Waking up the next morning was no walk in the park. I would have to explain why I didn't let them out, why they have to take pills. I groaned just thinking about it.
I got up and got ready for the day. After I dressed I just kept staring at the pill bottles and the girl's pokeballs. "Well the more I wait the worse it will be."
I grab the balls and release the girls. [John did you forget we were in the pokeballs? We- why are you sad?] Opal had to stop her smug tirade at me when she sensed my mood.
I sat in the chair with a sigh. "Girls we need to talk." I explained everything that happened. We already knew about Opal's problem. Sapphire fainting from boosting her abilities was a new one for them.
[I lost because of me?] Sapphire asked, saddened by her loss.
"No Saph we didn't lose because of you. That is where the bad news comes in. After the battle I took you to the Pokémon Center to have you all checked out. I left you in the care of the Gardevoir, Midnight. She confirmed my suspicions." I opened the bag with the medications to show them. "You girls have to start taking one of these a day. For Ruby and Sapphire your bodies can't handle the sudden blood circulation and shuts down due to the lack of oxygen it needs. For Opal it is more of a mental one. Your powers are putting too much strain on your brain. This is what is giving you migraines."
[What are the side effects?] Opal asked, cutting me off.
I couldn't look her in the face as I wrung my hands together. [John, what are the side effects?] she repeated, more firm than before.
"You guys will lose about half of your strength until you evolve." I said putting my head between my knees with my hands on the back of my head.
[WHAT!?] Opal screamed in my mind. [You know how hard we worked for that strength and you want us to throw it away? That is not fair!]
I lifted my now tear stained face to meet her gaze. "And you think I don't know? I was there with you three everyday! I couldn't do it. Seeing you in pain was hard enough. But you told me to let you tough it out. That it would go away. It hurts seeing you like that. Both in pain or being mentally gone. When I saw Sapphire faint I made a decision. I knew you would yell at me but I did it for you." I stopped to take a breath and compose myself.
"We can still do battles. We are just going to be handicapped. Opal you have two pills. One for the cause of the headaches. The other is to stop the headaches when they happen."
[What are you not telling me?]
"It will stop you from using your psychic abilities until the pill wears off." The silence was deafening. I couldn't look Opal in the eyes. She had worked the hardest and suffered the most to get that strength.
[Put me back in my ball.]
"You need t-"
[PUT ME BACK!]
I winced when she yelled. I begrudgingly picked up her ball. "I love you." I said that before returning her. I was met with silence as she turned into red energy. In an instant she was back inside. I set the ball on the bed and began to cry.
Sapphire and Ruby pat me on my arms worriedly. I told them it was ok and that they should take the pills now.
After that was all said and done I returned them to their balls and made my way to the center to grab some requests from the guild.
I looked at the board making some decisions. Most were about getting some fresh berries. I chose three of those and got them certified. Turned out the requestor for one canceled.
Before I went in search of the berries I got guild collection bags and some food. Opal was still mad at me and refused her medication. The other two ate their food in silence. After that it was a quick stop at the room for my bow and arrows.
Once ready I walked to the town limits and released Ruby. She was the most suited for the job ahead. I knelt down and rubbed her silky ears. "You ready Rubes?" She yapped and nodded. I pulled out the pictures of the berries we were looking for. "Today we have to get Pecha and Cheri berries. Think you can lead me to them?" Again she nodded.
I got my bow ready and we set off into the forest north of the town. It was fun running through the trees with Ruby. Pokemon and animals would either watch us or run away.
After an hour we found multiple berry trees but none were what we were looking for. When we found a Sitrus berry tree I grabbed one for Ruby and I. It was a welcome snack.
As we ate, a few wingull descended on the tree. They began to peck at the berries. We ate faster to leave them be. We soon came across another tree, one we were looking for.
"Good girl Ruby. Stand watch while I grab what we need." She nodded then went to listen to the surroundings. I quickly filled one of the collection bags. Inspecting the berries to make sure they were good.
After I was done we went to look for the last one. We searched for about two hours when we found it. Bad news was the Beedrill flying near it. "Shit, let's wait and see if it leaves." I told Ruby, getting into a good hiding spot.
