Ten's Leaf Green Nuzlocke: Blazing Leaves

[Ten]

Hi, my name is Ten. I like Sweating, Mud Wrestling, Shooting stuff, Dirt bikes, Fighting, and all kinds of roughhousing. Now, I need to go beat this cow to death! COME HERE MOO!

"OHMYGOSHIDON'TWANNABEAGUYNOOOOO-" ...Wow, I had such a weird dream...that I was a guy named Ten.. *shiver* Who could ever like being a guy? They're so...Dirty and..smelly, and..Male. Glad I'm not one. Anyway, I might as well explain myself, My name is Hina, I'm 12 years old, I like the colors Pink and White

My hobbies are Playing Old School game systems...

...Reading Manga and Light novels...

and..wondering why mom put up this sign...
Speaking of Mom, It's just mom and me living together. Kinda wish I had a little sis whose hair I could braid, or do nails with, or something...But I was never good at any of that stuff anyway.

"Hey mom! I'm awake, How are you doing today?"

"Hey honey. I'm doing well, thank you for asking, Kinda wish we had a garden, since all we have is tv... but I'm doing good."

She always knew how to give me a good laugh, even if she was getting on in years. "You ever think of doing something that wasn't infront of the tv? Like...work?"

"Well if I have to work, then you have to as well."


"Pfft, Doesn't it occur to you that I'm Twelve, Mom? You know, Muggers, Rapists, Cosplayers?! Does that mean anything to you? You know what, I'm gonna go out for a walk.."


"Isn't he like Eighty something? He's probably senile by now; And why would he even wanna..Oh geez, Mom, is he a Pedophile?"

"Oh, be nice honey! Now go visit him"

"Ffffffine, I need some air anyway."


Walk. A walk I said, Like there was anywhere to walk in this town. There are only three buildings in this city- Professor Oak's lab, my neighbor Daisy and her brother, and my home. I never liked Daisy's brother from day one, There's just something about him that rubs me the wrong way, like his...His personality, it's So...Ugh! Such a Schlemiel. A dope. A schmuck, I need to stop reading the thesaurus. Anyway..


Aiden is the guy that was born with a Twisted spoon in his mouth, just because he's Professor Oak's grandson. He thinks everything should be handed to him, and he doesn't even care who he steps on to get it. He's got an awesome sister though, Even if it doesn't make up for it. I'm getting off topic. This town is Really tiny..



"Press the 'start' button to open the menu. Someone tagged that over what it used to say."


Her voice was laced with extreme sarcasm as she spoke. I guess if you don't have any other form of entertainment in this town, you find ways to enjoy yourself. Somehow I found my way over to this other sign. I don't know why, my feet just led me here..


Then I had a conversation with the guy near it, Fred--or was it Frank? Bob? I dunno, but we got on this topic about laptops, and Cellphones..


"I know! I always at least have three forms of tech on me at ALL times. Can't ever be too careful, now can we?" We shared a chuckle, and he went on about his merry way. Which reminded me about how I found this thing in my computer, and how much we advanced as a people


It came out of my wall, materializing onto the table, as if some sort of space magic was afoot.

I wanted to go for that walk now, and there was only one way out of town. If only I could slink out slowly, maybe I wouldn't get ca-=

"Oh geez! The feds have found me! I gotta run!"


Oh, it was just Professor Oak. "You scared me; almost had a heart attack. I'm just going for a walk"

"How will I get my form of exercise if you guys don't let me out of my cage!"

He's ignoring me completely! "Hey! Let go of my hand! Sto-- Hey! Why are you dragging me?! HELP! SOMEONE! ANYONE! OLD MAN WON'T LET ME GO! I NEED AN ADULT!"

"I Am an adult!"

"Not you Oak!"

"Help me Bob...Frank..Bill..Whatever your name is! Please! I'll buy you a new phone!"

"Hina, It's okay, just calm down. Alright? I'm not going to do anything, so just relax"

"Yeah, that's what you'd want me to think, huh? Wait, is that...Oh no..Please no!"

"Huh? Oh, it's Hina. Why are you here? You think that you even deserve to be in my presence? You're just a lowly peasant, under my Empire of Manlitude! Gramps, why is she here? And why am I here?"



"The two of you are both twelve, and as such, it's time for you to begin your journies as trainers."

"Journey? Trainer? All I wanted to do was go for a walk, and get some fresh air! I don't wanna become a trainer!"


"You're such a funny tyke! Everybody wants to go on a pokemon journey! probably even your mother!"

'Tyke? Is...his vocabulary that dated? Wait, my mother wanted to be a trainer?! I should ask her about that. It would explain her boredom. Being a mom at home is pretty uneventful. Wait, has the Professor still been talking? Crap!'

"Hina, I want you to take first pick of the Moemo--



"Are you sure you want me to just take one of your prized Poke...Moe...Whatever-Mon? Are you sure you can just be handing these out?"

"Hina, I trust you, so I want you to make your choice first. I know that you won't abuse your little Moe. It might help you to find yourself on the journey that you'll be going on."


"Okay. Thanks, Oak. If you trust me. But which one do I want...? I'll just Let them all out, and see..."



I threw all the Poke...Moe...ball..thingies into the air, and in a flash of white light, three little girls that came up to my knees were standing on the floor. One was dressed in a red lizard outfit, with a flaming tail. The second was a blue turtle outfitted girl--

"Who's this walking stick? She doesn't look like she could support a book, let alone a Moemon of my status!"
I could already tell this one would bother me alot. Such an arrogant seeming Charmander...

"You think she'll choose you? You'll fizzle out before she even gets past town! She'll pick me, since I'm stronger and more sturdy!"
This one didn't seem to be much better..

"Says the walking bowl of soup? And what makes you think you're tougher than me? I bet I could beat you in a fight, both claws tied behind my back!"

"You wanna go right now?!"

The two Moemon butted heads, Like some sort of Rivalr-- wait, two? Wasn't there a third?

"Hey Oak, wasn't there a...third one?"

"She's under the table"

I looked under the table, and lo and behold, there was a third one.


She was dressed in a green spotted outfit, with two big bangs on the sides of her head, and a giant bulb on her back. She seemed to make herself smaller than she already was, shying away from me, as if she'd never made human contact before.

"Hey, come out from there, I won't hurt you little Bulbasaur./." I gently let out, trying not to scare her. She seemed extremely nervous around me.

"U-um...H-hi. A-are y-you a n-new M-m-moemon t-trainer?'' She fretted.

"You're so cute! Hey Oak! I want her!"

"Y-you.. You r-r-really w-want... me?"

"Well sure! You're so cute! I want to cuddle, and hold you, and braid your hair, and call you 'Little Sis"! Plus, you can't be as bad as those two.

"HEY!"
"HEY!"

"What's your name, little Bulbasaur?"

She turned the brightest shade of red as she mumbled something that I could barely hear. "One more time?"

The Smile on her face slowly disappeared, and her eyes teared up as she stared up at me."E-everyone c-calls me... 'Useless'."

"Why would you even think of being called that!? You're too cute, and you deserve a cute name..like...Izumi. Do you like it?"

"I-it's nice. I h-hope I s-shall serve you w-well M-master!"

"I'm not your master. Call me Hina."]

[Ten]

"Are you kidding me?! You're seriously just gonna choose that Charmander, just for the weakness? You're the...biggest...schlemiel!"

" You think that just because you chose a useless Moemon, that I'm gonna have something weak? I need power, and if it means I have to choose dominance over yours, then that's what I'm gonna do!"

There were no words that I could express, at what he did. All I could do was glare at him with evergrowing fury. I could see his words affecting Izumi.
"Hey, ignore him, Little Izumi. He thinks he knows what he's talking about, but really, he's just alot of braggadocio."

"Bragga...wha?"

"Gasconade, grandosity, fancy talk. He's got an ego, pretty much'' I earned a little giggle from the ever shy Bulbasaur. It would take some time to help her get past her bashful nature. "Anyway, let's get away from this brute"

As we made our way out of the lab, I began actually thinking that this...journey I was supposed to go on might not be so bad. I'd actually get to see sights, meet new people, maybe go to a few libraries. I might even be able to meet that special someo--

"Hey! Where do you think you're going?! You think you can just leave without a battle?"


"Wait what?! No! I don't--"

"Ugh! Fine, Little Izumi, you ready to wipe that smug grin off his face?"

"U-um... I..d-don't.."

Aiden sent out his Charmander, who seemed to just be aching to battle.
"Oi! Useless, get out here, so I can kick your butt! You think you can take on a fire type? I'll crush you beneath my claws!"


Izumi then began to quiver, as if a Diglett used a Magnitude. She gave off this aura, as if she'd already given up, as if she wasn't even going to put any effort into it. I had to step in to help her.

"Hey. What's wrong? Do you not want to fight?"

"I-I'm.. s-scared of f-f-fighting, w-what if I.. if I...hurt her...and s-she b-breaks her...ar-arm? O-or her t-tail fire g-goes out? S-she c-could d-d-die." Izumi murmured, her voice barely audible. What could have happened to instill this fear upon her? I would have to ask her about it later. Now was the time for action.

''Hurt me? You couldn't scratch me with those dull things you call claws. And there's NO way you're winning this fight. Bring it!"

"Izumi-chan. Don't listen to what she says. She's trying to make you back down, but I know if you try, you will win this fight."

"Y-You h-have f-faith i-in me? N-nobody has e-ever h-had faith i-in me. I-if you b-believe i-in me.. I'll t-try"

''If you actually think you'll win, I'll even give you the first shot."

"I don't...know what to do though. How do you..battle exactly?"


"Long story short: You tell your Moemon an action, and they'll respond with such action."


That made a lot more sense. However, I still had no idea how to get her to attack. Then I remembered every bit of tech I had, and looked to my Mobile Wrist Communicator, that I dubbed Moemunicator. I pointed it at Izumi, and it did a scan of her cellular structure, giving a display of everything about her right after. "Bulbasaur...height. Weight. Favorite food...Ah! Here's her stats


Growl doesn't seem very effective, so...Izumi! Use a Tackle attack!"
She gave me a look, and with a brief nod to her, she steeled her resolve, and dashed at the Charmander, ramming into her and knocking her to the ground.


"Ah! Kindle! Don't let that poor excuse for an herb win this fight! Scratch it!"

This went back and forth, Izumi with her tackles, Kindle the Charmander with her Scratching, throwing in an occasional tail whip to reduce her defense. The fight came really close and then..

