, pushing him back, singeing his fur. Riolu gritted his teeth, sliding backward, but he held his ground.

  This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.

  “He’s strong,” Riolu projected, wincing.

  “So are we,” Nate shot back. “Elekid is fast, but he telegraphs his punches. Watch his shoulders. When he winds up, use Counter!”

  Elekid charged, fists glowing with the concentrated energy of a Thunder Punch. He leaped, winding up a massive overhead strike.

  “Now, Riolu!”

  Riolu stood perfectly still, waiting for the last fraction of a second. As the electric fist came down, Riolu stepped into the attack, absorbing the grazing blow on his shoulder and channeling the kinetic energy back. He drove his fist into Elekid’s chest with double the force.

  Elekid flew backward, tumbling end over end before crashing into the dirt. He lay there for a moment, chest heaving, sparks sputtering weakly from his plugs.

  The arena was silent. Bianca had her hands over her mouth. Cheren was nodding in approval.

  Slowly, Elekid pushed himself up. He wiped a smudge of dirt from his face and looked at Nate. He didn't look angry. He looked impressed. He let out a breathless, static-filled laugh and sat down, legs splayed out, signaling he was done.

  “He accepts,” Riolu said, relaxing his stance. “He says you have… guts.”

  Nate let out a long breath. He walked over to the exhausted Pokémon, pulling an empty Poké Ball from his bag. He knelt down, just as he had in the lab, but this time he didn’t need to remove a mask. Elekid saw him.

  “You’re a tough fighter, Elekid. I’d be honored to have you on the team.”

  Elekid grinned, reached out a fist, and bumped it against the white button of the ball.

  Click.

  The red beam engulfed him. The ball shook in Nate’s hand until finally it settled, signaling a successful capture.

  “Incredible,” Cheren said, walking over. “I’ve never seen a capture quite like that. You earned his respect in battle, not by weakening him, but by matching his spirit.”

  “I couldn’t have done it without Riolu,” Nate said, looking down at his partner. Riolu gave a nod, though he was nursing his singed shoulder.

  “Well,” Bianca beamed, clapping her hands. “I think that concludes our morning activities! We have a new team member!”

  Nate looked at the ball in his hand, feeling the faint warmth of the Pokémon inside. He thought about the Deerling surgery, and the heaviness of the morning. But here, in the sun-drenched pasture, holding the proof of a new bond, he felt that same feeling Riolu had described earlier.

  Admiration. Trust. Strength.

  “Yeah,” Nate smiled. “We sure do.”

  The team watched over the Pokémon in the pasture. For the most part, the recovered Electric-types played in the sun, enjoying the fresh breeze that contrasted with the stale, recycled air of the Observation Room.

  “He’s got form, I’ll give him that,” Hugh admitted, crossing his arms with a grin. “He fights like a kickboxer.”

  In the center of the pasture, Elekid was putting on a show. He spun on his heel, delivering a rapid-fire sequence of jabs into the air, each punch punctuated by a sharp snap of static. Tepig watched with wide, admiring eyes, while Scraggy tried to mimic the movements, hitching up his loose skin-pants and tripping over his own feet.

  “Watch him closely, Scraggy. Maybe you might learn a thing or two,” Hilbert said gleefully, helping Scraggy up with one arm.

  Scraggy stood beside Elekid, breathing slowly, concentrating on performing his next stunt. Elekid wound an arm back with an open fist, glowing with white light, and made a single vertical slash. A wave of force parted the grass as it traveled.

  “Woah, that was intense,” Nate complimented. Oshawott, who was next to Nate, cheered in agreement, admiring his new teammate's skill.

  “That was Brick Break,” Cheren said. “A pretty powerful move.”

  Scraggy looked to Cheren, then to Hilbert.

  “Go on, Scraggy, give Brick Break a shot. Just like Elekid,” Hilbert encouraged.

  Scraggy pulled his skin to his chin, taking a large breath in. He dropped the flaps, letting out a large exhale, and slashed at the air in the same manner as Elekid. There was no burst of force, only a slight breeze and a disappointed Pokémon.

