(Music John type plays: https://youtu.be/TTSLZmxuJbk)
Waking up I was surprised that only Ruby was still sleeping with me. Looking past the fluff ball on my chest I could see Opal and Sapphire watching the tv.
Opal was staring wide eyed at a show about clothes models. I could tell that Sapphire didn't get why Opal liked it so much. She just seemed to nod along.
I cupped Ruby's head in my hands gently scratching her jaw line. "Wake up Rubes." I say enjoying her soft fur. she made a soft growl from having been woken up. When she felt my fingers the growl fell to almost a purr.
"Morning you three." I called out gently moving Ruby off my chest. Once she was on the bed she curled up and placed her tail over her face. Before I could say anything Opal stormed into my mind.
[We all know that she is cute.] She and Sapphire looked back at me patting the spot next to them. [Come watch the show.]
I rolled my eyes and sat between them. When I settled in they laid their heads in my lap. "Come on girls is this what you really wanted?"
They both giggled, turning to watch the show while still laying down. I placed my hands on their heads and started to rub. We sat like that until a Model came in wearing a slim dress with a single thigh high slit for the legs. Opal saw this and was enamored.
[I wish Gardevoirs could look like that. It is beautiful.]
"I didn't know you liked fashion."
[your mom liked to take pictures of Sapphire and I in hats and other accessories.]
"Wish I could have seen those pictures."
[So that you can dawn over how cute I am. You already do it enough.] The show was over now so she jumped from the bed. [Let's get ready to go. I want to see what the training grounds have to offer.]
"Sounds like a plan. How about it Sapphire?" John stood up and went to his pack.
*Riolu!* She cried happily. I stretched out my hand to scratch her head. "That's my little fighter."
I pulled my training clothes out as well as the shin and arm guards. I also grabbed the speaker and media player. I changed into the shorts and white tee shirt and brushed my teeth as well as the girls.
After that we went outside, locking the room behind us. I asked them if they wanted to be in their Pokéballs until I got to a Pokémon friendly cafe. They all agreed.
I walked into the Pokémon center and walked over to the Helperland guild receptionist. The man greeted me.
"Are you here to make a request, apply, or take a request?" He asked.
"None right now." I take out my trainer card. "I just need to know if there are any Pokémon friendly cafes in town."
The man ran the card and smiled. "Thank you, there are quite a few in town. Seeing the typing of you Pokémon I would recommend the Ironwood Cafe. It is on the same street as the training center." The man typed for a moment and printed out a small map. He circled two spots before handing it to me.
"The one with the arrow is this Pokémon center. There are three in town. The other is the cafe."
I took the map and thanked him. "No, thank you. You have a good record in the guild. I hope you can do some work here."
"Don't worry I will. Have a good day." I turned and left making my way to the cafe. The town had grown since Professor Birch and her husband's time as trainers.
Due to the fact that many trainers start at the lab Oldale became a good spot to teach them how to teach them. The league built a trading ground that doubles as a school. There have been talks to install a normal type gym leader. That is being contested due to the normal type gym being in the next town over. They would not only have to move it but replace the current normal type gym leader Norman.So for now those plans have been halted.
I made my way quickly to the cafe. The sidewalks around the training ground were packed with young trainers. Their ages ranged from just starting to older trainers taking a break.
I found the cafe quickly. They had tables with umbrellas outside. I walked in and greeted the hostess. "Hello I heard that you were a Pokémon friendly cafe."
The lady smiled. "Yes we are. Though we still need to know what Pokémon you have."
"Let me guess someone didn't think and released an Onix inside." I said jokingly.
"Close, it was a Milotic. Poor thing was so embarrassed." The woman shook her head.
"That poor mon. Well I have three Pokémon. They are a Ralts, Riolu, and a Zorua."
"Interesting team. The wait will be a few minutes. Can I get a name?"
"John."
"Thank you, we will have the table and recommended menus waiting."
"I'm sorry, recommended menus?"
She reached down and handed me a menu. It had Steel type in small font under the cafe's name. "We have five menus. One for humans, a generic one for Pokémon, and three type specific that tie into our name. The menus are for steel, fairy, and psychic."
"Psychic seems a bit off for Ironwood." I told her glancing at the menu.
"The owner has a psychic type and knows how hard it is to care for them."