The little Charmander finally went down. Izumi was also just as hurt, if not ready to collapse. Her ragged breathing eased up slightly as my Moemunicator chimed out "Izumi gained sixty nine experience. Izumi has leveled up!"



"This thing's useless! It can't even beat a type it's weak against! Maybe I should call YOU 'Useless' instead! I'm leaving to go get some more powerful. Oi! Useless! Get over here! We're leaving. Out of the way Hina, next time we'll win!



"Your grandson really needs to learn some manners, Oak."

"I don't know where he gets his arrogance, but I think you might be able to help him with that. You did well, for your very first battle Hina, even if there was a disadvantage. Now, I won't keep you too long, but you should go see your Mom, and take a break after all that."

"Okay, Thank you Oak for Little Izumi. Take care!" I picked up Little Izumi, who didn't seem to mind being held. I gave her the biggest grin I could manage, rubbing her head slightly as she nodded off, her blush kicking in again."We're going to my house, and we'll get you well rested, and some food. Rest for now, my little Izumi."
I walked the short distance to my house, and pushed open the door. Mom was still in the same chair, watching her same shows as always. Sometimes I thought that she was glued to the chair. "Hey Mom! I got my first Poke-- MOEmon, she's a little bruised, and she could use some food."

"Oh my! Was it that Aiden boy? He's always roughhousing. Set her down, and I'll go get her some bandages."
Then again, mom always knew how to help.


That sounded like one of the best ideas I heard all day. Mom would take care of Little Izumi, clean her cuts and wounds, probably give her a warm meal, and I'd catch up on my sleep. As I made my way up the stairs, I began to slowly doze off, and by the time my head hit the pillow, I was out like a Snorlax

[Ten]

I awoke to the smell of something delectable wafting from downstairs. Pushing myself out of bed onto the cold floor, I shuffled my way slowly to the stairs. I rubbed the sleep out of my eyes as I sat at the table, and mumbled a "Wuzzat you got cooking mum?". Before I knew it, I had a bowl of something placed in front of me, and a spoon slid into my hand.

"Eat up dear, you know you're not gonna grow if you just let it sit. You'll just stay this little, twiggy shell of a girl, unless that's what you want to be."

I seemed to be glaring at mom alot more as of recently. "Mom, why are you serving soup so early? Shouldn't I have something like...oh, I dunno, eggs or something?" I jabbed at it with my spoon, as if was going to bite me or something

"You do know what time it is, Right? It's barely Four in the afternoon. So you're a bit late little Missy. Now eat your soup before it gets cold." I gave her a look, and a sigh before I actually dug into my soup. My eyes shot open instantly after the first spoonful, and I practically inhaled my bowl. "You've gotta make this more often now. I might actually begin to like your food if it all comes like this" I joked, holding my bowl out to her, which she took and refilled again. I continued engorging myself on this meal fit for the Arceuss.

"Well you'll have to bring me more young and innocent Bulbasaur, because I'm fresh out. Did you know the bulb makes the soup more hearty?" I didn't think it was possible to have an actual spit take in real life, but the soup all over the table proved me wrong.

I stared hard at her. "You know, you're not funny mom, scaring Little Izumi like that. I bet she thinks you'll actually use her as ingredients now. Not that I would ever let that happen."

"Oh, you're such a party pooper, you know that Hina? You need to learn to enjoy life, and not be so dull, or...what was that word? Such a Classicist, a stick in the mud. Maybe you'll learn that on your journey, how to be a free spirit, and actually enjoy yourself. Just like your mother!"

"Oh, let me be just like the elderly lady that sarcastically commented on cooking my Pokemon? Oh sure, let me be like the fossil- Ow!" She thwacked my hand with a wooden spoon. Honestly, what was it with old people and wooden spoons?

"Well, somebody's irascible this morning-"

"And someone has been reading my thesaurus again. I think I'm gonna go hide it, and wash this sudor off. And before you ask, that's sweat. Come on Little Izumi, gonna go give you a bath now. And I'm not cranky!" I picked the little grass Moe up, and walked back to my room on the second floor. I stuck my tongue out at mom, and she did the same, somehow coaxing a smile to come to my lips. 'Moms, always so weird, but I love her.'


I gave a little spin, my skirt flaring up ever so slightly. I wore my standard pink skirt with white stripes on the side, and a royal blue shirt with a rose in the middle. I still held the little Moe in my arms, however she looked more content as of recently. "You'd be surprised what a bath does. The shampoos and soaps are just a delight and a luxury to have. All the smells blend together to create this sense of euphoria, and you can't help but immerse yourself in a plashet of bliss!"

"Why did I ever buy you that thing? You never speak in normal sentences anymore. She lazily threw her hands into the air. "But that's the daughter I raised. A unique child who actually enjoys her reading and studies. But you should probably go on that walk now, since you've delayed for hours."

"You read my mind mom, you should probably use your psychic abilites for good, instead of evil however. You know how the bad guys always end up, right?" I slipped on my sandals, and ducked out the door just as a slipper flew at my head. 'Oh moms, so oddly violent, yet loveable'. Me and Izumi walked to the border of the town, a patch of grass dividing the town from here to Route 1, and stopped.


I looked at the little bulb Moe as she looked up at me, and she gave me an ever so slight nod, and a blush. We were ready as a team to start our journey. We stepped into the tall grass, and into the next route.

Eventually, after wandering through the overgrown pasture, we came to a patch of dirt with a sign tagged with graffiti. Near the sign however was a familiar figure with reddish-brown hair, a red shirt and blue jeans.

"Salem? Is that you?"

I called out, as he instantly turned around and grinned at me.

"Well, Hina, it's been a while since I seen you. You've grown a bit since then."

"Oh ha ha, I see you're still an airhead. So what brings you to Pallet town?"

"Ooh, this Skitty's got claws. Mrowl~! Anyway, just on an errand from the Mart to greet the passersby and promote the shop."

"Have you got that new shampoo that I requested last week? Please tell me you have it."

"Nope, but we do have something even better. Oh! I see you're going on your journey as a Trainer. That means you're eligible for something.. now what should I give you.."



"That's one of our potions, when it comes to healing Moe's, we can't be beat!"

"Except by every single Moe Center..." I mumbled, then looked innocent as he asked me to repeat myself. "Anyway, I gotta get going, thanks for the gift Salem! I'll probably see you on my way back." I waved to him, and he waved back as we distanced ourselves from each other. As I entered another patch of grass, I saw a flash of purple near my sandaled feet. I dismissed it, until it nearly bowled me over, and almost dropped Little Izumi.


"Oh, sorry there you two. Didn't see you there, I was too lost in this lush greenery. It's so calming, wouldn't you say?" The little girl dressed in a purple mouse costume said in a tranquil voice. "You two new to this route or something? Haven't seen you around"

"I walk around sometimes, but Little Izumi here is on her first trip out of Pallet."

"Then you could use a tour guide. I can show you all the patches of grass that are popular. That is, if you want.."

"Sure, I'd like to see this route from someone else's eyes. Who knows, I might actually find something I didn't know about. What's your name, little Moe?"

"Mother Raticate has named me Railai, The Path Walker. She has determined that it was me who shall lead bystanders to their destinations. Let's begin this tour now." As the little Ratatta began her tour, I began to wonder about the little Moe in my arms.

"Little Izumi, why are you so quiet? You haven't said a single word since I woke up. What's wrong?" Her cute blush crept up her cheeks again, as she curled in on herself. She mumbled something I couldn't hear, even with her held close to me. "One more time?"

"I..it's n..not p..polite to i..inter..rupt someone when t..they're speaking w..with someone else. Y...you've b..been t..talking with p..people a..and I d..didn't want t..to disturb you. I..I'm sorry i..if I.. m..made you f..feel as i..if I d..didn't want to t..talk m..master Hina.

I sighed out loud, and clutched her closer to my chest "I already explained it, I'm not your master, I'm your partner, you silly little Moe. Master would mean I'm strict and uptight, like that schlemiel Aiden, but I'm nothing like him, right Izumi? And it's okay if you're not talkative, I never was when I was around your age. Wow, that makes me sound really old." I managed to elicit a chuckle from her, which she managed to cover up horribly. At least she had a sense of humor.

"...and last but not least, we finally arrive to Viridian City. Do either of you have any questions about what we've gone over so far? There's still so much I have to explain, but I know how free spirits are.''

'Oh geez, I didn't even know the Rattata was talking! I'm such a horrible person! Oh, I hope she's not part of the Mouse Mafia, otherwise I'll be sleeping with the Magikarp!' "Oh, uhh...No, I don't.. have any..questions, Railai I believe it was? Thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule to give the two of us a tour." I bowed slightly, I don't even know why, but it was probably because I read too much manga. Oh, I'm such a nerd!

"It's no problem She who walks on Two legs. It's my duty to help those in need. Now I'm going to gaze at the clouds, if you need me for anything, I shall be past this town." The little rodent yawned out as she sauntered away, leaving me and Izumi to ourselves. I thought to myself, and deemed this the most appropriate spot to begin. I set the little Moe on the ground, and got down to eye level with her.

"Hey Little Izumi, I know how much you dislike causing anything harm, but...Do you want to do some..training? I know if you don't want to, I won't force you, but...it'd help us as a .. you know, a Team. It's totally your call though."

Izumi cast her gaze towards the ground, as she mulled over her decisions. She wrung her hands, and her face scrunched up, as though she was making a life changing decision. It did determine how our entire journey would pan out from here on in, however.

After what seemed like minutes, she looked at me with a look of firmness, a spark in her eyes. "I..I've decided, a..as long as y..you're with me, I..I w..will do my b..best to t..train. I..If that's o..okay with you."

"I wouldn't have it any other way, Little Izumi. Come on, let's find us something to train on." My heart swelled at the short Moe, making such a hard decision wasn't easy, especially for someone as shy and reserved as her. Still, I was proud of her, and decided to stay by her side for as long as she needed.

We combed the grass, and not long after, ran into our first opponent.


"Izumi, remember our tactic with Aiden, Tackle it until it's down!" I yelled, a good distance away from her as she stared down the brown bird. She suddenly rushed at it, and bowled into it, quickly getting to her feet again. The bird countered with a Tackle of its own, pushing her back, but being unable to knock her down. The two traded off, until the bird could no longer even keep itself to its feet.

"I...I did it! I..I actually w..won my second f..f...fight."

"Well don't stop now, it's good to keep going while you're on a roll."

The two of us fought a few more battles, running into another Ratatta and Pidgey, and a surprise awaited us at the end of those battles.



