Chapter 31 – Off to See the Maniac!
Chapter 31 – Off to See the Maniac!
“You know, I don’t think I’m ever going to stop being surprised when you keep name dropping famous people casually and announcing you want to visit them. I mean, technically this is sort of the first time, since we haven’t visited Professor Oak, but the point stands.”
2B cocked her head as Zoey broke the companionable silence that had settled over them as they walked along Route 24 this morning. They’d taken a single day to rest and recover after their gym battles, before 2B had explained to Zoey that Bill had wanted her to stop by when she passed through Cerulean City. Zoey had seemed surprised, but had also jumped on the idea immediately.
“You didn’t seem bothered by the suggestion when I brought it up?”
Zoey stared at her for a moment, then shook her head.
“I’m not bothered by it, 2B. I’m just surprised. Bill is almost as famous worldwide as Professor Oak is, for being the inventor of the Pokémon storage system. Unlike Oak, though, Bill is known to be an introverted recluse who doesn’t like people bothering him. So the idea he asked you to come visit him is worth mentioning. How do you even know him?”
2B blinked, processing that with a small frown. She supposed she hadn’t really thought of Bill as someone famous. He was just a ‘computer nerd,’ as Daisy had labeled him. Sort of like a less dangerous 9S who she probably wouldn’t have to murder for trying to kill everyone. He did remind her enough of 9S that she’d hacked into his systems to make sure. Thankfully, the worse she’d found was some extremely dubious kink fantasies about having sex as a pokémon. Weird, but harmless since he wasn’t doing anything to anyone without consent.
“Ah. I helped him improve his storage system algorithms quite a lot.”
She held up her storage bracer. Humans could always use visual aids, she’d found.
“That’s where the new Spatial Storage Bracer product line came from. The improved algorithms allowed the two of us to create a storage unit small enough to be worn. It isn’t suitable for anything living, as we couldn’t get enough processing power into something portable for that. But the storage capacity is far superior to the compressed space backpacks that were the previous standard for Trainers.”
Zoey blinked, expression slowly shifting to incredulous.
“You…no, I’m not even going to question it.”
The redhead shook her head, visibly put whatever she’d been thinking on the subject aside, and blatantly changed the topic.
“Next topic! It should only take us two days to reach Bill’s Cottage, at most, even with stops for a few hours of training. Then the same back, unless some new disaster pops up. That will put us in Cerulean right before the first Sensational Series contest. Since you promised Daisy you’d give them a try, I took the liberty of picking up an entry form...which you can submit by pokégear! So how about it, 2B? Ready for your first Contest?”
Blinking, 2B considered that…and shrugged.
“I do not see why not. I’m unsure why Daisy believed I’d be good at them. I did say I would try, however. Will you help me create a routine on the way to Bill’s?”
Zoey’s beaming smile told 2B that it had apparently been the right question to ask, and produced a fluttery feeling in her chest? How odd.
“Girlfriend of mine, I would love nothing more than to help you create a show that will knock the judges socks off!”
While 2B wasn’t at all sure why knocking socks off of someone was a suitable goal, Zoey was clearly pleased with the idea. So she would give it her best. Even if she still wasn’t sure why both her girlfriend and Daisy thought she’d be amazing at it…
… … …
It was their second day of walking to Bill’s residence when something disrupted the planning Zoey had been doing about possible routines for 2B’s upcoming Contest. Frankly, given that 2B’s head felt like it was spinning a bit as she tried to keep up with all of Zoey’s many thoughts on the subject, the ‘alert’ buzz coming from both of their pokégears was a bit of a relief to her. Zoey fumbled to pull hers out, even as 2B merely made an eye gesture that would bring up the alert on the tactical visor. Thankfully, it was only a ‘yellow’ alert, warning trainers to be cautious, rather than some new sort of emergency.
Far more interesting to 2B was what it was warning them about.