"Good on them." I hand the menu back and go wait outside. Outside the people were eating with their Pokémon. Some had their phones out and were showing them videos. I smiled seeing so many new trainers caring about their Pokémon.
What impressed me most was that there were a couple tables that had only trainer or Pokémon. I was watching a Gardevoir lecture a Abra when I was called.
I followed the hostess to the table and released the girls. They were happy to finally get some food. Opal quickly jumped onto my lap when I sat down. Sapphire took a chair while Ruby stayed on the floor. She looked a bit sad so Opal moved to the other chair.
Ruby yipped happily and took Opal's place on my lap. I started running my fingers through her soft tail. "Maybe after you evolve." I tell her. She yips again. Opal started looking at the menu.
"So let's see what they got for you girls."
I placed the menus in front of me. "Oh they'll have quite a selection. Sapphire they have an enriched veal sandwich with cheese, bacon and a peanut purée."
She nodded then pointed at the menu. "Yes you can have the smoothie too. Now for Opal-"
[I would like the lotus matcha iced tea with the salmon salad with spicy ginger dressing.] She told me, sliding the menu over.
"That just leaves me and you." I said to Ruby ruffling the fur on her neck. She let out a happy yelp. I kept scratching the back of her neck with one hand while I turned my attention to the menus.
"The generic menu is mainly vegetarian. Mushroom veggie soufflé, green salad with acorn slices and mint flavored oil, and a berry tart with citric topping. Not much there wore our dear Ruby."
[Maybe they have a breakfast quiche?] Opal offered.
I pulled the human menu over. It had small meals for breakfast. I couldn't find a quiche that Ruby liked. She was leaning toward the soufflé. When the waiter came over I asked him if we could have the Soufflé as a quiche with sausage. I pointed at Ruby to explain why.
"Of course sir. The meat dishes for the generic menu didn't sell well. So we took them off. For convenience we do take special orders as long as it is only additions or substitutions." The waiter explained. He took the other orders. For drinks I got water, as did Ruby. Sapphire had her smoothie and Opal got her lotus iced tea she wanted.
I noticed people looking at us as we went over our exercise plan. Most of them were staring at Opal. She was a bit uncomfortable at all the attention. I pulled out my media player and moved her closer.
"How about you pick the playlist for today." I placed the media player down in front of her. Opal picked it up and began going through the songs.
A few minutes later our food arrived.I helped Ruby eat her meal. I didn't like having her eat on the ground while everyone else is at the table. It felt degrading.
Opal's portion was the smallest out of the rest. She had a smile as she ate.
"Is it good?" I asked while wiping Ruby's mouth. Sapphire turned the sandwich almost done. [Tasty!] She then went for another bite. Her tail wagged quickly.
[The salad is good too. The dressing is just spicy enough.] Opal commented as she too took another bite.
As we were finishing up a trainer with a Gardevoir came over. The Gardevoir spoke to Opal and Sapphire while the Trainer talked to me.
"Hey, are you going to the training grounds next?" She asked.
"Yep, anything I should know before going in?"
"Just make sure you don't push them too hard. The Machamp won't be too happy." She said, looking at Opal again. I was going to ask her to stop staring when Opal yelled.
The Gardevoir stepped back from the unexpected outburst. Opal seemed to berate the Gardevoir. I turned to Sapphire and she shook her head. She pointed at the Gardevoir. [Mean.] Then she pointed at me.
"So what she said was mean to me?" I asked, to which Sapphire nodded.
I turned to the Gardevoir's trainer. "Do you know what's going on?"
She shook her head. "No, I don't. Lea what did you say?"
The Gardevoir turned to her and I assume used Telepathy. Opal was having none of the secrecy.
[Your Gardevoir thought John was abusing me!] She said making sure everyone could hear. [John is the best Trainer we could ask for! We grew up together. We are like siblings. Even thinking that is an insult to him!]
I reach over and pick her up. "Easy there, you got your point across. Sorry about that, everyone. We didn't have the best experience yesterday."
The Gardevoir looked at Opal pitifully as she cried into my chest. I rubbed the side of her head. Her tears were of frustration and pain from using her powers so suddenly.
"I'm sorry. We should go." The trainer said pulling her Gardevoir with her. The waiter came over to see if everything was ok.
