Chapter 85: Gift giving and not forgiving

Chapter 85: Gift giving and not forgiving

The last trainer for the day ended up being a doozy.

Theyd selected the gauntlet run and on paper they looked like they knew what they were doing. They had a good sized team with pokemon of various sizes and types. They even had a grass type with an Oddish, and a water type with a Poliwag.

What they didnt have was good luck. Yolanda had gone out first leaving me to hold her trembling egg. Perhaps that had resulted in her wanting to end the match quicker. Shed dropped all defence and left herself open with Rock Throw after Rock Throw only to land a number of what I had to assume were critical hits with how his pokemon folded at the blows.

By the end of the first match, Yolanda was startled to have taken down his Oddish and Poliwag through dumb luck more than anything. Rocko had then come out with a Rhyhorn and the kid had knuckled down to fight. Hed lost two more pokemon taking Rhyhorn down, but that was to be expected with a Spearow and a Beedrill as his next pokemon. That left him with a Growlithe already on the field when I made my way down to him.

I stared across at him and his tired pokemon. There were six pokemon here and they were young. The kid himself was starting to shake which wasnt a good sign.

Kid, I think you should call it, I said, trying to reason with him. He shook his head and I sighed, hitting a button on the side of the podium that would send an alert to Chansey.

I sent out Geodude and decided to match what Yolanda had done earlier with leaving my pokemon open. I threw out some Mud Slaps to make it easier but the kid shook himself and clenched his fists before ordering Growlithe to push through.

Growlithe did not push through and instead collapsed when he advanced to Bite my Geodude.

I stared at the kid as he drunkenly grabbed another ball of his belt. G-go! Butterfree! he said and I winched. The kid was swaying and acting like he was punch drunk.

Rock Throw, I said, ending the match before it could get started. The podiums were already lowering but I hopped off mine as Butterfree collapsed with a cry of its name. Then the kid folded like wet paper.

I was quickly next to him and checking his pulse as I rolled him into the recovery position. Chansey exploded out of the medical wing and firmly relocated me before she began tending to the trainer. I stood up and raised a hand to the crowd that were anxiously watching on.

Got a pulse and hes breathing fine everyone, I said firmly.

The kid gasped as Chansey laid a glowing hand on his chest. Huh? What happened?

I put a hand on his shoulder as he tried to stand up. Hey, easy there. You whited out from using your entire team and them being knocked out. Your body couldnt handle the strain. Just lay back, youre safe. Do you remember your name and where you are?

Bob?... and Im at the Pewter Gym? he said carefully. I nodded, pleased that he didnt appear to have an altered state of consciousness.

Within a minute he was able to sit up and the crowd applauded his recovery before slowly breaking up.

I didnt even think about that he said as tears ran down his face.

Hey, you got really unlucky with that first match. I was watching, Yolanda got lucky with some solid hits that took out the pokemon that by all rights would have let you breeze through your first badge. After that your team composition didnt have the moves or the advantages. I think you need to train yourself up. You had a good plan but hit a hurdle.

Y-yeah, he said sadly. I patted him on the back and stayed with him. When I was confident he could make it back to the pokemon centre on his own after Chansey had healed two of his pokemon I let him leave. He nodded quietly in thanks, obviously still shaken up over how it had played out.

Greta was of course waiting for me when I was done, chewing her lip and practically vibrating with unasked questions. That was whiting out wasnt it?

I nodded. Yeah, that was it.

Ive seen trainers lose with their entire teams before and not faint like that whats the difference?

Whiting out is caused by pulling too much on your bodys energy reserves. You know how each pokeball syncs up to the trainer that buys it? Well, the pokemon can work off that as well. Sometimes it helps make them easier to handle or even help them require less food.

I raised a hand to forestall any more questions. However, the more pokemon you have the greater the strain that can build up on your energy reserves. Trainers with a full six-team roster are putting themselves under the most strain due to having their energy spread so thin. Most times new trainers wont feature a full six pokemon team, this can be due to a host of reasons.

Such as? Greta said, dutifully writing down what I was saying.

Hmmm, three off the top of my head? Not having stables set up, they only want certain pokemon on their team, or even that theyre holding out for a specific pokemon for their team. Their reasons are their own. Trainers with the full six this early in their careers are pretty rare, but they can be around. There are also differences in an individual's energy capacity to consider. Some people naturally have bigger or smaller energy stores which feeds back into how many pokemon they can have on their teams at one time. If you can comfortably handle six pokemon and not faint youre in a rare group as people usually need a couple of years as a trainer to reach that level.