“A swarm of Buneary? That may have potential…”
Zoey, who was only just now reading the alert, blinked and looked curiously at 2B.
“…Okay, given your team sort of has a ‘cute but badass’ vibe going, I could see a Buneary fitting in. Knowing you, though, I suspect you have better reasoning than that. I’m not quite seeing it, though?”
2B nodded. Cute was nice, but even with Daisy listing it as a good quality for any pokémon, it wasn’t at the top of 2B’s list of priorities for her partners.
“We got derailed in Mt. Moon and never looked for a Makuhita. Despite being a Normal type, Buneary can learn most of the tricks I wanted in that line, if only via TM or move tutoring. Most importantly, the various elemental punches for breath of type coverage in a single pokemon.”
Zoey’s brow furrowed as she considered that, slowly nodding as she did so. Obviously mentally considering what she knew about the line of pokémon in question.
“That’s not a bad point, actually. Buneary are pretty common in my home region, so I’ve seen a lot of them used for both Battles and Contests. They do have a pretty impressive move pool, if you’re willing and able to shell out for TMs. Lopunny can get pretty powerful too, with the right Trainer. You want to head into the swarm and see if we can catch you one?”
There was a reason that the Ranger alert had only been a ‘yellow.’ While swarms of pokémon could be dangerous, it tended to vary from ‘observe mild caution’ all the way to ‘holy shit run and don’t stop running until you’re in the next region.’ The latter, of course, being when more volatile pokémon like Gyarados decided to swarm. A swarm of Oddish would barely deserve a warning, as the grass type were notoriously skittish. Even in a swarm, you’d have to do something fantastically stupid to have a problem with them.
Buneary were somewhere on the lower-middle of that equation. Individually, they were unlikely to bother a Trainer. Enough of them did share a bit of ‘fighting type attitude’ though that, in a swarm situation, you could expect at least a little bit of a fight. For Trainers of 2B and Zoey’s level, however, the threat was extremely minimal. Meanwhile, those very Buneary that did steer toward fighting Trainers were the ones most likely to interest 2B, making the question a casual one, rather than any sort of shock.
“Yes. More accurately, I wish to get near it and use an Aura Lure with my intent on it. While it does risk getting too many responses, I believe it will weed those willing to become a companion out of the swarm.”
Zoey considered the idea for a moment, then shrugged. There was some risk that too many of the Buneary would be ‘interested,’ given that pokémon seemed to almost universally adore 2B. But that was something she felt they could deal with.
“Well, we aren’t that far from the intersection with Route 25, where the swarm was reported. Let’s pick up the pace and find a good spot nearby for you to give it a try.”
Nodding, no more words needing to be said, 2B sped up. Though she thankfully kept it within limits that Zoey could keep up with…
… … …
Zoey watched on in fascination as 2B crafted an Aura Lure. This one wasn’t in the shape of a fishing rod for obvious reasons, instead being a sort of diamond floating in midair, that let off steady pulses of aura. She’d already been able to feel the one 2B used back when they first met from a fair distance off, but hadn’t gotten anything more than the general feel of aura-in-use at the time.
Now, after a fair number of sessions where 2B had been teaching her about aura, Zoey was getting a lot more out of it. Less, she was sure, than a pokémon or 2B herself would, but enough to have a clearer idea of what the Lure did. The best way she could describe it was as a series of emotions that created a sort of subtle message. Challenge, desire for companionship, the charged feeling of adrenaline in your blood just before a fight, protectiveness, and quite a lot more. All of it woven together in such a way that Zoey roughly translated it as a conceptual-level message reading something like, ‘Group looking for more to grow stronger with.’
It was more complex than that, of course. There were hints of 2B’s own…self? A representation of what and who she was that Zoey vaguely recognized from their Aura Linking experiments. Assuming a pokémon got more out of it that she herself did, it likely read as a sort of compressed image of who 2B saw herself as, as a person. Good and bad both. She suspected that very few humans would be so comfortable broadcasting that self-image. Which might well explain why 2B was beloved by pokémon, who Zoey was abruptly sure likely did something similar in their own introductions. It certainly would explain a lot of little things she’d noticed over the years.