I told her the food was good and paid. The entire time Opal was holding my shirt. "Do you still want to train?" I asked her. I was genuinely worried about her health. The thought of taking her to the Pokemon Center crossed my mind. Then she glowed lightly.
[I'm fine now. We can go.] she said in a neutral tone.
"Did you use Calm Mind?"
She nodded, she has been using that move to ease her headaches. With a sigh I moved Ruby off my lap so I could stand.
"Lets head back to the room. I need to change my shirt."
I carried Opal back to our room with Sapphire and Ruby following. I changed my shirt while the girls sat together in the bed. When I looked at them Sapphire was hugging Opal from behind while Ruby put her tail across Opal's lap.
"You girls ready to train?"
Ruby and Sapphire nodded. Opal seemed out of it. I kneeled at the edge of the bed.
"Opal?"
Her eyes were unfocused. Calm Mind still seemed to be in effect. Using the move to calm herself outside of combat seemed to be imperfect. It made her like a doll. I hated her using it. But on the other hand if she didn't she would be in pain. It hurt me either way.
I remove her pokeball from my thigh and hold it in front of her. "Do you want to rest?"
She looks up and places a hand on the middle button turning into red energy that retreated into the ball. "Sleep well." I said to the iridescent ball before sighing.
"Why can't you evolve?" I asked, sitting on the floor. "You have the strength and power but for some reason you're being stunted. All of that is the cause of your pain and i don't know what to do." I placed the ball against my forehead as my throat tightened and my eyes burned.
I felt Sapphire pat my head. [John, don't cry.] I smile and hold her paw. "Thanks Saph."
Ruby rubbed her tail against my cheek. "Yeah, you to Ruby."
I put Opal's pokeball away and left for the training ground.
The training grounds had a small reception area. The receptionist asked for my trainer card. "How long are you going to stay?" She asked.
"Is there a limit?" I was a bit perplexed.
The receptionist shook her head. "No official limit. We just like to know."
"About two hours."
She thanked me and let me pass. Inside trainers were giving instructions to their pokemon. Some were lifting weights and others were doing calisthenics. At the back others were having mock battles. All of this under the tutelage of veteran trainers and various pokemon.
"Machamp."
I turned and saw a rather Large Machamp walking toward me. "Hello, I was just wondering where I could exercise with my team." I released Sapphire. "Ok Saph I need you to tell me what he says." She nods.
The Machamp spoke and Sapphire translated as best she could.
[What are you doing?]
"I was looking to do some basic Conditioning training and a mock battle if they are up for it."
[Warm up then talk.]
"Yes sir." I give a salute out of habit. The Machamp points toward an area away from others and walked off. I knelt down to Sapphire. "You did a great job."
She pumped a paw into the air and made a happy sound.
We moved to our spot and I released Ruby. I told the two to start stretching. Then I set up the speaker and media player. I then let out Opal. Sadly she was still distant. I placed the media player in her lap.
"You can control the music sis." I said kissing the side of her head. It was a rare show of affection. Usually I just pat her head or poke her in the side. When she is like this I feel the need to show her more.
I thought I saw the corner of her mouth lift but it was gone before I could confirm. "Love you sis." I touched her face and went back to the others. As I was walking the music started to play. This made me smile.
Me and the girls stretched for a few minutes before we started our workout. The area we were at had a battlefield. We ran ten laps around that at varying speeds. I was building up their agility. Through it all Opal's punk rock played.
During one of the rest periods I saw Opal nudging a rock. It was a start to her recovery. As I was watching her, various trainees were staring at me. Some of the women had flushed faces.
I had taken my shirt off as I was too warm and covered in sweat. I swallowed some water and told the girls to take a break. I put my shirt back on and sat behind Opal. She was going through the music. She was coming back slowly. She turned to look at me with a big smile. "RALTS!" She hugged me, rubbing her head into my chest.
I rubbed her back with a smile. As we were sitting there an older trainer walked over.
"Everything ok over here?"
I turned and saw an older man with the Machamp from earlier.
"Yeah my Ralts here is having some recoil."
I said standing up to shake the man's hand. "My name is John Grimm. What is yours?"