I personally had a theory regarding aura manipulation, both purposeful and instinctual, helping to make people more or less resilient but I wasnt going to mention that to Greta.

But dont you and some of the Elite Four have expanded pokemon carrying capacities? How do your energy levels handle that?

Training and experience. We can handle the strain and that results in us being allowed to take on more. Its one of the perks of reaching certain heights with your pokemon or raising strong pokemon. When you get to that level its no longer a one-way street of us just giving energy to pokemon.

Greta hummed thoughtfully at that before nodding. She opened her mouth only for Crystal to appear and wrap her arms around her shoulders. Hey! Youre coming with me to hang out seeing as my usual scooter buddy is busy!

I chuckled as Greta was dragged away before turning to wrap up the day myself. I went through the usual checks and paperwork before giving the reserve a walk-through.

Flint was once more out front inspecting the Lileep and when I walked past he stood up and followed me in. Brock! How was your day?

I considered him as I opened the door. It was alright, all my challengers arrived, and most of them came away with their badges.

Oh, good. Were you doing anything else now? I had been wrapping up the gifts with Yolanda and wanted to give them out

I was about to answer when my transceiver buzzed. I glanced at it and saw a message from Sabrina.

Hey, Ive got nothing today, it read simply.

The unwritten, may I come over was supplied by my mind. Sabrina usually never asked after all, shed just appear. Typically she just showed up without asking, unless she wanted to try and hang out with my family. Then she would ask. She was oddly polite about spending time with them.

Cant hang out, I wrote back. Flint came back, so you can stop looking for him and now I have to yeah, I left the message there cause it wasnt exactly clear what I needed to do. In many ways I envied canon Brocks path of leaving things to his father but for so many reasons I felt like I couldnt do that.

... where are you now? she wrote back.

I frowned at the message. What did she In my doorway? I wrote back, a suspicion forming in my mind.

Hello Brock. Flint, Sabrina said as she appeared in a flash of light from the corner. I nodded in greeting only for Flint to flinch and stumble backwards over the shoes that were in the doorway.

Oh! Hello there Sabrina! You scared me. Hahaha! he said as he stood up.

Yes, I did, Sabrina said back, observing Flint and how he was sprawled out. Flint chuckled helplessly for a few more seconds before standing up. Ill just go check on Yolanda! he said before hurrying past Sabrina and I. He notably made sure to give Sabrina lots of room.

Hey Sabrina, whats up? I said only to be met by Sabrina stepping in close to me.

Her eyes roamed my face and I got the impression of the air tapping at parts of my body. Was she?

Are you checking me over? I said.

She hadnt done this since we threw a boulder at Giovannis Gym this was something shed learnt to do after Id taken a bad tumble during our journey in Hoenn. Shed teleported to my side and been a bit of a mess with not knowing what to do. Id lain there, catching my breath. Id instructed her on how to assess and triage any potential injuries, which had been more to help her calm down rather than me actually being hurt.

As a former health worker, the DRSABCD and other first aid acronyms had been basically seared into my brain.

Yes, you have a notable problem with your father. Your shoulders and back are tense as though you are expecting to react instead of being relaxed. Your heart rate also spiked notably with my arrival, She said matter of factly. Sabrina had obviously done a lot more reading on the subject of cues that people give off when theyre stressed or injured.

Maybe, I also had a sort of bad end to the day, I said with a shrug. I waved a hand and led her towards my room.

She shook her head as she followed and took my hand in hers and began rubbing the back of it. No, that is not a typical response for you on a rough day. Youre more slumped and tired.

Maybe you startled me? I offered.

She again shook her head. No you dont react that way when I arrive in such a fashion. Others will sometimes shriek and wave their arms about. she pointedly looked at where Flint had tripped over himself, but you are usually much calmer in greeting me.

My curiosity got the best of me. Wave their arms about?

Erika is still getting used to being friends. Her trainers react worse even when I appear in front of them, but she typically stiffens and makes a small meeping noise these days.

Despite myself, I chuckled as I imagined such a scene. Sabrinas lips quirked upwards but she didnt step out of my personal space.

When the mayor of Saffron wanted to talk with me as a child I made him fall out of his chair by arriving before he could hang up his transceiver.

I chuckled and Sabrina perked up even further. My mother once wet herself, she continued.