"Leech Seed, Status type move. User fires seeds at opponent, which bind, and absorb energy, returning a slight amount to whomever is on the allied field at the time. Accuracy 90%, Uses 10."

"Huh, that seems useful. It'll help us take down our opponents quicker. What do you say Izumi, a bit more, or a break for now?"

The Grass Moe looked up at me and shook her head. "I..I'm a bit tired, a..and w..we should g..go do s..some sh..shopping f..for you and mo... y..your m..mother"

I rubbed her head lightly, then scooped her into my arms as we began our brief trek to the city. My sandals slapped against my feet, and I wondered not for the first time this day why I decided to not wear shoes instead. We stepped into the town...city...whatever you wanted to call it, and that distracted me from my internal rambling.

Viridian was at least twice the size of Pallet, and even if it had the same amount of homes, it had what Pallet lacked. Namely a Moe Center, a Moe Mart, and a Gym. The center was primarily used for healing injured Moe, and resting at night for weary trainers. Sure, the food was Mediocre from what I heard, but who could complain, when you had to mass produce for the trainers. The Mart did what any self respecting shop did, and Sold things. What a concept! They had such lovely mail, and flowers, and clothes...oh, I couldn't wait! I just had to go now!

I shuffled as fast as I could, with a 15 pound girl in my arms in sandals, to the Mart and the door slid open automatically. The cold air quickly surged past me, and I looked around the store energetically. Shelves lined up with books and perfume, oh which to try out fir-

"Oh geez! Look, whatever you heard from anyone was a lie! I swear I had nothing to do with the Peanut butter and toothpaste! Please, spare m-


"Oh...OH! Well..disregard what I said earlier. Yeah, I know the old man, why do you ask?"

I groaned audibly, a fetch quest? That was something you did in an RPG, not in real life. "Do I have to? Don't you have some delivery boy who can do it?'' Even before anything else could escape my lips, the mid sized box was shoved almost completely into the face of Izumi. I scowled at the shop keep, before placing Izumi on the cold floor, and taking the box instead.

We left the Mart, and I could swear I saw Izumi stick her tongue out at the clerk. I must have been seeing things. Now however, I was stuck with delivering this box to an elderly man, whom I was gradually coming under the assumption was going senile. After all, who would send what looked like a 6 year old, dressed in an animal outfit, with someone barely twice her age on a journey to fight other little girls dressed like more animals, who get captured by more young- ARRGH! Such a headache! I sighed heavily.

''Come on Little Izumi, we have to get this package to Oak, before it gets too dark. I know a shortcut." We went just a little off course, avoiding the grass in Route 1. The other path, while having no grass, had this ledge, Just high enough to not be able to climb back up, but low enough to jump off without injuring yourself. I gave a running start, and leapt over the edge.


"Come on Izumi! It's your turn!" I yelled out, after placing the box on the ground, and holding my arms out. "It's not much of a jump, and I'll catch you! So you don't have to be scared."

She hesitated for a moment, before she also hopped off the ledge, into my awaiting arms. "W..was t..that o..okay miss H..Hina?"

"Of course, my little cutie. You're getting so brave, and we've only known eachother for a day. Who knows, by this time tomorrow, you might even be able to take on a gym by yourself!"

"I..I don't t..think I c..can do t..that. I..I'm n..not strong e..enough"

"Then we'll just have to conquer every ledge, until you're strong enough! Sound like a plan?" She giggled at that, and gave an enthusiastic nod. I put her down, and picked up the box again. "Then let's take every ledge until we get home!"

After what seemed like a good ten minutes of leaping off ledges, we made our way back into town. We were covered in sweat, and panting slightly, but we made our journey. For what, I dunno, since I never decided to open the box. We went back to Professor Oak's lab, where I was greeted by said old guy.


"Izumi? She's great, she seems to be enjoying herself."



I flushed slightly at that comment and rubbed the back of my head lightly. "Oh, I'm not that special, just showing her how to have a good time. Oh! By the way, the jerk at the Moe Mart said you had something come in."



He took the box from my arms, and opened it carefully.


"Oh, it was nothing, I just couldn't buy anything until I delivered this. Which I should charge you for delivery charges." He gave a heartfelt laugh, and smiled at me. Whatever he was about to say however was interrupted as the door was kicked open. 'Oh no..can't he just act normal' I thought, as I immediately knew who it was.




"Wow, as dense as a boulder, and forgetful like a Slowpoke. The forgetful gene seems to run deep in the Oak tree." Aiden scowled at me, while I laughed at my pun. Hey, if he was going to be a jerk, why should I care if his feelings were hurt? He didn't care about mine.






"Seriously gramps? You couldn't give me something better, like a new Moemon, or maybe something to catch new ones with? What am I gonna do with this nerd technology? I can't smack things with this! Well..I could.."

"Wow, a four syllable word, you're getting complex there. Who knows, maybe you'll be studying at a third grade level this time next year! You might even become an honor student. Not that it's much of an accomplishment, coming from you."

"You wanna start something, you little Bit-"

"Aiden! Show some respect! You weren't raised in a barn, and I know your sister wouldn't like to hear how you've called another lady such a name. And I think you know what she'll do if she found out." That instantly shut the younger Oak up. Who knew he was so afraid of his sister? That's one more point of leverage for me! "Anyway.." He handed each of us a dex. "As a trainer, you'll be gathering information for me. And you can't exactly do that without these two important things."






Oak then gave a brief explanation on how to use them. Throw them at a wild Moe, never a trained Moe. Damage them a bit, until they're weak enough, then throw the ball. After that, it was a bit luck based. He also explained that there were different, stronger versions that could help with capturing them easier. He gave us both a sad smile.




"I planned to gather detailed information on each and every Moe around the world. To see them in their natural habitat, how they act in packs, everything they'd be able to tell us, that humans don't already know."




Aiden scoffed, and muttered under his breath, something about hearing this multiple times. I stared icily at him, and whispered a 'Shut up, I actually find this interesting' as I nudged him. The Professor brightened up as he gazed at the two of us however.

"I know the two of you will succeed where I have not though, so I have the utmost faith in you."



Aiden laughed obnoxiously, which I came to learn, never meant anything good was coming.



"And by I hate to say, I mean I know you won't be necessary. You're a girl, so that means I'll always be five steps ahead of you, and that much better! And you probably have horrible navigating skills too!"



"And if I say it, she has to listen! Because I'm Aiden "Gary" Oak!"


With that last comment, he left the lab.

I stood there, aggravated that he would even stoop so low to assume that just because I was a girl, I wasn't as good as he was. Him and his superiority complex needed to be brought down a few notches. "Can I just push him off his pedestal, and bring him to where us normal people are? He seems like he could use it."

"I'm rather sorry he said that Hina, and I apologize for his rudeness. However, I am sure that you and Izumi can bring him to his senses, should the three of you run into eachother. I wish you a safe journey."

I waved at Oak, and left his lab for home, Izumi following me in tow. I had alot to think about, to get ready for the actual...well Journey part. What clothes I would bring, how I would go about actually catching more Moes, and this odd Dex, which Oak kept referring to as a Pokedex. Shouldn't it be a Moedex? I dunno, maybe I could reverse engineer it into my Moemunicator. Red was So last summer...

[Ten]

I laid my head in Izumi's lap, content. She wasn't so little anymore, finally filling out to be the beautiful young lady I'd known she'd become. The bud that used to be on her back, had shifted to a lovely rose, lightly nestled on the back of her hair. She'd grown nearly twice her height, and had filled out in all the right places. But her eyes, no matter how mature she'd gotten, those red eyes still held the compassion, and joy I'd grown to love.

Heh...love. I guess it did happen out of the blue. Spend enough time with someone, and feelings begin blossoming. It was forbidden however, for a Moe and a human to be romantically involved. An act of infidelity, as people put it. They don't know love though. Love doesn't follow a linear path, it branches out like a tree, however it wasn't quite as rooted down. When did I stop caring about what people thought though?

"Hina, is there something on your mind?" The not so little Moe would always ask me. I'd shake my head, wrap my arms around her, and bury my face in her tummy. It was nothing but perfection, when I was around her.

"Now you should know the answer to that. You're too cute for me to have any doubt in my mind for anything."

She'd giggle, and lightly stroke my head, which always relaxed me even further. "But who is the cuter one, finding this field of flowers? Lilacs, lilies, irises, carnations, all of these flowers, and even a few I haven't seen. You've brought me to somewhere I can truly be at peace."

I lifted myself to eye level with her, as I caressed her cheek. I leaned in slowly, as I whispered "I'm always at peace, with my Izumi. My everything and my all." My eyes slowly shut, as I was inches away, my lips ready to capture hers--

"Rise and shine, honey! It's seven in the morning, and this is your wake up call!"Mom so obnoxiously yelled, banging a wooden spoon on a pot. I instantly shot up, and covered my eyes, nearly blinded by the sun. Giving her the dirtiest look I could muster, after being roused from my rather...vivid dream. It sure came out of the blue too.

"Mother of Arceus, Mom! Do you even know how to normally wake up a human? You know, set an alarm, shake them lightly, open curtains? Is this how you woke dad up?"

"Well, a certain young lady asked me to wake her up at seven. And I know just how much of a heavy sleeper you are. Besides, this way is more fun than an alarm clock. I feel like a toddler again."

"Toddlers don't...nevermind, it's too early for this! Just...go make some breakfast. I'll be down with Izumi after a shower." She left the room, practically skipping in mirth. Old hag, and her childish ways.

After calming Izumi, who was visibly shaken by the whole ordeal, we set out for a shower. Breakfast followed shortly after, sour feelings still in the air. As I finished, the hag...er...Mom reminded me to go see Daisy.

"Oh yeah, did my new shoes come in Mom? Or do I still have to wear sandals, until then?"

"Well... the mail service is pretty slow, coming to Pallet. But I can ship them to you the second they get here."

"Great, I get to have more gravel between my toes. Just what I want to do to start off my day." I sarcastically grumbled. She shook her head at me, which I brushed off, disinterested. I picked up the young Moe, and headed towards the door, as Mom cut me off.

"Honey, this is probably going to be the last time I see you in...well a long time. And I want you to know, that I love you with every ounce of my heart, dear. Mom will always be here to help, and support you, should the need arise."

My grip loosened on the knob, as I turned slowly to her. Even after such an annoying awakening, she'd still find a way to make me feel better. I brought her into a tight hug, Izumi joining in for the first time, which brought a small smile to my face. I still kept on a face of mock anger though, as I punched her arm lightly. "You better get me those shoes, ASAP. If I get chafed feet, someone's getting an angry letter."