  “Keep practicing, Scraggy. You’ll get Brick Break down!” Hilbert reached up and patted the abdomen of the Joltik that happily clung to the top of his hat like a fuzzy beanie.

  Elekid tapped Scraggy on the back, getting his attention. He grunted and mimicked the motion slowly, explaining the technique as he worked. Scraggy nodded and attempted the move again. The two Pokémon kept rehearsing, Scraggy’s form sharpening after every attempt.

  “I’m surprised Elekid is so eager to teach Scraggy. Before, he barely even wanted to talk to us,” Hilbert commented.

  “He’s just showing off,” Nate replied with a laugh. “He probably respects Scraggy’s fighting spirit and wants to encourage it.”

  He felt a swell of pride watching his new partner. Elekid wasn’t just strong; he was charismatic. The tension of yesterday, the Aggron attack, the Deerling, the pain in Nate’s side, all felt miles away. Here, surrounded by his friends and his Pokémon, the world felt bright again.

  Several hours passed. The sun climbed high, the summer air turning hot and humid. The team planted umbrellas in the dirt to provide shade for the Joltik.

  Oshawott stood opposite Scraggy, gripping his scalchop tightly. Scraggy stared down Oshawott, breathing slow breaths and focusing his energy.

  “Now, Scraggy, Brick Break!” Hilbert cried.

  Scraggy unleashed his concentration. His hand glowed with pure white light as he bore down on Oshawott’s scalchop. Oshawott braced his body, planting one foot backward and raising the shell to block.

  The hand met the shell with incredible force, sending Oshawott sliding backward in the dirt, leaving a trail where his feet dug in.

  “Nice work, Scraggy! You nailed Brick Break!” Hilbert cheered, the Joltik on his head clicking its mandibles in amusement. Scraggy looked back at his Trainer with a wide, toothy grin.

  “How’s the scalchop?” Nate asked Oshawott.

  Oshawott inspected the shell. It was pristine, without a mark or blemish. Oshawott cheered happily and placed the shell right back on his belly.

  “You’ve done such a great job taking care of that,” Nate smiled, ruffling the fur on Oshawott’s head. “Okay, Hilbert. You ready for us?” Nate shouted.

  “Let’s see what you got!” Hilbert shouted in reply.

  “Kay, Oshawott, Water Pulse!”

  Oshawott huffed and spat water with force. The jet of water was straight, unlike the pulsating beam of a true Water Pulse. It hit Scraggy, though the Pokémon was prepared, crossing his arms to tank the hit.

  “Still just Water Gun,” Hugh commented from the side. “It wasn’t like what we saw with Psyduck.”

  “You’re right. Oshawott just isn’t quite there yet,” Nate sighed.

  Oshawott turned to Nate with a look of disappointment, his ears drooping.

  “It’s alright, Oshawott,” Nate comforted. “We’ll just need a little more practice.”

  Tepig raced up to Oshawott and squeaked oinks of encouragement. Oshawott blushed, putting a hand behind his head.

  “I don’t get it,” Bianca said, sitting on the fence that surrounded the pasture. “If Oshawott could do Water Pulse before, why is he struggling now?”

  “It happened when Oshawott’s and Psyduck’s Water Guns combined. It created a pulsating effect when it struck Aggron,” Nate explained.

  “Also, it caused Aggron confusion, too,” Hugh added. “Consistent with Water Pulse’s secondary effect.”

  “Hmmm,” Cheren hummed in his throat. “Water Pulse consists of short, pressure waves of water, whereas Water Gun is a steady stream. It is likely when Oshawott and Psyduck fired their Water Guns together, they spiraled the streams around each other, creating a vibrating shockwave, effectively becoming Water Pulse.”

  Cheren stepped up to Oshawott and crouched down. “Try firing water in rapid, oscillating bursts, instead of forcing a straight beam.”

  Oshawott stared at Cheren with an intrigued look, then turned to Nate for guidance.

  “Let’s give it one more shot, Oshawott,” Nate encouraged. “Focus on the action, rather than the power.”

  Oshawott gave a stern nod and faced Scraggy again. He breathed in and exhaled in one short breath, relaxing his shoulders.