She was almost disappointed with how fast the Lure got a reaction. She strongly suspected studying the feeling of the thing for longer would have both helped her understand her girlfriend better and helped her understand aura more completely. As it was, knowing what she did about 2B, she wasn’t exactly shocked that four Buneary and a Lopunny appeared in the clearing after less than five minutes. She watched as 2B dropped the Lure and smiled at them.
“Hello. My name is 2B, and I’m looking for a new partner to join my team. Would you like to meet the rest of those who you’d be joining?”
Unlike Chinchou, who had immediately challenged 2B, these pokémon seemed to defer to the Lopunny, which cocked its head and nodded acceptance of 2B’s idea. Still smiling, 2B released her team. One of the Buneary darted off as four pokémon formed, the presence of so many new auras apparently enough to scare it off. The other three and the Lopunny remained, curiously inspecting 2B’s team, but not getting any closer.
Zoey hid a smirk as Vulpix imperiously marched toward them, only to get bopped on the head by Jigglypuff, even as Scyther bowed regally to the group of wild pokémon. Lanturn, still newly evolved, was a bit too busy focusing on its ability to levitate over ground to do much else. Not all Water types could do that, some truly being near-useless out of water environments. But Lanturn, as a Water/Electric type, could pull the trick off on instinct. Even if it was still adjusting to being able to do so.
“Jiggly, puf, Jig! Puff, jigg, ‘ly!”
Seeming to take the lead as always, Jigglypuff…puffed itself up proudly and spoke to the wild Buneary. Zoey had been around the pokémon just long enough, or perhaps studied aura enough near it, to get some vague impression that she was talking up 2B and the team. Something that seemed to amuse the Lopunny, which stepped forward and made a very obvious ‘come at me bro’ gesture with one ear.
Jigglypuff didn’t take that lying down, executing what Zoey now recognized as her and 2B’s favorite opener. An Aqua Jet into the air, followed by a Fairy Gatling. The Lopunny was visibly surprised…but it also moved in a way that caused Zoey’s eyes to instantly widen. The sheer speed told her instantly that this was not a typical member of the species. Something only made more obvious when it closed the range, tanking the last bit of the Fairy Gatling, and lashed out with an ear coated in Steel Type energy.
Jigglypuff barely reacted in time, but she did manage to dodge by simply letting all her air out in a rush and dropping. Not content with a mere dodge, she managed to lash out with a weak Brick Break, just barely grazing the Lopunny as it dashed right back to where it had started. The Lopunny blinked, looking down at there it had been tagged…then seemed to smile.
“Lop, pun, lopunny! Lopun?”
2B had settled a restraining hand on Jigglypuff and nodded at the pokémon.
“Yes, I trained Jigglypuff here from an Igglybuff. She’s been with me the longest of any of my team. Just barely over a year now.”
The Lopunny seemed to mull that over, before looking over at what Zoey abruptly realized might well be its kids. This was obviously a released Trainer pokémon, not a truly wild ‘mon. There was absolutely no way it would have known what must have been a version of Iron Tail any other way. That was the sort of move that required either dedicated move tutoring or, far more likely, a TM.
“Lop!”
Finally, the Lopunny pointed at one of the Buneary, which squealed happily and rushed forward. First to hug the Lopunny, then turning and rushing toward 2B instead. 2B knelt with a welcoming smile and a Luxury Ball in hand.
“Welcome aboard, Buneary, I promise to train you to be as strong as you desire.”
That, Zoey somehow knew, was directed almost as much at what Zoey was now certain was one of the Buneary’s parents, as it was at Buneary. The latter quickly tapped its nose to the center of the pokéball, turning to light as it was sucked in. Shaking her head and wondering if there would ever be a more ‘traditional’ captured with her girlfriend, Zoey watched as the Lopunny said goodbye and steered its other kids away.