She laughed, as she hugged me one last time, handed me a backpack, filled to the brim with fresh clothes, a handbag with various provisions, and another smaller bag filled with what I assumed to be our meals for the day. She waved us off, as we made a beeline to Daisy's house.

I knocked on the door, and let myself in, sitting next to her. She greeted me, and asked me what I was up to for the day. I explained in great detail, the whole ordeal between the two Oaks, from getting Izumi, to getting the package, as well as Aiden's smug ego during every encounter.




She tried handing me the Town Map Aiden was boasting about yesterday, but I declined. "My Moemunicator got an upgrade, thanks to that Moedex that Oak gave me. It now has Gps, instant data on any Moe I run into, and it also dispatches ninja stars into the nearest threat."

"No way! Where did you even get ninja stars?!'' She nearly shouted at the top of her lungs. I laughed, and she instantly started pouting, as she caught my apparent sarcasm.

"You're so gullible! But still better than your brother."

"Don't I know it? Having to deal with him on a daily basis is a headache. Good thing he's going on his journey, I couldn't kick him out fast enough."

We talked for a bit more, before she also wished me a great journey. I left her home, and decided to take the long way around, just to get one last look at Pallet. Who knew when I'd actually be back to see the Lab, my house, Billy Bob-Frank-Kyle-John-Roy Whatever, that door attached to the tree behind Daisy's hou-- wait what?



Had this been here forever? I could swear that wasn't here two days ago. Well... Oak did say I had to go to new places, what would one peek hurt? I pushed my way through the door, through a dark cave, and through the other opening.



Okay, this definitely wasn't here before... Hey, grass! I did have a chance to actually get a new teammate, since I had the Poke...Moe... something balls. I put Izumi down, and pulled one out of my backpack. "Okay Izumi, I'm gonna need your help on this. We're friend hunting, and we can't knock this one out. So I want you to hold back a bit, alright?"

"I-I'll do m-my best!" She slowly edged into the tall grass, and I awaited what would come out. 'Please be something not murderous.' Out of the brush hopped a girl in a brown worm outfit, with a ponytail, and what looked like a horn on her head. She scowled at me, and lunged at me nearly instantly. I freaked out, fell on my bottom, and nearly got impaled, as I chucked the ball at the Moe. One, two, Click!


"Moemon Weedle was captured! Weight: Seven pounds. Type: Poison/Bug. Description: Weedle eat their weight in leaves every day. It fends off attackers with the needle on its head. It reproduces by injecting its young into a living host." I turned slightly green at that last one. Ugh, that's disturbing info to know. I let the Moe out of her ball, as Izumi came out of the brush.

"I-I'm s-sorry. I c-could only t-tackle her o-once b-before she escaped.'' The grass Moe mumbled, apologizing as always for something out of her hands. I rubbed her head, as I looked at the other Moe.

"Hey, nice to meet you. My name's Hina, and that over there is Izumi. Sorry about being so rough with you. We're still working out better ways to make friends. What's your name?"

"The shadow in the darkness, the Stealthy Ninja of Night, the Crimson Shadow. I go by many names, but you shall call me Akali. I take it you're a trainer just starting out? You'll need someone to watch your back, and luckily for you, you found me." Her voice, laced with what seemed like trace amounts of sadism. She left me with an uneasy feeling, but beggars can't be choosers. I guess...

"O-oh. That's...cool I guess. Thanks, Akali, so I take it that you're a pretty seasoned fighter then? We could use that on this team."

"Fighter is a loose term. I am an assassin, trained from a larva, in the silent act of killing. I'm also pretty good with a knife, if you need me to cut things." she said, out of nowhere with an almost childish tone to it. Was she bipolar?

"Hey, umm, you seem to know the layout around here. Can you tell us what's in this...cave?"

"Only a suicidal fool would venture into this cave. I shall not tell you, for you shall have to venture forth to understand."

"Wow, cryptic much? Come on Izumi, time to do some exploring." I picked the little Moe up, as Akali decided to wait outside. Contrary to the outside, the inner walls were a more chalky white color. It was also very narrow, from what it seemed.



We walked for minutes, before we came to a split path.



Being the adventurer, I chose the left path. It curved upwards again, and led to a ladder. That ladder led to a string of ladders, and after climbing what seemed like my Eighth one, we reached the top. Taking a five minute breather, we continued forth, reaching the end of the cave, bright as always. There was something...out on the horizon though, and as I squinted, it flew closer.



"WHO DARES ENTER THE LAIR OF THE LEGENDARY HO-OH?! A COMMON MORTAL AND HER SLAVE?!" The rainbow bird boomed. I fell to my butt again, and for the first time, I felt true fear. Is this how Izumi felt on a daily basis?!

"M-m-miss H-Ho-oh, w-we w-were j-just leaving n-now. So i-if you'll l-let us b-be on our m-merry w-way-"

"ONE DOES NOT SIMPLY LEAVE THE LAIR OF HO-OH, WITHOUT AN EXAMPLE BEING SET! YOU SHALL PERISH!"



"Danger! Danger! Extreme levels of heat detected! Probability of survival, 0%. Danger!" I wasted no time, as I scrambled to my feet, and rushed back into the cave. I slid down each of the ladders, feeling the inferno on my back, as I slid down each, and every ladder as fast as my body could carry me. I've never pushed myself as hard, and didn't stop running, the second my feet hit solid ground.

Collapsing into a heap on the other side of the cave, I gulped in air as I willed my heart to cease its drumming. Izumi was doing no better, shivering as tears streamed down her face. I held her close, rocking her back and forth, in an attempt to quell her fears. Akali however, was little help, as she had burst into a fit of laughter the second we were in her field of vision.

"Oh you two, I warned you two about it. N-nobody ever listens to the experienced person. 'Oh, let's go in, even though this cave is obviously dangerous. We'll be alright.' Oh man, I wish I had a camera, for every time someone came screaming out of that cave. I'd have a collage, the likes of which, Misdreavus would be proud of."

"You know...I can just...put you in the...box for the rest...of your life, right?" I wheezed out, too tired to even glare at the bug. She sobered up instantly, and bowed infront of me.

"I am sorry master. I humbly beg for your forgiveness. Anything less would warrant death.She let out in a monotone voice. I forgave her, returned her to her ball, and quickly left this death trap of an area.

"Hey Izumi, how come you never go into your ball? I just thought of that.."

"I-I'm a-afraid of e-enclosed s-spaces. I k-know that i-it's a f-fear I s-should get over a-as a Moe, b-but I'm j-just too s-scared t-to go b-back in. P-please d-don't make me."

''Don't worry, I won't make you do something you're afraid of--'' I stopped, as something bowled into Izumi from behind. What was that? A brown flash came into the corner of my eye, and I readied a ball, after helping Izumi to her feet. "Izumi, you know what to do."

She nodded, as she stood her ground, her eyes darting back and forth. I pointed quickly, and she tackled it out of the air, as it flew at us again.



A brown bird Moe, with...goggles on her head? What would a bird need with goggles?

"I got a visual of the bogey in sights! Requesting backup, I repeat, requesting backup!" She drawled out. The bird Moe hopped to its feet again, but before it could even get airborne, I lobbed my ball at it. Disappearing in a red beam, the ball bounced, and shook. Once, Twice, Click!
"Moemon Pidgey was captured! Weight: Four pounds. Type: Normal/Flying. Description: Pidgey are very docile, and will kick up sand to protect itself. Pidgey are also known for their sharp sense of direction, and are capable of returning to their nest, however far from familiar surroundings it may be."

“Oh, this will definitely help, if it has such a keen sense of direction. My sense of navigation is deplorable at best, and that’s with maximum effort.” I flung the ball high into the air, releasing the captured Moe in a flash of red. She did a few spectacular aerial acrobatics, before flying face to face with me. “Wow, you’re awesome! You got a name?”

“Janna of the Skies. Ace Aerialist, at your service. And you two are?”

“Hina, Trainer of Pallet Town. And the little Moe by me is Izumi. Kinda sorry we knocked you out of the air.”

“Pshaw, water under the bridge now. So you’re a trainer, and traveling all around is what you do, right?”

“Well, that comes with the job. So yeah, we’ll be going all around, seeing new sights and new faces.”

“Well ain’t that just the Beedrill’s knees? I reckon I ought’a join ya on this here trip. If you’ll have me, that is.”

“Well of course, the more the merrier. We were just on our way to Viridian.”

We made our way again to Viridian City, with a new teammate in tow. Now was the best time to decide what we’d be doing, and where we’d go. From what Janna said, we could either continue to Route 2, or go west to Route 22. Such an illogical numbering system Kanto has...

“Well, I’m thinking we take the scenic route, no pun intended. I’m all for Route 22, all in favor?”
The three Moe, after finally remembering to release Akali from her ball, raised their hands.
“It’s unanimous then, to 22 we go! After we deviate a bit, to this other path.”


A short walk later...



Why would someone leave a perfectly good potion laying around? Oh well, their loss. Back on the path to 22, we ran into more grass.

“Alright, Izumi, you up for this?” She nodded nervously, and stepped into the grass. Come on, something I don’t already have info about...



“Alright! That’s something new! Okay Izumi, you know the plan already. Tackle it, until it’s weakened!”

She rushed at the white monkey, and dashed into it. It seemed to struggle to get up, and swiped at Izumi, missing as she easily sidestepped.

“That was faster than expected. Izumi, I got this!” I heaved the ball at the downed Moe, smacking her in the forehead, before sucking her in. One. Two. Click!

“Moemon Mankey was captured! Weight: 61.7 pounds. Type: Fighting. Description: Extremely quick to anger. It could be docile one moment, then thrashing away the next instant. It lives in groups in treetops, and will become infuriated by its loneliness.”

“Ooh, gotta keep her calm then. I’d rather not be mutilated briefly after catching her. Still... I gotta greet her properly.” I gathered all the Moe behind me, as I threw the ball to the ground. She reappeared in a flash of red, and glared up at me. I stiffened, and waved shakily. “H-hi there. M-my name’s Hina, I’m a new trainer. What’s your name?”

She raised her fists and I unconsciously backed off. Was she going to fight me? Maybe it wasn’t such a good idea...wait, what’s she doing? She repeated the motion again, and I stared at her. Sign language? Crap, all I knew was how to finger spell! I pointed my Moemunicator at her, and scanned her actions.

“Translating. Translating. My name is Kayle, why have you thrown a spherical device at me? That was unpleasant, you know!”

“Oh, sorry. It kinda...comes with the job. Gotta grow the team, and the only way is to throw a ball.”