The beedrill buzzed around the tree eating some of the berries. After a few minutes it turned toward us and flew by. I held my breath as it did so, my hand clenching my bow. I breathed a sigh of relief. Getting to work I ran to the tree with Ruby right behind me. I repeated the process I did with the last berries.
I was cinching the bag shut when Ruby started growling. I grabbed my bow nocking and arrow. That was when I heard it, loud buzzing.
"Shit! Ruby run!" I waited for her to get past me before following her. Behind us was a horde of beedrills. We ran as fast as we could. Most stayed to harvest the tree while two chased us.
I stopped and slammed my bow into one of them. "Ruby, use bite!" The one I hit went to the ground. Ruby turned and jumped on it, digging her teeth into it. I pulled my knife just as the second aimed at me with its stingers glowing. "Oh damn!" I ducked behind a tree as it was splintered by the beedrill.
I wrapped around and brought my knife down on its head, shattering the carapace. I wrenched the handle to snap the nerves in the neck, before tearing it out. The yellow bug fell to the ground with a thud. I turned my attention to Ruby. She had mangled one of her opponent's arms. It hung limp as it struggled to stay afloat.
I lifted my bow, arrow nocked. The wounded beedrill didn't see me as I released the string. The arrow tore into the area where the wings joined making it fall. Seeing it stunned, Ruby rushed forward glowing with energy as she landed a tackle to the beedrill's head. This made the head explode in a shower of green and yellow goo, ending it.
"Let's get going before the others come to see." I told her retrieving my arrow. We ran fast and hard back to town. When we got there some trainers came over. I brushed them off.
"We are fine. A Beedrill swarm showed up. Had to exterminate two of them. Going to report it. Don't let anyone head that way." I was explaining while grabbing some of the goo off of Ruby.
"You killed two beedrill?" A man asked in disbelief. I nodded still getting the bigger gobs off.
"Isn't that illegal?" Another asked, some people looking at me funny.
"Pokemon league stature 12: a trainer can defend himself and his Pokémon with deadly force if the lives of either is in imminent life threatening danger." I said not losing focus on my task. "That has been a common sense law since before the league. It even has a clause that states the ones threatened must try to retreat first before force be applied."
The people moved back, some even leaving. After I finished getting most of the gore out of Ruby's fur, I left for the guild. Walking in the receptionist was startled by my appearance.
"Are you ok?" He asked pulling a first aid kit from behind the counter. I held up my hand to stop him.
"We are fine. Make sure to stop any requests to the north for a while. A swarm of Beedrills are going to be very pissed. They almost swarmed us and two guards chased us."
"Oh my, that must have been terrifying. Good thing you managed to escape."
"Yeah about that, those two that chased us. We eliminated them." I placed the two bags of berries on the counter. "Anyway, here are the berries, can I get the reward now?"
The receptionist looked at me, jaw dropped. "You exterminated two Beedrill swarm guards with a Zorua?"
"No, I killed one too." I showed him my knife and arrow, both still covered in gore. "Before I forget I need a job I can complete on the way to Petalburg. We won't be coming back so if I can turn it in there it would be great."
Still stunned, the man shook his head. "Um.. yeah, sorry. Let me see." He started tapping at the keyboard. "There is a job to drive off a Pokémon harassing the halfway house on route 102."
"What kind?" I ask taking an interest.
The man shook his head. "It doesn't say. Will you still take it?"
"Yes please."
The man pulled out some forms. "Ok then, please take out all registered Pokémon and have them sign these forms with you."
I let out Sapphire and Opal. They both ran to Ruby to see if she was ok. I told them about the job holding the forms.
[I'm still not taking those pills.] Opal informed me while signing with her handprint.
"Opal you need to-"
[And what if it makes me too weak to help!] she looked at me with rage in her eyes. We have never had this between us.
"Then we work together." I felt saddened by her hostility. She huffed and crossed her arms. The receptionist was a little concerned.
"Sir I can't let you force them to do the request."
I shook my head. "It's not that. We are having a disagreement about something personal."
[Is that what you call it? A disagreement.]