"Samuel, what move did she use? Jump kick, head smash…"
"Calm mind, she was having a migraine due to using her powers. So she numbed her own pain. Though this is how she gets." I picked up Opal and placed her on my shoulder. "We don't know what's wrong. One day she was doing fine in training. And then she was hit by migraines. They trigger every time she uses her powers. We think this might be a sign that she is ready to evolve but she doesn't."
Samuel nodded. "And as her trainer your scared."
I nodded. "More than her trainer, as her brother I'm scared. We have been together since she hatched in the lab." I brushed my eyes to hide my tears. "She is family. All three of them are."
"I would suggest that you have her take it easy and get her looked at by the nurses in the Center. For now let her be." Samuel placed a hand on my free shoulder in comfort.
"Thank you." I take a deep breath to calm down. "So what brings you over here?"
"Chap here said that you were interested in a mock battle. So we have an opponent for you, if you're up for it still."
"I am. Sapphire, Ruby either of you want to have a battle?"
Ruby laid down while Sapphire started to bounce with her paw raised.
"Guess your raring to go Saph."
I follow Samuel and Chap to where a boy was waiting. He was playing with his Poochyena.
"John Grimm meet your opponent, Mark Wolf."
I shook the boy's hand.
"Isn't he a bit old. I'm only starting out." Mark said unsure about the coming battle.
"Don't worry Mark. This will be my first battle too. I just had a late start to my journey."
"Well ok then, are you and your shiny Ralts ready?"
I shook my head. "No she isn't ready to fight. Your opponent will be Sapphire here." I push Sapphire forward. She lifted her arms in a power pose.
"Lets get this battle started." Samuel said. "I will be the mediator. You two head to the trainer boxes of the battlefield."
Mark and I went to our positions. Our two pokemon went to their near the center as well.
Samuel pressed a button on a control panel near the field making a shimmering energy dome appear. "Ergo-dome set."
"Um, Samuel, what is this?" I asked seeing this for the first time.
"Why don't we have Mr. Wolf explain." Samuel said motioning to Mark.
"The Ergo-dome and Ergo watch are the latest technology from the Rados region. They managed to create a device that emits a protective barrier around either your pokemon, or in the case of a battle between trainers a dome. So long as both trainers have ergo-watches." Mark explained smugly.
"Very good Mr. Wolf. However you forgot to explain how it works. Mr. Grimm the barrier protects the pokemon inside from physical harm. The damage they suffer eats away at their energy until they are unable to battle. This does not extend to wild pokemon. Now that your curiosity is satisfied, may we get back to the task at hand."
"Of course. I just have one last question."
"You can get a basic model at a Pokemon Center or an advanced model at the Pokemarts." Samuel answered before i could ask my question.
I turned my attention back to the battlefield.
"Trainers ready! GO!" With a horn blare the battle started.
"Joker start this off with a scream!"
The poochyena, Joker, howled loudly. Sapphire covered her ears from the sound. Joker however looked ready for war.
"Saph be ready for anything and get in close!"
"Give that Riolu a toss!"
Both pokemon rushed each other. Sapphire thrust a paw forward for a quick attack. However Joker saw it coming. He ducked and clamped his jaws around her arm. With a quick motion he threw Sapphire around and let go. She flew a couple feet before she hit the ground.
"Jump to the left and give him a straight!"
Joker was already moving, his body glowing. Sapphire threw herself to the left and used rock smash. Her glowing paw connected sending out a shockwave from where she hit the Poochyena. Joker however was sent flying. Sapphire got back on her feet in time to endure another hit.
"Counter him!" I yelled.
Sapphire grabbed him by the scruff. With her other paw she hit him with a windmilled hammer fist with all her strength. Dust filled the air from the impact.
Mark yelled his Pokémon's name. Then in a flash Sapphire was sent flying. She slammed into the dome before falling to the ground.
"Saph!"
She struggled to get up. "You don't have to keep fighting. This is only our first battle." I said. She looked at me with fire in her eyes.
Once in her feet she let out a loud howl. Her body started to shimmer with multi colored light. Then she stopped and fell over, fainted.
"Riolu is unable to battle, the winner is Mark Wolf."
Mark celebrated with his Poochyena. I walked over to Sapphire. She was passed out on the ground. I knelt down to pick her up. Opal placed her hand on my head for balance. Ruby was watching Sapphire with sad eyes. "You did a good job. Rest up." I grabbed her ball and tapped her with it. In a flash she was returned to the ball.