“Translating. Translating. A word of advice, be careful who you choose to team up with. Not everyone is as kind as you think, and some might flat out attack you. You luckily got the most rational of Mankey. A Mankey with an inability to speak, but a rational one at least.”

“Alright, thanks for the advice. I’ll take it to heart, and be more careful of my actions. But you’re okay with coming with us?”

She nodded, and I felt a weight lift off my shoulders. At least she wouldn’t argue with the team. That was a horrible thought, I’m so bad! Bad Hina!

“Alright! We have a pretty decent sized team, so we’ll start getting everyone up to speed. Let’s see...Let’s get everyone to level 10 at the least. Izumi, you first, since you’re the furthest along. We can probably train Akali at the same time. Then after that, we’ll see how it goes. But we’ll do it over time, to not overwhelm everyone. Sound good?”

The little Moe around me nodded in unison, and we began our training.





“Humph! As expected, I grow stronger.” Yeah, after being switched out for Izumi. After fighting a handful more Moe’s, and Akali leveling once more, Izumi looked rather tired. I picked her and Akali up, and marched towards that Moemon Center.

“How about a break, and a meal? I’m pretty sure nobody’s eaten today, and I’m feeling rather voracious myself.” Half the team stared at me, probably not understanding half the stuff I said anymore. “Hungry, starving. It’s just a different way of phrasing it.”

A chorus of “Oh!’ followed, and we made our way into the center.

Tile floors, magazines all about a handful of people all aronund? It’s true, every hospital’s the same! Even the ones for Moe!




“Yes please”



“Thank you miss..”

“Olivia Joy, or O. Joy for short.”

“Oh the puns...they hurt. By the way, where can we go get a meal? We’re kinda famished.”

“Upstairs, there’s a free cafeteria that caters to everyone’s preferences.”

“Thanks!”

We finished our meal, and went back to our training. on Route 22. I was hoping to train everymon equally, but Akali insisted to be trained the most.Such a selfish thought, but I’d give it a try.I sent her out, and she instantly rushed into the bush, and waited silently.



That’s not a good matchup for her, from what I remember. Unlike Pidgey, Spearow actually had an attack that exploited her weakness.

“Akali! Back out from this, it’s one of the worst matchups for you.”

“Tch, fine. But we’re not going to get anywhere if we fight only weaklings.”



Disengaging from the fight, we nearly ran into another instantly. A Pidgey, seems easy enough. I called out to Akali ‘Poison sting!’, her only damaging move. They hit, but didn’t seem to do much damage, which the small bird returned with a tackle attack. I called out another, doing the same small amount of damage. This seemed to anger the bird, which flew faster at Akali, crashing into her with such a force, that she skidded away a good few feet. She coughed up blood as she slowly struggled to her feet, and my concern for her skyrocketed.



“Akali! Get back here, you can’t take anything else from that Pidgey! Izumi, get in there and switch with her!”

Twin vines wrapped around Akali, and quickly pulled her back towards us . I was going to ask her what that was, but she tackled the Pidgey, which retaliated with its own. It went down after another tackle.



"W-what was that? T-that w-was s-something new. Vine w-whip?"

"Whoo! That was close! Thank you Izumi, you're a lifesaver. Akali, come here so I can heal you." She limped her way over, with the help of Izumi, and I sprayed her woulds with a potion. She bit back a wince, and kept her tough face as she straightened herself. "Okay Izumi, I think that you'll have to take the brunt of the damage for everyone to gain their experience with fighting. I don't like it, but it seems like the best way."

"I-if I h-have to, I-I'll do it. For m-master Hina." she announced, with a quiet toughness. I shook my head, but rubbed her head lightly with a smile. I turned my attention to Akali, and was quickly cut off from any thought I had.

"Don't, I'm fine Hina. That potion did its job, at least for now. Try not to rely on them for a Center though, it won't cut it, and you'll end up losing one of us. So let's go back, and take another break."

'She's breaking out of that shell, slowly but surely' I thought happily. I let her hop onto my arm, and carried Izumi and the rest to the Moemon Center.

After Nurse Olivia released the team, we decided to go onward to a different Route. An elderly man in the path halted our advancing, however.




"Oh this? Just the husk of an old Moedex, or Pokedex as people call it. I converted the internal memory from this outdated thing, to my Moemunicator. It's now a Moedex, a map, a scanner, and makes a wicked cup of hot chocolate."

He stared at me with one of the best poker faces ever. He probably didn't understand a single ounce of the technological jargon I just spoke. I hastily explained to him that I just upgraded to a new school Moedex.






"Oh, I know that much. I already caught a few Moe's, and Dextra, my Moedex, can't seem to stop bragging about their info. It's been kinda helpful though."

"Oh, you've caught a few, eh? You young whippersnappers, always catching on to things lickety-split. I'm actually kind of proud, knowing I don't have to explain it to every sprout who comes past, although most just ignore the old man. You're rather kind miss, taking time out of your day to listen to an elderly man ramble on.''

'Well you gave me no choice, old man. You kinda just cut me off, and started talking mid sentence.' I thought, with an embarrassed smile on my face. "Well not every pre-teen is rude to their elders. Alot are kind, just kind of in a rush to get somewhere new with our freedom."

He gave a heartfelt laugh, a wheezy one at that, and looked at me with tired eyes. "I like you, you've got spunk. 'Ew' "I like you enough, that I'm gonna give you something memorable, my Teachy TV. It's educational, portable, and gets 500 channels. It might help you on your journey, but more than likely, just be used for movie nights."





I thanked the old man, and continued to the next route. Route 2, kinda barren and plain if you ask me. Just a sign, some ledges, a few flowers-- "Hey! Grass, we might meet a new Moe here!"

Rushing to the grass, I stopped before I stepped foot in it. I was ready to tell Izumi to go in, however Akali had different ideas. Leaping into the tall grass, the rest of us stood still, waiting for a sign of movement.
Would it be a Spearow, a Pidgey, or something new altogether? Something purple flashed out of the bushes, startling us, as we focused our attention on it.

"O-oh, it's the trainer from before. Miss Hina, i-if I remember, how nice to see you again. I would love to catch up with you, but this...brute of a Weedle seems very...territorial. M-mother Raticate wouldn't a-approve of such a thing." She stuttered out, clutching her side as she shakily got to her feet.

"Railai! You're not looking too good, did something happen?"

''W-well I would love to explain, however, there is now a toxin running through me. M-mother Raticate would know h-how to cure it, but I h-have no idea where she is as of right now. And I will not survive much longer at this rate."

Her breathing became more erratic, and my mind raced to think of a way to help her. I had no antidotes, and I wasn't sure just how a Potion worked on a wild Moemon-- Wait! That's it!

"Railai, this is gonna surprise you a bit, but bear with me"

She barely had time to mutter a 'huh?', before a red and white ball smacked her, sucking her in. Once, twice, Click!

"Moemon Ratatta was captured! Weigh--"

"Sorry Dextra, but tell me later. Kinda got a situation here, which is more serious.'' Quickly running back to Viridian City, worry growing more and more with the passing moments, Dextra chimed in again.

"Danger! Moemon Ratatta is critically low on health. Use Potion to recover health, or use Antidote to recover Poisoning."

Following her...its instructions, I released Railai, quickly spraying her wound. She hissed loudly in pain, but I drew her back into her ball, and continued my mad dash towards the Center.

The doors hissed open and I shoved the orb into O. Joy's arms.

"Moemon...poisoned... need healing... please!" I panted out

"Oh my! Chansey, we got a case 22 Dash B! You know what to do!" The nurse, and her pink companion rushed into the emergency room, leaving me with my team. I looked at the grass Moe in my arms, the bird on my shoulder, the pale monkey standing by me, and the... brown... bug...not on my other shoulder...

"Oh crap! I left Akali on Route 2! I'm such a horrible trainer!"

"W-well i-if you want us t-to wait, y-you can go g-get her."

"Well...Izumi, I think you should come with me. You might be able to reason with her better than I could. That okay with you two?"

Janna and Kayle nodded, and separated from us, as once again we back back, and searched for her. It probably would have been a good idea to take Janna, to search higher up, in retrospect. I'd reprimand myself for that later.

"Akali! Where are you? Come out, come out, wherever you are!"

"A-Akali? P-please c-come out!"

"I'm sorry for leaving you here! Just come out, and I can apologize all you want. I'll say whatever you want to hear, just come out!"

We searched for what seemed like a good hour, voices growing hoarse from shouting. Feet tired from walking back and forth. Arms scratched and itchy from wading through the grass. Eventually we were rejoined by the team left at the Center, including Railai.

"Hey, it's nice to see you're okay..."

"Only because of your fast reactions, Lady Hina. I am indebted to you, and Mother Raticate sends her blessing to you. I shall follow you to the ends of the earth." Her voice, ever so ethereal sounding, managed to calm me a bit. I was still rather anxious about finding Akali, however.

"Hey, is your nose any good for tracking?"

"I am one of the better trackers in the clan. What is it that needs my services?"

"Well, I'm looking for a Weedle. She was with me when you were poisoned, and I kind of forgot to bring her along afterwards. She should have some of my scent on her, or the other way around."

"I will need to identify the scent, so if you would be so kind..." Leaning down, the purple rat sniffed my shoulder, then the air around her. "What cruel irony this is. It would be the same Weedle that poisoned me is the one you are searching for it seems."

I sheepishly rubbed the back of my head. Should have figured the bruiser Akali would do it. "Do you know where she is? Or where I can find her at least?"

"In Mother's Forest, it would be unwise to venture forth into it at the current time though. For there are other trainers inside the forest, which would choose to test their strength against another."

I sighed loudly, and hunched over. "So no matter what, we're still training. I guess...we'll have to do it without her. Izumi, you ready?"

She jumped into the bush without a moments hesitation, dragging Railai by the hand with her. One by one, Moe was defeated, and gradually their strength began to build.




I thought to give Railai a shot at trying to solo train, so I could get another member started...




She nearly collapsed, holding her ribs, blood leaking from her mouth. We frequented the Moemon center after that.

After Railai reached her Eighth level, it was due time for someone else to get their turn. Janna stepped up to the plate, and with that, Izumi continued her duty of weakening her foes, and having her teammate finish them. A long, and arduous task, but worth the efforts.



Railai took the reins, giving Izumi a well deserved rest. She fell asleep in no time in my arms, as I occasionally barked orders at the team.



Instantly using her new found ability on the closest foe possible...