Well, she supposed 2B had technically caught that one Abomasnow ‘normally.’ Given she’d handed it over to the Rangers, however, Zoey didn’t think that counted. Oh well, 2B’s ability to find pokémon that wanted to become partners was helping Zoey find good matches of her own, so she was hardly going to complain. In fact, being able to replicate the Aura Lure trick was one of several reasons Zoey was intent on learning aura for herself…
… … …
… … …
Buneary
Gender: Female
Type: Normal
Moves Known: Defense Curl, Foresight, Pound, Quick Attack, Jump Kick, Fire Punch
… … …
Zoey whistled lowly as 2B displayed her pokédex’s first scan of Buneary. It was a very solid set of starting moves to know, including one that had most likely been an egg move in the form of Fire Punch. Combined with Jump Kick giving Buneary a Fighting Type move, and the rest being just a solid set of basic moves in general, the little pokémon was remarkably well rounded for a wild ‘mon. Of course, given that at least one parent had likely been that immensely strong Lopunny that had to have been a released Trainer pokémon, it made sense.
“Well, looks like you’ve got a solid base to work on with her. Since we’re making good time, I suggest…three hours of training? Is that enough or too much?”
2B shook her head.
“Three hours should be excellent. I will be giving her the usual demonstration for new pokémon, then working through her known moves to see how quickly and well she can use them. Three hours will be more than enough for her to both do that and have a bit of a snack to recover while I give a bit of one-on-one time to the others.”
Zoey nodded, having had similar thoughts. As a newly caught pokémon, Buneary probably wouldn’t have the stamina for a full three-hour session. But an hour or two, plus a recovery period while 2B worked with the rest of her team was about right. Zoey herself would spend the same time working with her own team one on one. They’d done excellent at their second gym, but that no reason to slack off. Teddiursa, in particular, was showing signs of being ready to evolve.
“Alright. I’ll separate to the other side of the road. Given how close Teddi is to evolving, I might look for some wild battles in addition to training! We’ll meet back up at eleven for lunch!”
2B nodded her head, even as Zoey threw a wave and trotted off to train with her own team…
… … …
Zoey cheered as Teddiursa…no Ursaring finished glowing, letting out a much more fearsome roar than it had managed as an adorable Teddiursa. A part of her would admittedly miss the cuddly and adorable factor, but her now not-so-little bear had wanted to be a fighter from the start. So she would celebrate his triumph with him! She’d even had some idea this might happen on their trip to Bill’s or back, so she’d brought his favorite poképuff in an Extra Large size that would properly let his new form enjoy the treat.
Satisfied with the results of her own training, or rather battling, since they’d both found a single Trainer to battle and a few wild pokémon, Zoey decided it was probably past time to be getting back. It was actually a bit beyond the three-hour mark, though she’d sent a message to 2B’s pokégear to let her know they’d be a bit late. She’d had a good sense of just how close Teddiursa had been to evolving after that battle with a wandering Hiker, and decided for his sake to stick it out a little longer. Now, from the ecstatic look on his still beary-cute face, she was glad she had!
“Come on, Ursaring! Let’s get back to the others to show off how much you’ve grown! I’ve got a special treat for you for evolving, too. You’re favorite Extra Spicy Cherripuff…in Extra Large size!”
Perking up at both the idea of showing off his new evolution and the promise of his favorite poképuff, Ursaring happily darted off, back toward the road. Zoey laughed but followed after him at a more leisurely stroll. He’d burn out his extra evolution energy soon and crash hard. She could return him to his ball for a nap when he did…
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A/N 1: So, the Swarm of Buneary was inspired by the fact that such events are the only way they appear in that location, during at least one generation of the games. Which is a little silly, honestly, but gave a bit of flavor to the encounter here, without having to send them off on a whole additional side adventure.