I walked over to Mark and held out my hand. "That was fun."
He took my hand. "Yeah it was, rematch tomorrow?"
I shook my head. "Afraid i can't. I need to take a couple guild request to recoup my cash. After that I'm leaving town for Petelburg."
"Oh well. Hope your requests go well." Mark then turned to Joker. I walked over to Samuel to thank him. We shook hands and recommended i get the girls a proper check up. I said I would and left the training ground.
I placed Ruby in her pokeball and walked while holding Opal. I changed the music playing from the speaker that i clipped to my waist band.
It was a lighter tone of Oldies, slow and peaceful. I hummed along with it while rocking side to side in almost a dance. Opal smiled like she did when she was newly hatched. Full of innocence, blind to the world. In a way it broke my heart.
Once at the Pokemon Center I waited in line with the music as low as it could go. I was still bouncing side to side and Opal was happy. People around us thought she was adorable, I would smile. Once i got to the counter I asked if the Gardevoir Midnight was on duty. Luckily she was.
[Hello again sir.]
"Hello, i need your help." I set Opal on the counter. "I need a full exam done on my team." We watched as Opal acted like a baby.
[What happened?] Midnight asked holding Opal's hands to play. I told her about a theory I had. That they are stunted and have hit a barrier where their bodies are stronger than they can handle.
"It scares me. Seeing them try their best only to end in pain for their efforts." I leaned on the counter. Opal having fallen asleep. I rubbed her head gently.
[How long has this been going on?]
"For Opal, about four months. We toned down the training to lessen the use of her powers. That was only after we found out it was tied to her use of them. As for Sapphire, she had her possible first episode today. I'm so scared." I had to wipe my eyes as they burned. My heart feeling like it was in a vice.
Midnight placed a hand on my shoulder. [You've reaffirmed what I said when we met. Your a good trainer. Others would have just left them on the side of the road. Possibly to die. But you came here. Thank you. I will take them to be examined.]
I returned Opal to her ball. I touched it to my forehead. "Please be ok sis. I wont be able to face Jenna if anything happens." I kissed the ball and handed it over with the others.
Midnight watched me kiss Opal's ball with a sad smile. [She will be fine. Please try to calm down.]
I thanked her and walked over to the waiting area. I took a seat and held my head in my hands taking deep breaths to slow my heart. I could hear as trainers came and went. I managed to calm myself and started playing music for myself. I also started going through the pictures in the media player.
All out times of being together were on there. I pulled up the picture Professor Birch took when Opal just hatched. She was clinging to Jenna with one hand while i held the other high with excitement.
I smiled bitterly. I leaned back in the chair just letting the music play. I relaxed enough to fall asleep.
I woke when I felt someone touch me. Looking around I saw Midnight with her hand on my shoulder. [Your team is ready.] she said before walking back to the counter. I rubbed the sleep from my face before rushing to the counter.
"Did you find anything?" I asked with worry in my voice.
Midnight's face fell. [Upon full examination we sadly confirmed your suspicions.] i felt my world shatter. [Due to the excessive training their bodies haven't had time to adapt. This has stunted not only their growth but their evolution.] She placed a hand over mine when she saw the shock on my face. [However it is temporary. Once they evolve. After that it should be smooth sailing. Until then they are going to have to take medication.] she pulled out four bottles filled with pills.
She then went through what the pills do and the dosages. [this fourth bottle is pain meds designed for Pokemon. It should stop your Ral- It should stop Opal from using the Calm mind move to ease her migraines.] she bagged the medications and slid them and the pokeballs to me.
"Thank you for this." I took the balls and the meds. "Do I need to pay for the meds? And where do i get more if I need them?"
[the prescription is on a file attached to your trainer card for every Pokemon Center in the world. You also don't need to pay. Have a good night.] she waved goodbye before leaving the counter.
I walked back to the room and fell into the bed. I didn't release the girls, I was just too tired. I took off the speaker and thigh holder. The media player went on the bedside table. I curled up on the bed hugging the pokeballs before drifting off to sleep. I could still feel a cold hand gripping my heart. The girls lives are going to change so much.