...she took it down in two hits. Reaching level ten shortly after, it was Kayle's turn. Janna was eager to help what seemed like her new found sister get up to speed. A combination of Gusting, and Scratches took down whoever stood within the two's path.



I had turned off the notification of leveling up and new attack learning hours ago. Dextra got annoying after the first few times she...it'd announce something new about the Moe. Not that I didn't like her...it.

"All in favor of going to eat?"

All the Moe, minus Izumi and Akali, nearly jumped at the prospect of food. Had we been out here that long?

"Alright, let's finish up Kayle, and then we can go eat.''

With renewed vigor, Railai and Kayle jumped into it twice as fast.



...Another level up on someone. I didn't take the time to find out who, watching as the two took down another team of Ratatta and Pidgey. The wild Moe had gotten smarter, and decided to team up, from pairs, to groups of three or more. Still no match for my team, as the last Moe fell.




Looking down at my Moemunicator for what was the first time in hours, I barely registered the last thing it said, before it faded. Railai turned, and I finally felt something heavy lift off my shoulders.

"Akali... you're back! Are you okay?"

"I...feel kind of funny."

"Oh no! Are you poisoned?! I don't think I have any potions, or antido--'' She flashed white, nearly blinding us.



The brightness grew more and more, and I couldn't even stare in awe. As it peaked, it died down just as quickly as it came.



"Whoa...Akali just got cooler. You...still feel funny?"

She bounded towards me, and before I even knew what happened, I felt my cheek sting. She then grabbed me by the collar, and forced me to look her in the eye. Eyes filled with betrayal and anger burned into my mind.

"How could you? How could you just leave a team member to fend for themselves, in a field full of aggressive Moe no less! Do you know how many birds are in this patch of grass, alone?! A couple dozen flocks. And do you know what birds eat? Me! So wouldn't a smart trainer think to recall their team member, knowing full well what could happen to them? Of course, but the one I'm stuck with, decides to abandon me, and take the RAT of all things! You're so lucky that I am good at being stealthy, because you would be short one member otherwise! So you had better get it through that thick skull, not to EVER leave somebody like that again.''

She let go of me with a violent shove. She was right however, in that one should never abandon one's teammate. I felt remorseful, shamed, like a worthless trainer. Nobody else did this to their team, did they?

"You did one thing right however"

"What? I've messed up everything else... what could I get right?" I mumbled, my voice completely drained of emotion. She made an effort to climb up my arm.

"You evolved me. Not many can say they have an evolved Moe this early. Which means I'm that much closer to being a queen."

I laughed slightly, a little emotion coming back. "Funny, I couldn't picture you as the Prima Donna type."

"Tch, come off it! I become a bee a queen of equal speed and power. The perfect form of assasination, not that you'd understand. Being a human, you have no understanding of why it is important to evolve as a Moe.

As a Moe, you aspire to be at your best, your strongest and most powerful. Evolving, is the way us Moe achieve that. Not all can evolve, but most are quite strong on their own. You need to know, as a trainer, you have been given the responsibility to have us evolve now. There is a downside to being a trainer however..."

"There's something else, besides making friends and traveling?"

She nodded, and went silent as we entered the Moe Center. Handing the team off to Nurse Joy, I contemplated what she could mean. Drawing a blank pretty much the entire time, until she gave me my team back, I decided to ask her later.

"Hey Hina, ya know that there's something ya forgot to check on Route 22. That League thing that people talk about."

"Oh, the League challenge? I kind of heard about it, but I don't know much about it. Sounds like it'd be a good idea to find out what it is, huh?"

Making our way towards the League, we stopped short as we heard yelling. It seemed really angry...and familiar, but too far away for me to hear. Izumi seemed to hear it clearly, because she was shivering.

"I-I know w-who it is... h-he's b-being really m-mean to his p-partner."

That didn't leave many people, since I knew few males. Only one however was as she described. Going through the tall grass, up the stairs, I was greeted with the back of a certain walnut hair colored schlemiel. One that wore tacky purple pants, and a black shirt, with a voice like an untuned violin. He must've read my mind, because he turned around mid-rant with a sneer.





"Oh, and you have a badge? You probably haven't even gone past the city, and caught more Moemon, have you?

"Tch, oh I caught my Moe, which can wipe the floor with yours!"

"Alright, battle, here and now. I'll let you choose how many you want."



I whipped out a ball at random, and flung it. Out of it, came my most recent team member, Railai. Aiden sent out his, a Pidgey.



The two stared each other down, slowly circling one another.

"I have the strength of Mother Raticate behind me, and that's all I need to succeed in this battle!" She rushed at the bird in a flash with her Quick Attack, knocking it out of its flight. As it shuffled to its feet, a Tackle was its counter, which didn't seem to have much effect. In another flash of purple, Railai once again hit her mark, making the bird struggle to rise again.

With one more Tackle taken, and a Quick Attack given in rebuttal, the bird was down for the count.



"I knew it, weak as always. Hey, Useless! Get in there, and prove you can actually do something besides lose!



He nearly booted the poor fire lizard onto the field, after recalling his bird. I felt sorry for it, knowing there was nothing I could do for it. Railai withdrew to her ball, and I threw another at random. Out came Kayle, which the lizard completely ignored.

"Oi! Send out Useless! I wanna fight her, and not this sad excuse of a pig. She's not even worth my time and effort."

The second those words left her mouth, a clawed hand raked across her face. She recoiled, covering her face with a pained yelp.

" Aah! You'll pay for that! I was hoping to not have to do this so early, but you've made me mad!

Instantly taking in a deep breath, she exhaled a red, hot flame at Kayle. Leaping back, patting herself down in the process, I could swear there was a flash of red in her eyes, as she angrily dragged her claws across her unprotected belly. Kindle recoiled backwards, her hand instantly clutching her bleeding stomach. Inhaling once again, exhaling smoke just as quickly, she bared her teeth at Kayle.

“Oh, you think you’re cute! Taking such a low blow, you’ll do anything to win won’t you! Tch, I don’t even need fire to beat you!

She stumbled over her feet towards Kayle, landing a hard fist against her cheek. Unflinching, Kayle once again Scratched Kindle across the face. No longer able to support herself from her injuries, she collapsed.




”I’m starting to regret this decision in choosing her. I guess...since you won, I’ll give you a hint.





He glared at me, and I knew he was sour about his loss. Quickly withdrawing his Moemon, he mumbled out a quick...

...And was on his way to what I assumed was the MoeCenter. I guess I should make my way there...but where to next, I had no idea. A tug on my shirt brought me out of my thoughts.

”H-how a-about we g-go to that f-forest n-not too far away. I b-believe it’s V-Viridian f-forest. I-if that’s okay w-with you.”

A big grin crossed my face, as I picked up the Grass Moe as per usual, grabbing Kayle by the hand, and having the rest perched upon me.

“Well, our next destination is the forest. Who’s ready!”

A chorus of ‘Yeah!’ rang out, and everyone raised their fist. Destination decided, morale boosted, and rival beaten. Our day was looking up for us, but who knew what the forest had in store for us...

[Ten]

Viridian Forest, full of bugs, trainers, and grass! From what people at the MoeMart said, Antidotes and extra Potions were necessary to get through here. With what Railai went through, I wasn’t taking any chances, buying nearly my entire savings worth of them, as well as more Moeballs. Saving a little, for meals and whatnot.

“My first response of this forest? Dark, quiet, and a lack of trainers...boring! Hey, yellow hat guy! You seen anybody around lately?”




“That’s what I wanna hear! That reminds me...”

Holding Izumi in one arm, I pressed the button on the ball of each of my other Moe’s, releasing them. I’d come to adjust to having them out with me at all times, the silence without them unbearable. Just as how I’d always have the little beauty in my arms, instead of walking next to me. ’Beauty? Another thought out of the blue, but..I guess it’s true, she is rather cute.’ My cheeks flushed red at that thought, for some odd reason. I shook my head and gathered my team together, I looked everyone in the eye with a serious look on my face.

“Alright girls, from what everyone says, this sis the point where everything gets serious. There’s trainers, stronger Moe, and Gym leaders beyond this point. If anyone feels as if they cannot handle it beyond this point, I will not hold it against you.”

After what Akali told me, I wouldn’t be surprised if the entire team decided to disband.

[FLASHBACK]
We returned to the MoeCenter just shortly after our victory over Aiden. I got a room for the six of us with two beds, and told the girls to get whatever they wanted to eat. Flopping on the bed, I kicked off my sandals, and pulled out a lone sock from my backpack. Hey, my sense of style is odd, but it’s rather comfortable.

With the group around me, meals in hand, I personally congratulated Kayle and Railai, who both turned red. I grinned big, and wrapped an arm around both, balancing Izumi in my lap, and Janna on my head. Akali didn’t look too happy though, so I ushered her over.

“Hey, what’s wrong, you should be happy. It’s not everyday you take down an ego a few pegs.”

”Do you remember earlier today, that I had something to tell you?
I nodded.

”It’s a bit of a long story, but I’ll summarize it for you. Long ago, at a time when our first ancestors roamed, they took on more animalistic forms. Your ancestors, the Humans, called them Pokemon, an archaic term for this day and age. The humans gathered our ancestors, just as you do now, in teams of six to do battle with others. Wars were waged to display strength,hoping to separate the teams. It didn’t work however, and the teams that survived had bonded, in ways that were forbidden. Over time, trainer and Pokemon had reproduced, producing a hybrid offspring that you see now... the Moemon. Our lord Arceus, our creator of all, was furious that such an act was committed, so he took one thing from all Mon alike. Something that would impact every and all living being in more ways than one.”

All was quiet, fixated completely on Akali and her monologue. Not a single Moe continued to eat their food, waiting to hear more from her.

”As most, if not all Mon already know, our ancestors battled quite furiously. They never held back, going all out with their full potential. Shrugging off furious Blizzards, harsh Fire Blasts, bone-crunching Focus Punches, earth-shattering, and I mean that quite literally, Earthquakes. The point I’m trying to make, is that they took all this, and got up as if nothing happened. A brief rest period, and they were up to fight again.

Arceus saw that with that, Moe would only continue to flourish. The one thing that Arceus took, that made every Poke and Moe durable, was their survivability. Through taking that, He had hoped to lessen the number of Moe’s being born.”

“Wait, wait, isn’t Arceus supposed to be...well...genderless?”

”I’ll explain my reasoning after, now let me finish.’ I hadn’t interrupted much after that point. ”Back to my point, even with that implemented, yes it caused a staggering amount of death among the Mon and Moe. Most through carelessness, unknowing, or just a lack of wanting to just be a tool for fighting. That did not fix the problem, which Arceus implemented a second change to our natures.