Ignoring Opal, I thanked the man for his concern. I helped Ruby and Sapphire sign their papers. The man thanked us before filing and marking the request in progress. I took the money for the other two requests and left.
We then went to our room to clean up and get ready to leave. I walked into the Center to have Ruby checked out. She didn't want to but I told her that we need to be careful with poison types. I also told the nurse that I was extending our stay for tonight.
After all that we were back in our room. I grabbed my sweatpants and let Sapphire and Opal watch TV while I took Ruby to the bath.
We got in and worked all the Beedrill gore out of her fur. She enjoyed the attention I gave her. Once we were clean I toweled us both dry and got dressed.
Ruby excitedly jumped onto the bed with the other girls. "Alright who else wants a bath?"
Sapphire jumped down but to my surprise Opal waved me off.
[I will take one later.]
I sighed still disheartened by her attitude. "Yeah." I gave Sapphire a quick bath and got the next one ready. Opal walked in as I shut the water off.
"You know that I only want what is good for you, right?"
[I am not having this talk.]
"Fine, but it did hurt me seeing you in pain, and not yourself." I moved the soap so she could reach it. "Call if you need me." I knelt down and hugged her before leaving.
[I know.] she hugged back then went into the bath.
I watched TV with the girls. There was a Pokemon Contest on. It was the battle stage and a Ninetails was up against its Alolan counterpart. The door to the bathroom opened and Opal walked out dry as a bone, but her hair was a mess.
"Come here, let me help you." I said with a laugh. I pulled a brush out of my bag and began to straighten out her teal hair.
She watched the match absently. While I was brushing I couldn't stop my eyes from lingering on her horn. The translucent multicolored crystal seemed to call out to me. I remembered what Jenna said about it when I accidentally touched it the first time.
[The crystals that form on the Ralts line are a link to our minds and hearts. Touching it allows one to see into our true thoughts and vice versa.]
The temptation to touch Opal's horn was there. But the trust between us would be irreparable. I forced myself to ignore her horn and finished detangling her hair.
"There all done." I set the brush aside. I wrapped my arms around her out of habit. I felt her jump a bit. Before I could let go she leaned back into my chest.
We watched the end of the match then decided to go to sleep. Ruby wanted to sleep on my chest so I lay on my back. As she got under the covers Opal pressed her back against my side. It was her way of showing that she wasn't that mad at me anymore.
I placed my arm around her. Sapphire hugged my other side so I hugged her back. It was really warm under the covers, but I was happy that Opal forgave me even if only a little.
The next morning we packed up and headed for the Center. Sapphire and Ruby took their pills while Opal still refused. As I turned in the key for the room Mark showed up.
John good to see you again." He said holding out his hand. I shook it with a smile.
"Good morning Mark. Let me reintroduce you to my team. This is Ruby and Sapphire." I pointed at them and they greeted him in their own way. "Now that she is back to normal, I would like to introduce Opal."
Opal sat on my shoulder with her arms crossed and a pout on her face. [You go making new friends when I'm not here?]
I laughed while poking her side. She flailed at my hand trying to stay cool.
"Glad to see she has some spunk now." Mark laughed. He looked at Opal. "She is a gorgeous Ralts. I'm a little jealous, though still happy with Joker. Opal take good care of yourself, John was worried about you. It was sad to watch."
Opal looked at him blankly. She wasn't ready for someone else to care about her health.
Mark laughed again before looking at my wrist. "I see you didn't get an Ergo-watch yet. Ask the nurse and you should be set."
I blinked then placed my hand on my head. "Argh, I completely forgot!"
"No worries, your plate was pretty full. Any ways gotta go. Hope to see you again." With a final handshake he was out the door.
[Busy body.] Opal remarked.
"How about overly friendly." I retorted. I got back in line to ask about the Ergo-Watches.
When I asked about it they handed me one and ran through the functions.
She told me how to sync with another trainer's watch and how to shield my own pokemon for a battle with a wild one. Then how the time feature can be accessed.
It was very interesting technology. I strapped the grey watch on and showed off to Opal. She just scoffed and climbed up to my shoulder from the counter top.
I walked over to the Helper guild counter next. It didn't have a line but the receptionist was already with someone so I decided to wait. I chatted with Opal on what we could do while in Petalburg.