  “Scraggy, get ready for one more,” Hilbert instructed. Scraggy positioned his arms to brace.

  Nate breathed in. “Oshawott, Water Pulse!”

  Oshawott huffed and puckered his mouth. Instead of a jet, bursts of water shot out in the shapes of jagged rings. Some made it to Scraggy; others collapsed and splashed on the ground.

  “Faster! Push with your gut!” Nate shouted.

  Oshawott refocused, grunting as each ring forced its way out. After a couple of misfires, the rings steadied and picked up velocity. Scraggy tried diligently to keep the pulses from knocking him down, but the attack intensified into a full-fledged Water Pulse.

  “That’s it Oshawott! You did it!” Nate cheered.

  Oshawott ceased the attack, letting Scraggy recover from the barrage. After shaking off the water, Scraggy smiled and gave Oshawott a thumbs-up.

  “Thanks, Cheren,” Nate said.

  “Don’t mention it. It was you who pushed Oshawott. I just… gave him advice. That’s all,” Cheren said coolly.

  Nate looked at his Pokémon. Scraggy and Tepig were congratulating Oshawott while Elekid stood to the side, arms crossed but nodding with approval. Riolu sat next to Bianca on the fence, eyes closed, content. Nate smiled, feeling proud of his team and his Pokémon.

  I’m finally learning what it takes to be a Trainer.

  The crunch of gravel announced the arrival of a car.

  Hilda’s sedan pulled up the main driveway of the lab. The engine cut out, and for a long moment, no one moved. When the doors finally opened, the change in atmosphere was instant. The cheerful energy of the pasture seemed to hit a brick wall.

  Hilda stepped out first, her shoulders slumped. Rosa followed, closing her door with a soft click. They walked toward the group with straight, unreadable faces.

  “Hey,” Hugh called out. “You guys make it back okay?”

  “Yeah,” Hilda said, stopping at the gate. She forced a smile, but it didn't reach her eyes. “We made it.”

  “Hilda!” Bianca slid off the fence. She rushed to Hilda’s side and embraced her in a big hug, rocking her back and forth. Hilda rested her chin on Bianca’s shoulder, looking exhausted.

  “How is Deerling?” Bianca asked, releasing her. “Did the surgery go well?”

  The whole team gathered around, including the Pokémon. Elekid slowly walked over but remained behind Nate, observing rather than engaging.

  “She’s alive,” Hilda said, her voice steady. “Rosa’s mom managed to remove the bullet. She said the surgery went as well as it could have.”

  “That’s fantastic news!” Cheren said, letting out a breath of relief.

  “But the flower will most likely die,” Rosa said, cutting through the celebration. “The connection to her nervous system was destroyed. She’ll never change forms again. And she won’t be able to survive in the wild.”

  A somber silence fell over the group. Even Hilbert, usually the first to crack a joke, stayed quiet, watching Hilda with intense concern.

  “So… what happens to her?” Hugh asked gently.

  “She’s going to the Season Research Lab once she recovers, just like we planned,” Hilda said, staring at the dust on her boots. “They have the facilities to keep her alive. I probably… I probably won’t see her again.”

  “Oh, Hilda,” Bianca whispered, reaching out to squeeze her hand.

  “It’s okay,” Hilda said. She looked up, her expression firm. “She’s safe. That’s all that matters. She’s alive, and no one is going to hurt her again.”

  Nate watched her. He could see she was trying so hard to hide behind a stoic mask. He wanted to say something, but the moment felt too fragile to interrupt.

  “Hey, you got Deerling there safely,” Hilbert said, stepping up. “You did all you could.”

  Hilda glared at him.

  “You,” she said forcefully.

  “Me?” Hilbert pointed at himself.

  Hilda opened the gate and marched toward him. “Which arm is it?”

  “Huh?”

  “Your arm that Rosa patched up. Which one?”

  “Uhh, this one,” Hilbert said, pointing to his left elbow.

  “Kay.” She smacked him hard on the right shoulder.