How many male Moe’s have you seen? I’ll take a guess, and say you have not seen a single one. Well the ability to produce males was severely reduced, to the point of at best one in every thousand. Most of which are taken by you humans, to somewhere us as Moe have no idea. It was still impossible for Arceus to completely shut down your ability to cross-breed with the Pokemon, however, because of that, we were left with the repercussions the humans have set upon us.

Long story short, we Moe aren’t expected to live long lives. Our lives can be taken at any moment, during any battle. We can and will die, and there is nothing you can do to prevent that. That being said, are you still willing to be a trainer?”

I had no response to her story, besides utter shock. Nobody told me, not Mom, not Oak, that Moe actually...die. Now that I had time to think on it, I was timorous, terrified, petrified at the thought of losing Any of my team. So I gave them all a chance to back out, to resume a life that could be more safe than the one I could provide. [END FLASHBACK]

”Shoot, you think a little thing like that’s gonna scare the Ace Aerialist? Flying’s more scary than death. And when it’s my time, then I’ll laugh in the face of all Arceus and Shedinja who think otherwise.

”I agree with Miss Janna. Mother Raticate has told us stories on what shall happen once we pass on, so while I may be quite accepting should it happen, I hope it will not be until further in the future. Lady Hina has been quite pleasant, and I shall serve you until the end.”

”Translating. Translating. While I may be unable to speak for many...if any, I also agree. You have the support of us, just as we have your support, and with that, we can go far. There is no way we’d just abandon you, after the time we’ve spent together, and after bonding with each other as we have. So I am here to stay, and it seems as the others feel the same”

”Tch, I don’t even have to say it, do I? You can help me get stronger, and that’s what I’ve wanted. If it means traveling further with you, then so be it, even if we may not see eye to eye. And no, that isn’t a height joke, so shut it, or I’ll poison you.”

She crossed her arms, and scowled at me, which eased my mind and heart a bit. It was her way of showing she wasn’t just obsessed with power, and an ice queen too cold to feel anything. An odd way to display affection, but you take what you can get. That left just one last member, my first Moe Izumi...

“What say you Izumi? Do you want to roam the wild, and be a free girl? To let the sun blossom your bulb into a beautiful flower. To have a chance to see other of your kind, who would be able to protect you, like a family?” She shook her head, and gave me the biggest smile I have ever seen her do.

“W-why would I w-want t-to do that? I-I already h-have a family w-with you, a-and your...o-our mom. W-with Kayle, Janna, Akali and R-Railai, m-my true f-family, a-and they c-cannot be r-replaced. M-my bulb s-shall sprout i-into a flower, b-but I would not h-have it happen w-without Master H-Hina with me. A-and we sh-shall see m-more of e-everything, b-but we’ll do it together. B-because we are a team, r-right?”

A collective group of nods all around. Well it was decided then, which made me feel that much better. I drew the girls into a group hug, without a doubt in my heart or mind. This team would go far, and I would do what I could to see them get there.

“Enough reminiscing for now. Time for some action, who wants to go after the next--?”

Before I could even finish my sentence, a green flash sailed in my peripheral vision. Palming my face, and sighing out loud, I shook my head at Akali sauntered out of the grass with a smug look on her face.

“Every time?”

”Of course, wouldn’t have it any other way.”



With a sigh, I just pointed Akali back in the direction of the what I assumed to be a Bug type of Moe. With no word from me, she rushed toward it, smacking it in the face with her ponytail, then firing a Poison sting quickly after. The bug dug her shoulder into Akali’s stomach, knocking the wind out of her, to which she traded another Poison sting.

“Okay, that’s enough! Time to catch her!”

Letting my ball fly, I pegged the Bug Moe in the head, sucking her inside. Once, twice, Click!



”Moemon Caterpie was captured! Weight: 6.4 pounds, Type: Bug. Description: Its short have suction cups designed to stick to any surface, where it camouflages itself among leaves the same color as its body. Caterpie has a voracious appetite, and will devour leaves bigger than its body. If the feeler on top of its head is touched, it will release a horrible stink to protect itself.”

Pourquoi m'as-tu frappé avec votre appareil sphérique?

Staring at her with a blank look, Dextra wasted no time in decoding what she said.

“Why have you assaulted me wizh zis spherical device?” was translated, with a french accent. How Dextra picked up on accents, I wouldn’t know, even if I did design her.

“Oh! Yeah, sorry about that. I”m uhh...aspiring to be a trainer, and that involves catching Moe, such as yourself. No disrespect to you...what do I call you?”

“Lanette.You may call me Lanette.”

“Can I call you Lani for short? You know, like Bonnie, but... different.”

“If it pleases you, do what you may, trainer.”

“Hina”

“I’m sorry?”

“My name is Hina. You gave your name, so it’s only polite that I give mine in return.”

”Fair enough, Trainer Hina. I shall accompany you for now, is zat fair?”

“Sounds like a plan. Oh! That makes an entire team now, but I wonder what happens when you catch another Moe--” During my pondering, I had managed to walk into the tall grass, and nearly trip over another Kakuna. A quick scan determined that she was illegitimately evolved, a prematurely grown Moe. She glared up at me, as if reading my thoughts, and I backed away slightly. I had no need to worry, as Akali instantly jumped infront of me, taking her usual battle stance.

“Tch, you think you’re so big, eh? You’re able to intimidate her, but do you think you can handle me? I don’t even think you can do anything, can you, having evolved earlier than needed.” Her words, cruel as they sounded, had instant effect as the opposing Kakuna flinched, and glared even harder at her. She stood her ground however, and received a Poison Sting to the face. A sheen encased her body, as she began hardening her muscles. Firing another Poison Sting, the enemy continued to tighten her focus, aiming to lessen the damage, by making her body more resilient. Not wanting to waste more time, Akali rapidly shot more and more Poison Stings, each countered slightly with another Harden. The sheen stopped briefly afterwards, the muscles tight to the point of being over-exerted, yet she still tried and tried.



The two Kakuna grew short of breath, Akali because of the constant attacks, and the opposing from receiving said attacks. Akali was alot better off, having taken no damage, and decided to finally end the battle, with a few more well aimed shots.

”Tch, I couldn’t even have any fun with that one. The fights get so boring when they’re as one sided as that. She didn’t even put up a fight...”

“I don’t know what to tell you, you won the battle. Even if it took you longer than usual, especially for you of all Moe.” I goaded, already knowing the poison assassin would be fuming in no time. Not wanting to hear her brood, I walked to another patch of grass, where I believe I could make out something jutting out..



Before I could even think to walk in the grass, Akali rushed past me, nearly knocking me down. With an audible sigh, I give chase, and catch her at another boy, this one wearing a straw hat. Pinching the sides of her cheeks, I ask what her deal was.

”Ooow! You’re suuuuch a beeean trainer! Don’t you know I have an ibaaaage to ubhol- OW! Darb it woban, you know that hurts!” She smacked my hand away, rubbing her cheeks to ease the pain.

“Well maybe if a certain Bug Moe wasn’t so impatient, then I wouldn’t have to pinch her cheeks to get her to listen. Finally turning to the young male, I rubbed the back of my head in embarrassment. “I’m so sorry you had to see that, kinda have to teach this one how to act civilized.”



“Huh? Come on?”



“Oh! Battle, sure. Janna, you’re up”

”Oh come on! Why does the bird brain get to battle, and I don’t?”

“Because you need to learn a little thing called “Restraint”, and rushing headfirst into whatever isn’t restraint.”

”And not letting me battle teaches me restraint...how?”

“Well if you can’t act, then there’s nothing to restrain, understand?”

”So you’re going to treat me like a grub? Tell me what I can and can’t do?”

“Until you can prove to me that you’re mature enough to actually not rush in and get yourself killed. Or is that something they don’t teach you as a ninja?”

”Don’t insult me, stealth is one of the biggest forms of restraint you have to perform. You think that ninja training is being flashy, wearing something like bright orange, and fighting head to head? You’d be wrong, because assassins are never supposed to be seen, or heard, just in and out like the wind.”

“Then how did I find you? All that ninja training seemed to not do much, if a girl and her Moe could find an assassin.”

”Luck. Few trainers actually took the chance to pass through the door, to my land. All who have, never spotted me, then comes you with a Grass Moe. Foiling any and all attempts for me to attack, and then you hit me in the face with your ball, and capture me. All situational, and which could have been avoided, had I planned better.”

“Well is it such a bad thing? You get to meet new Moe, explore more of the world, maybe find that special someone...”

”Is someone speaking for themselves, about a certain Grass Moe?”

My cheeks heated up, suddenly remembering a somewhat vivid dream I had the day before. Turning away from Akali, I finally found my voice

“I-I d-don’t know w-what y-you’re t-talking about-”

”Oh, you even do a great impression of her! You two are destined to be together, since you’re so similar.”

”I’d hate to interrupt y’all, but I finished ages ago. He left us some money, and then ran off in tears to the MoeCenter.”

“Oh no! How badly injured were they?”

”I held back alot, to just knock them out. It’s alot harder with wind, but I managed.”

I couldn’t be more happy with hearing that, so I grabbed the her in a tight hug, with a big smile on my face. The tightest hug I could with one arm at least, to not drop Little Izumi. Letting the bird take her usual perch upon my head, I scooped up Akali in my arm, letting her rest on my shoulder.

“Akali, I want you to know that I am not mad at you. I harbor no ill feeling or intent, and I want what’s best for you and the team. I’m terrified of anything happening to any of you, to lose anyone would leave a really big hole in my heart. And with you Akali, the way you rush headfirst into things, makes my heart hurt, if I’m not there to help you. You may be able to handle yourself, but I still want to be able to see that I can do everything in my power to keep anything from taking you away. Oh...here I go being emotional, it’s like a soap opera. Sorry girls..”

Feeling a pressure against my chest, I looked down and saw a pair of ruby red eyes staring up at me. Such innocence in them melted away my negativity, and brought up my happiness.

”Y-you don’t n-need to f-feel like i-it’s a bad thing ma-- H-Hina. W-we’ll all b-be here to support you, a-and we w-won’t go down w-without a f-fight. T-that’s a promise w-we can all keep. A-and soap o-operas aren’t t-that bad, e-especially w-with such interesting p-people in it.”