While we were chatting the receptionist called me over. "Mr. Grimm how are you today?"
"I'm fine. Is there anything I can turn in at Petalburg?"
The receptionist smiled and pulled out some papers. "There are a few collections but the goods won't last a week of travel. We have a delivery that needs to get to the halfway house and some things they need done their." He said handing me the paperwork.
I skimmed through them quickly. "I will take the parcel and the two jobs for the halfway house."
The man smiled. "Ok then, let me just get the paperwork."
He handed me the paperwork and handed the girls their papers to sign. "I noticed that you are also slated to investigate a problem Pokemon for them too. Are you still going to do that?"
I blinked at the man then it dawned on me. "Oh shit, I forgot I applied for that. Yes we will be doing that as well. Thank you for the reminder."
He handed me a form for that request that needs to be signed by the requestor.
"Good thing I reminded you then. That would have hurt your trust inside the guild."
[This is what happens when I'm not with you.] Opal sang in my head.
Looking at her I gave her a smug grin. She noticed and cut me off before I could start.
[I'm not going to take them. So don't even start, or else you will wake up by being dropped from a foot in the air.]
I quickly shut my mouth and filled out the forms with them.
It was quick and we got the box to take with us. After a brief farewell to Samuel at the training center we were off.We had a week of travel ahead of us. The route was well trodden with a toad for a good length of it before the footpath split off. We followed the path into the forest waving at a semi truck taking the road to Petalburg.
It was a rule that trainers taking on the league had to follow the old routes. This gave them time to train and build character.
I was holding Ruby in my arms feeding her a Pokepuff. It was a treat that was like candy or cake for pokemon. Most are type neutral, like the one she was eating. Sapphire and Opal had one as well. I was only carrying Ruby as she couldn't hold hers like the other two.
"So who wants to walk today?" I asked them once they were finished. I put Ruby on the ground and pulled out the muffin I bought for myself.
Ruby yawned and pressed her head into my leg. "You still sleepy Rubes?" I know her species is nocturnal. So her being sleepy even though she sleeps at night is not that abnormal.
I returned her to her ball. Looking at it i got curious. "I have read that Pokéballs imitate the ideal environment of the captured mon. Is that true?" It was something always touted on advertisements when a new ball type was announced. As if somehow the illusion was better in some.
Opal and Sapphire looked at each other before answering.
[It is an ideal environment. For me it looks like the room I hatched in. Very calming and good to relax. Sapphire's is the same. But as you said it is an illusion. If we try to drink the water our hands will meet nothing. It feels like we are not really there either. We move but don't. It's hard to explain. Some mons like it, others not so much.]
I nodded taking in the information from Opal. "So it is more of a dream like place." I started to walk as they matched my speed.
The two of them nodded. "That is good to know."
[We are physical in there. It is just our surroundings that are fake.] Opal clarified.
"Noted, I had heard that the Original Pokeball was wood and stone. It used a lesser known ability to shrink Pokemon to a minuscule size. Some trainers even use this ability in battles." I started to ponder, the synergy between that ability and current technology is very interesting. "I might see if Petalburg has a library to read up on pokeballs more. Might be something not advertised that they can do."
[What?] Sapphire asked me moving ahead of me.
"I don't know, some trainers give their mons a knick knack to wear, especially if they have mega stones. They don't put them on when they come out. So what is the limit of stuff that can go in?"
[Not know?]
"That is why I want to read that kind of book. Maybe you guys can take a book or something when your inside." I walked quicker to pet Sapphire between her ears. "Wouldn't that be great?"
Sapphire smiled and grabbed at my arm. I looked at Opal shaking her teal blue head. This made me frown.
"What's wrong Opal."
[Nothing, it always amazes me how you always think of us first before yourself.] She said running to lift herself behind my head. [Even if it makes us mad.] her voice had a cheeky tone.
Her remark made me frown deeper. "I'm not going to apologize for caring about your health."
[I know. Love you bro.] after that I could feel her move into a comfortable position to relax. "Love you too sis." I felt a tug on my arm. I knelt down to rub Sapphires cheek. "I love you too Saph." I gave the top of her head a kiss before I kept walking.