  “Ow! Hey—”

  She cut him off by wrapping her arms around him, carefully weaving underneath his left elbow to avoid disturbing it. Hilbert used his good arm to hold her in place, looking around at everyone with a confused expression.

  “Thank you for protecting me, but never hide your pain from me again, okay?” Hilda whispered, so quietly that only Nate, standing nearby, could hear. She sniffled as she spoke. “Promise, or die.”

  “Yeah, yeah I won’t,” Hilbert replied softly into her hair. “Promise, or die.”

  So, that’s what ‘Promise, or die’ really means.

  They let go of each other, Hilda wiping her cheek with the back of her hand. “I see you’ve found your friend,” she said between sniffles.

  The Joltik resting on Hilbert’s head cooed softly.

  “Oh yeah,” Hilbert chuckled, shifting the mood. “It’s been on my head the whole day. I almost forgot about it.”

  He reached up, gently scooped the Joltik off his head, and placed it on his shoulder, its fur zapping his cheek.

  “That’s so cute, Hilbert,” Bianca said. “I wish I had my own electric cuddle buddy.”

  “That’s right!” Hilda perked up, her voice returning to normal volume. “Where’s Emolga?”

  “They’re up in the oak tree where they like to play,” Cheren said, pointing.

  “C’mon, Hilda, I’ll take you to them!” Bianca offered.

  “Perfect. I need something cute to hug,” Hilda said, walking off with Bianca.

  “What? Am I not cute enough for you?” Hilbert called, catching up to her.

  “Shut up, Bert.”

  The remaining team watched as the trio coaxed the Emolga out of the oak tree. One Emolga dove directly out of the branches, gliding weightlessly into Hilda’s arms.

  “Glad she’s able to catch a break,” Rosa commented.

  “She has been through a lot,” Cheren agreed.

  Rosa stood silently beside Cheren. She looked exhausted, her eyes scanning the group until they landed on Nate. He was just about to turn his head before realizing she wasn’t actually looking at him, but rather the Pokémon standing behind him.

  “Elekid?” She said with a slight frown.

  Elekid stood silently, watching Rosa from a distance, his expression unreadable.

  “Oh, right,” Cheren said. “Elekid is fully recovered.”

  “And that’s not all. Elekid is Nate’s Pokémon now,” Hugh added with a grin.

  “You caught him?” Rosa asked, facing Nate.

  “I did,” he said plainly.

  “Wow. That's… great. Good job.”

  Her comment was the right thing to say, but her tone was off. It was brittle, like dry leaves. Nate couldn’t help but feel like he had slighted her somehow.

  Rosa quickly turned away, leaving Nate to simmer in the interaction. “How’s Blitzle doing?” She asked Cheren.

  “Blitzle is still in the Observation Room. Ms. Gabby is making sure its recovery is smooth,” he replied.

  “I’m going inside to check on her. See if she needs any help.” Rosa darted past Nate and Hugh without so much as glancing at either of them. Hugh turned to Nate with one raised eyebrow, which Nate returned with a confused shrug.

  A critter brushed past Nate’s feet, leaving a trail of disturbed grass. Nate stumbled, seeing Oshawott chasing after Rosa. He let out a happy cry and waddled after her as fast as his little legs could carry him.

  “Oshawott! Wait!” Nate called out, jogging after him.

  Rosa stopped and turned at the commotion. Before she could react, Oshawott was tapping on her leg.

  Rosa blinked, her tired expression turning into compassionate curiosity. “Hmm? What’s the matter, Oshawott?”

  Oshawott pointed at her bag and barked several pleas.

  “Oh. You want to see Snivy?”

  Oshawott nodded vigorously. A large smile formed across his tiny whiskers.

  Rosa sighed a small, genuine smile. “Alright. Come on out, Snivy.”

  Snivy appeared with a haughty flip of her head. Upon seeing Oshawott, however, her composure broke. The two Pokémon embraced in a high-five that turned into a game of tag. They darted away from the group, heading toward the edge of the Tynamo pond.

  “Hey! Don’t go too far!” Nate shouted, running after them.

  “Careful of the Tynamo, Snivy!” Rosa exclaimed, following close behind.