”Fine, if we’re gonna get emotional and junk, I guess I can say I’m sorry. I will try to not run headfirst into everything, but I won’t promise it forever. Some things you just have to pursue, and that requires split second thinking.You know, or whatever.” She finally input, mumbling her last bit. I was glad to have a less...tense situation between the two of us, but that didn’t mean I wouldn’t poke fun at her.

“Aw, my little Akali has a Tsuntsun side. It warms my heart.”

“T-tsuntsun?! What even is that? Now you’re just making weird stuff up, aren’t you? Tch, weird trainer... I’m going ahead.”

"Hey! Didn't you hear what I just said?! Geez, in one ear, and out the other." Yet again she ran ahead, and yet again I had to give chase. Nearly running face first into another trainer, we locked eyes, and I knew where this was going.



“I’m sorry to interrupt you, but I can’t talk at this moment. Janna, you keep him preoccupied, and if you can, the other trainers of this forest as well. I’m gonna go get our little assassin back, and maybe put her on a leash.”

Pursuing the Bug Moe with party in tow, I felt as if we’d chase her all around the forest. It wasn’t too much of a stretch, but we nearly did, since she’d hop away as one of us would nearly reach her.

“Janna has grown to level 12!”

Dextra announced, just as I made another attempt at her, causing her to flee again, right past another trainer.



Leaving the brown bird to the trainer again, I pressed onward. This time, I waited until I’d gotten another announcement, before making a sneak attack.

“Janna has grown to level 13!"



Janna just became more useful. Which was good, because I could use some speed to catch Akali. Whispering to the team, I quickly put together a plan, and we executed it with no problem, finally cutting off any means of escape near yet another trainer.


“Akali...What did I just get done telling you?”

”About how I shouldn’t run off on my own. I know, but I’m bored! I need something to do, otherwise I get fidgety. And if that means a little exercise from a game of extreme hide and seek, then I guess that’s what we’ll do.”

“Extr- you know, I’m too tired to deal with this at the current moment. Akali, you’re gonna go back in the ball until we get to the center.” Before she could complain, I pointed her ball at her, and she withdrew into it. Technology these days, being able to beam people up, or something of the sort. As we were about to leave, the trainer finally turned around to see what the racket was all about.



“Yes I do, and one of them’s on punishment now, until we leave, so if you’d be so kind as to--”

He threw out his Moe, and I gave an audible sigh. Not even needing to say it anymore, Janna went to town, completely trouncing his team of two Metapod, and a Caterpie.



“Thank you, now we’re leaving the forest, okay girls?”

”Actually, if it is alright wizh you, I would like to remain here for a bit for some training.”

“I’m alright with this, but I’m keeping Janna with you until you come to town, alright? She’ll be able to track me down easily, and if you get in any trouble, she’ll help you. Try not to eat her, and I’ll give you two a bath afterwards.”

”Oui madame, I shall make sure to keep safe wizh Madame Janna as well. Zat is a promise.”

“That’s what I like to hear. Okay, the rest of us, let’s traipse our way to the next metropolis my little matrons.”

I missed seeing the utter look of confusion on their faces, from words they had no idea about. I really need to start reading my thesaurus for more words, my vocabulary’s getting kinda stagnant.

We made our way from the forest, completely walking past the last trainer, telling him that there’d be some Moe to fight him on their way out. Made less sense than I thought it would, but I understood it...kind of. Making a Beedrill line right to the MoeCenter, I’d view the town later I said to myself.



I stared at her with a look of fatigue evident on my face. I just wanted to go take a shower, why were people conversing with me now?



“Sorry, hi. I’m a bit tired after having to deal with the bug forest. So I kinda wanna take a shower...not to be rude, alright?”




“Fine, my name is Hina, I’m twelve years old, I recently filled my entire team full of adorable Moe, and I’m on a quest to take over the world with my team of adorable beauties.” I said with a completely straight face.



I walked away briefly after that, up the escalator, released my team and went straight into the bathroom. Mixing the hot and cold water to my preferred temperature, I ushered the four Moe into the bath, before lowering myself in for a nice soak. Just what I needed...

Nice and showered, scrubbed and smelling of scented soaps and shampoos, I flopped onto the nearest bed, calling my team to me. Kayle with a smile, and a daffodil in her hair looked rather at peace. Railai had a look of curiosity, as well as something else I couldn’t see in her eyes. Akali... seemed to be back at her pouty mood again. I’d talk with her later, and hopefully she wouldn’t be annoyed at me anymore. Then there was Izumi, her red eyes full of bliss, cheeks slightly rosy, and a feeling of...rapture? Something, she seemed really happy, practically radiating joy from her tiny body.

“Okay girls, I haven’t really asked, but how is everyone doing? I wanna know about you, since we’ve been together for a little while. If you want me to start, I can.”

”Well what would you like to know, She Who Walks On Two Legs?”

“Likes, dislikes, and a little background about you. As well as how you are, and any goals for the future.”
”Well then, I believe I shall start first. I am the youngest of my pack, having six sisters. While most Ratatta are free spirited and energetic, I was more level headed and clear sighted. Mother Raticate explained to me that said genetic trait only occured in every four thousand or so Ratatta, that we were able to focus and guide others. Thus I was named Railai the Stoic, although Mindclear was thrown around alot, as well as Mindfang. My joys are wandering about, and exploring new places, as well as giving lost pups a guide to look to. I disfavor rudeness, and having my tail pulled. The future, well we shall see if it plays out like it should.”

“Alright, nice to properly meet you Railai. Glad to have you on the team. Who’s next?”

Kayle raised her hand, and began her story. I listened intently to her, as Dextra translated for her. Being born with underdeveloped vocal chords, as well as being nearly passive made her an outcast in her pack. Having nobody to look over her, she never developed her natural fighting instinct, and thus had to teach herself everything she knew, which was to scratch until it fell. She grew into a depression, until we caught her and brought her up to where she is now. Her plans were to see this out, and stay with us until the end. She disliked being alone, and liked the company of others, as well as flowers.

“Welcome to the team Kayle the Aphasic. That means mute.”

”I-I guess I-I’m next. I have n-no siblings, a-and m-my parents I d-don’t really know m-much about them. P-Professor Oak c-caught me and I w-waited with Kindle and E-Elixir. T-they b-bullied me, a-and i-it made m-me really s-sad, t-to see the o-only friends I c-could make c-care so little. S-so I stayed i-in the ball, e-even though I was t-t-terrified of enclosed s-spaces. T-then I m-met you, a-and I w-was happy a-again. I-I really hope K-Kindle’s b-being taken care of b-by Aiden. A-as for m-my likes and d-dislikes, I l-like m-making friends, s-standing in the sun, a-and um... She mumbled the very last part with a blush.

“I’m sorry, what was that last part? Couldn’t hear you.”

“I-I...IlikeitwhenHinaholdsmeinherarms.She covered her face with her hands and I could see her ears reddening slowly. I giggled, and pulled her hands away from her face.

“Nothing to be ashamed of. I liked being held too when I was younger, so I guess mom rubbed off on me. Still gotta know what you dislike and your goals though.”
”I-I d-don’t like bullies, o-or people b-being rude. I a-also don’t l-like close s-spaces, or p-places t-that I c-can’t f-feel the sun. M-my goal... I-is just to find love one d-day, s-someone to t-take care of m-me, and h-hold m-me when I g-get scared. A-and won’t l-look down on m-me for w-who I am.”

“Well I’ll stay with you, until you are ready to leave should you find it, Izumi the Gallant. My brave little Bulbasaur...”

Her blush returned full force, before I pulled her into my arms. All that was left was Akali, and I figured she had some interesting life story. She still seemed pouty, and I dunno if she’d be willing to share.

”Don’t assume I’m going to tell you, or that there’s any way you can prod anything from me for some time.”

"Then I won't force you, if you wanna tell, by all means. If not, then it's a secret that will only be known to you."

"Tch, you're a strange one, Hina. I'm not gonna tell you now though."

"Understandable. I shall push it no further, out of respect for you."

Sighing out loud, I wondered how Janna and Lani were doing, if they were still safe out there...I'm sure Janna would keep her safe, nothing would happen, right? They'd both come back...right?









"Hey, ya'll okay to be goin' a few more rounds? Or do ya wanna head back?" The goggled bird asked, standing a short distance away from her partner. Her feathers were slightly ruffled, and there was a healthy layer of dirt covering her, but other than that, nothing else was out of place.

"Don't you worry, zhere is no problem. While I may be a bit weakened, I still have ze strength to continue. Lani the Bug Moe replied through light panting. Scuff marks and bruises adorned her arms, and head, and a barely noticeable trail of blood, which seemed to have dribbled from her mouth at some point, and dried. "Actually, I feel razher strange..."

"That's not good, ya'll might have something wrong, so I reckon it's time to go--

Lani was bathed in a blindingly white glow, causing the bird to shield her eyes.




When the glow died down, and Janna got a good look, her mouth fell open. Lani had evolved!

"Hoowee, now that's mighty nice there. A bit more, and you'll be able to fly like me. Feel any different?

"I feel...stronger, lighter even. My speed seems to have dropped a bit, but zat does not seem like much, since I am more sturdy now. Let's continue, until I can fly like you."

"Alright, let's go."

The two Moe continued their training, taking on every opponent that stood in their path.




Deciding to push herself to the limits, she took on a pair of Pidgey. Taking a glancing blow from one, she hit the other with a hard tackle. Putting a lot of effort to bring itself to the air, the two birds rushed at her in a pincer type attack.



Seeing her partner in peril, Janna knocked the less damaged one to the ground with a gust. It didn't get back up, leaving Lani to the other, which she also grounded with a Tackle.

"Whoo! That was a rush, I'd high five ya, but your arms are kinda short at the moment."

"A high what now? I'm not sure I know what zat is..."

"Nevermind then. It's getting late, wanna head back? Gettin' kinda hungry here, and I'm sorta tired. How about you?"

"Sure, I am a bit tired as well, and some food might help wizh the training. It might help zis funny feeling in my stomach settle."

"Funny feeling? Wait, don't tell me...

Bathed again in the blinding light, Janna covered her eyes again, but made an attempt to squint, in hopes to see how the evolution worked. Not even a slight amount...




Finally able to see again, she glanced around, and saw the new Butterfly Moe. She grinned, suddenly remembering the other Bug Moe, and how jealous she would be.

"Oh, Akali is gonna be so mad when she sees you. Come on, let's fly back. It's dark, and Hina is probably wondering where we are. She'll have a fit, if we stay out any longer."

Testing out her new wings, she awkwardly brought herself into the air. A few more attempts, and she stopped falling flat on her face, and stayed airborne. The two finally made their way to Pewter City.