I raised a hand. I really, really should not find that so funny.

And yet you do. It is neither good nor bad. You are not causing their reactions. In hindsight, I can see that they are rather comical. It was also not wrong of me, but not the best use of my powers. She tilted her head, however her smile remained.

I scratched the back of my head. Yeah well I blinked. This moment felt oddly similar. Did you just use my own words against me?

She bobbed her head forward. Yes, she said.

Huh, I Im not sure how I feel about that. If anything I felt a little bad? Usually, I was the one shoring her up. I otherwise why did I oddly feel warm? Was I blushing? I swallowed. Youve gotten really good at being friends with someone havent you?

Sabrina didnt preen. She wasnt so taken with large shows of emotion but she nonetheless tossed her hair slightly and her smile grew another fraction of a millimetre. I have been working on my weakness for quite some time.

Its not a weakness, I said reflexively.

She shook her head. No, it has been. I am not good with well mostly people, as they are complex and sometimes they can think and do different things. Sometimes I know what they will do thanks to my psychic powers but still the why escaped me. Now I understand them more I know that their thoughts arent everything about them.

The mind isnt the only thing that makes people act, I said remembering something Id heard once.

You said as much when we first met, she said, I understand it more now, she repeated.

Did I? I said in surprise.

She nodded her head. My pokemon had just been beaten by your Titan and I had been I had been having a tantrum I believe.

I squinted. Thinking back. Oh! She had hadnt she? She hadnt stomped her foot or been screaming, rather shed been so flat and monotone that I hadnt registered any emotion. But if I applied what Id learnt from spending time with her to how shed been acting she'd almost been having a hissy fit hadnt she?

You said you said why cant I read your mind? Why cant I understand people? No. You said, I rubbed my chin as Sabrina blinked at me in surprise. No, you said something like, why are people so strange.

Sabrina nodded, a small genuine smile taking hold as she watched me. Were her eyes glistening a little? I reached out and put a hand on her shoulder. Hey, hey its alright.

Yes, it really is I am not sad Brock. Right now I do not need support. She tapped me on the chest. But you do, I tilted my head when I noticed her smile remaining.

Okay? Im a bit Im not really sure what to do with Flint. I mean yeah hes my dad but Why are you smiling at this? I said, unable to wrap my head around why she was.

I apologise, it is just for so long it has felt like there has been a a gap between us in terms of emotions, interpreting them, understanding them, acting on them, letting them simply be She made a gesture that indicated just how close we were. I have been working on this for a long time and it has been extremely frustrating for me.

She smiled despite the odd tension in her voice, I have struggled.

I nodded, Yeah, I know.

She nodded back acknowledging that she had recognised her difficulties. Yes, and you have been very supportive of me and explained a lot. She tilted her head. In many ways, it has been like building a house brick by brick only for there to be smaller details that I have not thought of once finishing a room. The taps or colours of the walls, or that you need more than one room? When is it right to be in each room or let certain emotions out more precisely. She made the gesture to reference the gap once more.

In the beginning, that gap felt like it would never shorten. But I kept trying and lately lately it feels like I have caught up. And now I am close enough to offer you support, she looked at me with her small smile and for some reason, I felt like like things would be better.

I swallowed again feeling oddly dry in my mouth. And how are you going to do that?

She walked past me and sat on my bed. In doing so she crossed her legs which made my eyes glance down and notice that they were very nice legs, attached to a very attractive woman. I swallowed away the dryness as the room suddenly felt much hotter. I was a young man and she was a young

I will be here with you and I will listen, she said with her small pleased smile.

I felt a moment of disconnect as my mind stalled down the path it had been charging along as hormones got the better of me. I coughed and nodded. Of course, heh! Youre good at this, I said as I grabbed a chair from in front of my desk to sit in myself.

Sabrina nodded. I have good friends. She leaned forward. Also, the Ralts egg is going to hatch. She has started to form a bond with me That bond has helped a great deal in my efforts and I am looking forward to meeting her. She said she will be hatching tonight. But before that, I will listen and help you.

I blinked. Was Sabrina bragging in a way? I suppose in a way it must have been a milestone moment for her.

Thats great news, Can I come to see her hatch? I said.

Sabrina chewed her lip. The bond that I am forming with Ralts will be delicate Im sorry to say that your Dark energy might not be a good thing to include in the initial moments. she bowed her head and I waved it off.