  Nate and Rosa supervised the two friends playing around the muddy banks, making sure they didn’t disturb the Tynamo swimming in the clear water.

  They stood silently for several minutes. Nate focused his attention on Oshawott and Snivy, trying to pretend Rosa wasn’t there standing next to him.

  “Hey,” Nate said, breaking the awkward silence. “You can go see Blitzle with Ms. Gabby. I’ll stay here with them.”

  Rosa shook her head. “No, it’s fine. I haven’t been with Snivy all day.”

  She walked up to the water’s edge and peered in. A Tynamo swam up to them, making small static noises like a radio trying to find a signal.

  “You see the yellow waves on its body?” She pointed to the Tynamo for Snivy and Oshawott to look at. “That shows us Tynamo’s internal electricity. Looks to me like it's pretty healthy!”

  Snivy and Oshawott cheered gleefully. Rosa giggled at the reaction, petting both of them on the head. Her laughter was light and musical, making Nate’s heart skip a beat. He felt weightless on his feet and his gut turned.

  “That’s pretty cool,” he forced himself to say. “Where’d you learn that?”

  Rosa looked up at him and stood. “Professor Juniper told me when we were checking their voltages yesterday.”

  “Oh. Cool,” Nate replied with a stiff smile. He shoved his hands in his pockets, his mind racing.

  Say something. Don’t look stupid.

  “So,” Nate started, wincing internally at how loud his voice sounded. “Your mom. She sounds… incredible. Saving Deerling like that.”

  Rosa kicked a pebble in the grass. “Yeah. She is. She’s the best in the region for a reason.”

  Nate held his breath. Clearly, there was more to Rosa’s relationship with her mom than she was willing to talk about.

  And now you look stupid.

  Snivy and Oshawott moved to the other side of the pond to get a better view. They pointed and cheered at the electric waves dancing on the Tynamo bodies.

  At least they’re having fun.

  “How’d you manage to catch Elekid?” Rosa asked suddenly, her voice sounding as awkward as his own.

  “Elekid challenged me to battle him,” Nate explained.

  “He challenged you?” She asked, her tone shifting with curious intrigue.

  “He did. Cheren said Elekid wouldn’t respect a Trainer that he could beat. So I battled him with Riolu.”

  He looked back over his shoulder. Hugh and Cheren were chasing the Klinks and Klangs with Herdier, Tepig, Elekid, and Riolu. They darted around the pasture, laughing as they played.

  “And you won,” Rosa finished for him. “That’s pretty impressive, Nate.”

  “Thanks,” Nate replied. His ears went hot.

  “All I got for ‘battling’ Elekid was a nasty bruise on my head. That’s now two wins you have over me,” Rosa said with an intense stare.

  “No! W-what do you mean? You’re the one who looked after him yesterday!” Nate said quickly in defense.

  Rosa broke her stare and started laughing. “I’m kidding, Nate. I’m not upset at you.”

  “Oh,” Nate sighed in relief, forcing a laugh alongside hers.

  Now you REALLY look stupid.

  “I’m happy for you. And honestly, I think Elekid made the right choice picking you.”

  “You think so?”

  Rosa nodded. “You have that same intensity as Elekid. And when you battle, you seem… like you’re in your element.”

  She looked at Nate, her gaze direct and appraising. “He needed someone who could match his energy. I think… I think you’re a good fit for him.”

  Nate felt his chest swell. Coming from Rosa, who he was convinced thought he was an idiot, that meant a lot.

  “Thanks, Rosa. That… means a lot.”

  “Don’t let it go to your head, though,” she teased gently. “Snivy could still take him.”

  “Oh, is that a challenge?” Nate retorted, smiling, the first smile that came to him naturally.

  “Maybe later.” She gestured to the two Pokémon, who were now directly in the pond splashing water at each other.

  “Hey! Oshawott! Be careful!” Nate shouted to his otter Pokémon, moving closer to the edge.

  Rosa giggled the same musical laugh as before. He looked back at her with a smile, shaking his head at their Pokémon’s behavior. The silence between them returned, but the heavy, awkward tension from before had dissipated, replaced by something lighter. A mutual respect.