I felt a tap on my cheek. [Where is mine?]
This made me chuckle. "Kinda hard to give you a peck when you're behind my head."
I felt her move for a moment and her face was next to mine.
[And now?] She smirked. I sighed and turned my head to peck her cheek.
"Happy?"
[Very.] She moved back to her position. After a while I could hear her soft snores.
'Silly girl.' I thought.
I could see Sapphire dancing as if to mock me and Opal. "What are you doing?"
[Opal, John. Sit in tree….] She didn't finish as she lost her concentration. I got the message though.
"You girls and your antics."
The day went by fast. Lunch was simple and we pitched the tent next to a lake. We played before it started to get dark. I started the fire and set my wet clothes out to dry the girls either shook themselves dry or wiped off the excess water in Opal's case.
We huddled around the fire. Sapphire and Ruby were nodding off as their fur dried. Opal was shivering so I picked her up to hug her. She stopped shivering and leaned into me. We stayed like that for a while. The night was silent except for the sounds of the lake.
Without saying a word Opal jumped out of my lap and got the boxes of pokefood and and MRE for me. "Thanks sis."
We all ate is silence before turning in for the night. There was no awkwardness we just didn't have much to say. Anything important had already been said.
The next day was pretty much the same. The only difference was that Ruby and I hunted for a while. Bagging four hares and some wild onions. Berries were easily found and we grabbed some of those.
That nights dinner was a feast. Even Opal had a bite of the hares. Though only a taste as her body would reject an actual bite. We all went to bed with full bellies.
In the morning of the third day Opal came to me as I packed up everything.
"What's up sis?"
[I want to fight Mr. Norman.]
This took me off guard. I stopped to look at her. Her gold eyes looking into mine from behind her hair. The determination I saw there was admirable.
"Opal, I…."
[I know what you want to say. But I need this. I want to show you that I can do this.]
She clenched her hands excitedly. [I can win.]
The confidence made me break. Shaking my head I finally answered. "You know how I feel about it." I held her face in my hands. "But I will not stop you. Just don't push yourself too far."
She jumped for joy, giving me a hug.
[Thank you John, I won't let you down!]
I hugged her back. Sapphire and Ruby joined as well. Tackling me to the ground. We all laughed poking at each other playfully.
After that we were back on the road. "We should make it to the halfway house by noon." I said to the girls. It was a rare occasion where Ruby was walking with us.
Sapphire and Ruby wanted to run. I joined them while Opal floated next to us. Cheering us on like it was a race. Like that we made it to the halfway house sooner.
The 'house' was more of a bed and breakfast. Nearby was an artificial pond for water types. In it were a few wild Lotads. They were playing with some younger trainers and their pokemon. Watching over it was an old lady and her Ludicolo.
I walked toward the woman while the girls went to go play. The lady turned to me. "Hello dear, how long are you staying?"
I smile while setting my pack down. "Just for a couple days. I am here from the guild." I pulled out the parcel and the paperwork. "You had a few jobs that needed doing. So I took them. Here you go." I handed her the parcel and the paperwork.
She thanked me and looked at the papers. "Good to know there are good boys still out there."
"My parents raised me well ma'am."
She signed the one for the parcel. "The rest can be done tomorrow. Go join your pokemon and relax." She smiled before walking inside. I nodded to the Ludicolo before stepping off the porch.
I ran to my girls snatching Sapphire up as she jumped to avoid a playful watergun from one of the Lotads. "Gotcha!"
She squealed with glee as I spun her around. Ruby was jumping around, avoiding every water jet that came her way. Her species signature smirk on her face. Opal was watching me with a smirk as well and sent a wave of water at me and Sapphire.
Not expecting it, I fell over hugging Sapphire to my chest. We both coughed as we looked at Opal. She was laughing hard, sounding like a bell ringing. We looked at each other before we got up and chased her.
Opal seeing us come after her floated up and started a game of chase. The goal: get her in the pond. This went on for a while until it started getting dark. We got a room, ate a warm meal and talked to other trainers and their Pokémon. It was a good start to our short time there.