No, that actually makes a lot of sense. Just film it for me yeah? Id like to see it, I said. Really I wanted to see her reaction to Ralts more than Ralts hatching. She nodded her head.

Very well, I shall do that. Now, how are you? she said.

I hummed, feeling oddly domestic with that question but I relaxed into my chair and thought about what I wanted to tell her. In the end, I just shrugged. So things are really awkward

In the end, I just unloaded everything that had been weighing me down since Flints return. Sabrina listened and offered no advice. She apologised for not being able to do so but I waved it off. Shed helped just by listening. That seemed to mollify her.

I straightened up. I should probably head back out, I have no idea what the kids are up to.

I huffed. I think it would be best to get you helping out at home. You no doubt have some strong pokemon but I think family needs to be focused on first. Be their dad, yeah?

Y-yeah! Flint said as he rubbed his nose. He swallowed. Can I still call you son?

...Sure I dont think Id mind that, I said carefully. Flint lit up a little in hope.

Can I be a super proud old man that wants to brag about you to his friends? he said in a manner that made me think he was mostly joking.

I snorted. Only on weekends, I said back to him in jest.

Then I put a hand on the folders I had next to me. If youre going to be a dad for the rest of our family though, it's probably best that we discuss the family health records, what they like, dislike, how theyve been doing in school and get you caught up so you can actually help properly. How much money we have coming in all that jazz

Yes! Flint perked up even more at that. I mean! Id like that!

I smiled and made to open up the health records only for a wet sniffle to remind me of the spectators.

I glanced over to find Yolanda rubbing at her eyes furiously. Sorry! Sorry! Im being all emotional cause I was sad that Brock was so angry, but then he made a lot of sense and Im sorry we were a burden and it was hard! Cause I know it was hard and I just wanted dad back but I knew you were having issues with that and-and-and Im glad youre getting on now! She rubbed at her eyes as the words spilled from her like a waterfall.

Flint and I shared a look, both gesturing for the other to go ahead. Then I felt a sort of understanding of what we needed to do click home. Without talking we both got up and set ourselves on either side of Yolanda and wrapped her in a hug. In doing so, we sort of overlapped each other. It was almost like I was hugging Flint and him hugging me.

Hey, its alright, I said. She sniffled and Flint said some comforting words as well, but we remained there until she calmed down.

She rubbed her eyes and then blew her nose into a hankie that Flint had in his pocket.

T-thanks for that.

I just smiled before letting my smile grow. I turned and grabbed Forrest. How about you do you need to have a man hug little brother? he dragged him into it and he flinched as he found himself in the middle of the group.

Urgh! No! Yuk! Stop it!

Flint laughed and threw himself into the hug. Forrest made a show of putting up a fight as he grumbled. I rubbed his head. Its alright to admit you have feelings!

He grumbled more.

When we broke apart, I opened my arms to Salvadore.

He tapped his fingers together. I get the feeling this is not a choice but something I am required to volunteer for

Correct! I said as he stepped in and trapped Forrest in the hug once more. I glanced over and saw Flint looking down at the others. Then he looked up and mouthed thank you to me.

I nodded and let the hug remain for a bit longer. Then I sniffed. I leaned back and stared at a very sheepish Forrest. Really? While we were hugging?

Sorry! I just couldnt hold it in with you squeezing me like that? he said.

Flint, Yolanda and Salvadore all frowned in confusion only to sniff and gain identical looks of revulsion. Yolanda threw herself out of the hug. Ohhhh thats disgusting! I cant believe you farted!

Oh that is rank, said Flint as he edged away from Forrest.

You could knock a Muk out with that bro! said Salvadore as he crawled away.

I chuckled at Forrests blush and opened the room to let it air out. I picked up the folders. Hey Flint lets talk about this later alright?

Please yes! he said while holding his nose.

Suzie walked up and tugged my pants. Are you done with adult talk now? I nodded and she huffed, Good! Are you going to open your presents yet?

Yeah alright, come into the kitchen and let's do that, I said, relocating the meeting for the sanctity of our noses. Suzie shouted for everyone else to come see what was in my present and I tapped her on the nose for shouting in the house.

When they had all emerged from their rooms I opened the first package to reveal a rather dull-looking stone that had a lot of heft to it. It also held a lot of rock energy that I could feel was sitting dormant within it.

It's a Hard stone! They have the effect of further empowering pokemon that use rock-type moves! said Flint proudly.

Looks kinda boring? said Tommy, only for Cindy to punch him where she thought none of us could see her. I held it in my hand and smiled.

This is actually pretty good for me in the gym. Itll help with a lot of my stronger matches. Do you know how it stacks up with STAB? I said casually.

Stab? said Flint in confusion.

Forrest perked up. Brock teaches trainers that train with us about same-type-attack-bonus. So a rock-type pokemon using a rock-type move will be stronger than another type like a normal-type using a rock-type. He said its one point two times stronger?

One point five, I said, correcting him.

Salvadore looked very interested in that information. I rubbed my chin. Hmmm I still have to run that lecture for the new trainers with us Ive been kind of busy havent I? I still had to work in concepts such as adaptability as well, but that was a good reminder. This item would work well with a lot of my team, but it also seemed to be a good focus for me to train my rock aura energies with.

Thanks Flint, I said.

Suzie bounced up and down in her seat. Oh! Open the next one! Whats in it?! Its way bigger!

I hummed and lifted the rather clunky-looking package. Flint coughed. This is a stone or a cluster of stones. I think it still needs to be refined a bit, but I encountered this when I well when I left Pewter recently He glanced down before shaking off his maudlin mood.

Well, I found this in a cave north of Cerulean and collected it, but I thought you might like it. My instincts say that its worth a lot, and theyre usually not wrong. After all, they helped me find the evolution stones in my down time!

I hummed at that. If Flint could find this many evolution stones without trying, what could he find when he put actual effort into it? I made a mental note to take him on a hike to Mt Moon with me sometime in the future. I unwrapped the present and found that it was indeed a roughly shaped geode of rock. It was like two spheres encased in brown rock. The larger sphere had a tawny, brown, and yellow colouration, while the smaller stone was like a rainbow to look at.

I frowned and rubbed some dirt off one of the spheres only to hiss in surprise as a helix pattern was revealed. I swallowed. Where did you say you found this again?

North of Cerulean, near a meadow that had a cave. Inside I found some strong pokemon. I stumbled upon this! He tilted his head. Why? Is there something wrong with this?

I shook my head. No, Im just surprised. If this is what I think it is, then your instincts are very good when it comes to rocks.

Suzie leaned in. Is it a super evolution stone? A rock stone!?

I chuckled and shook my head. No Suzie. I think its a Mega Stone.

Whats a Mega Stone? said Salvadore.

I opened my mouth to explain further before humming and deciding to not say anything. Its a surprise. I packed the stone away and nodded at Flint. Thanks, this could be big.

I didnt want to say it was worth scaring him off back then but now I couldnt find it within myself to be regretful of doing so. Canon Flint never found one of these, thats for sure. Now I just needed to see if it worked for any of my pokemon.

I suddenly had a lot more options open themselves up for me and in pokemon battling that meant the world.

Just as I was about to relax the egg in Yolandas incubator cracked loudly. Everyone stopped what they were doing and whipped their heads around.

Oh my gosh! Its hatching! shrieked Yolanda. I thought it would neve No, Im being silly! What do I do?!

I chuckled and lifted the top of the incubator off before shoving yolanda into the prime position. Nanny Grav!? We need an old bed sheet!

Thumps resounded through the house and the kids looked at me. This they werent going to like this part. Sorry kids, to give Yolanda a better chance at bonding with her pokemon were going to have to remain out of sight while the pokemon hatches. Let her get first impression.

Flint nodded. Oh! Right! He frowned. Wouldnt it be easier to get us out of the room?

I snorted and glanced down to the younger kids that were already looking defiant. Flint nodded his head. Right, alright family, were going to hide and let Yolanda have her moment! he said with a raised fist. When Nanny Grav handed me the bedsheet, I set it up only to pause at the Mega Stone.

Put this in my room, Ill secure it in my office later, alright? she nodded and hurried off to do that before bustling back to help contain the little kids.

They whined and Billy tried to peek his head around the side only for Forrest and Salvadore to pull them back. When the egg cracked it did so with a loud clatter of shells exploding outwards. And then there was a soft cry. Tar? Larvitar?

Hi! Hi little one! said Yolanda, her voice was clear and she was holding so much emotion and love in her words that I couldnt help but smile. The pokemon shifted and I knew it was now locking eyes and imprinting with Yolanda.

Larv! Larvitar! it cried out happily.

I put a finger to my lips for the kids and lowered the bedsheet, allowing them to watch as Larvitar approached Yolanda and they had their first hug. I was able to hold back the tide that was my family from spilling over for thirty seconds before Suzie leapt forward.

Hi! Im your auntie Suzie! that startled the little Larvitar and it huddled into Yolanda causing me to chuckle as Yolanda growled.

I stepped back and grabbed some premium-grade food before mixing it up with berries and other nutrients that would be good for a baby pokemon. I offered it to Yolanda and she took it before giving it to her new pokemon.

The rest of my family cooed and giggled as Larvitar threw herself headfirst into the meal and began to swell in the belly.

I inspected the pokemon and nodded. My earlier assessment was correct. Its a girl.

How do you know? asked Salvadore.

Larvitar have physical markers such as the slightly curved horn on her head and her slightly longer eye markings.

The little Larvitar lifted its head took a huge breath, and then plunged her head back into the food. Well Shes a hungry girl, I said, causing Yolanda to nod proudly.

Munchlax watched enviously until she was done before stepping in and giving the little Larvitar a greeting. Then he licked the crumbs off her making the little pokemon giggle.

A flash of light heralded Sabrina arriving.

I turned, a smile on my lips only to pause. Your egg hatched? I said as I took in the Ralts in her hands that was happily nuzzling into Sabrina. Sabrina beamed at me, and I felt my smile widen in response.

The Ralts stiffened at my voice and locked onto me.

Rrrrrrrrrrralts! said the little pokemon. Sabrina petted it on the horn.

Shes very feisty. Its a good sign. She then peered around me and noted the newest addition to the family. Oh, look Ralts, a friend your age! She then deposited Ralts onto the bench.

Ralts tried to hold on only for Sabrina to push her closer to the other baby pokemon. Salvadore tilted his head. Should we be pushing them together like this?

Sabrina nodded firmly. It is important to establish good social behaviours with newborns. Especially with people and pokemon they will be encountering in the future. Ralts, this is Brock, my boyfriend, Sabrina said, putting a hand on my shoulder. Ralts glared at me like it was my fault shed been put on the table.

Larvitar leaned over and sniffed the little Ralts causing her to cry out in shock and squirm away. She sadly fell on her face in the attempt. Larvitar gasped and ran over to help only to trip and land on top of her.

Larviatar considered this new position before wrapping her tiny arms around Ralts and crying out happily. Yolanda giggled Ahhhhh! Theyre hugging!

Actually, I think Ralts is tapping out? I said as Ralts slammed her fist into Larvitar and the countertop only for it to do nothing. Try as she might, Ralts couldnt escape Larvitar.

I think Ralts wants to go back to you Sabrina, I said carefully.

Hmmm, yes she is most happy around me. I shall indulge her as a baby but not for too long, Sabrina telekinetically lifted Ralts back to herself and out of Larvitars arms. Lartivar cried out, sad to lose her friend before relaxing as Yolanda took her up.

Oof! Youre a heavy girl! she said as she readjusted Larvitar. She grinned down. I think I know what Ill call you! Your name from now on is Terra!

Terror? said Sabrina.

No, Terr-a! Like the old stories of the earth goddess?

Earth Titaness, I said with a cough, From the stories I sometimes told the kids?

Sabrina looked down at the Ralts in her arms. Would you like a name? Ralts shook her head and Sabrina accepted it easily enough. Very well, I shall call you as you call yourself, which is Ralts for now. You will make for a wonderful Gardevoir.

Salvadore tilted his head. How do you know shes a girl? repeating his earlier question to Sabrina.

Sabrina turned to Salvadore. The shape of her horns along with the tones of her voice. Female Ralts have more shrill tones while males are deeper in how they announce themselves. Salvadore wrote that down.

Sabrina hummed. Well, I am glad to introduce you but now I need to introduce Ralts to my parents. She will become very familiar with them, I should think, just as much as all of you. Ralts whined at that but Sabrina merely continued rubbing her head. Good bye for now and congratulations, Yolanda.

Bye Sabrina! said the kids before Sabrina lifted one of Ralts hands to wave at them. Then she teleported away, but not before Ralts shot me an adorable glare. I rubbed my chin, getting the feeling that Ralts was holding me responsible for her rather traumatic introduction to the family. Ah well, Id just have to swing her around to liking me.

Yolanda rubbed Terras head causing the happy little pokemon to burble her name and smile in delight at the gesture. Welcome to the family little one!

But that was for later. For now, Id rather focus on this new spot of sunshine. Titan was going to be over the moon when I told him that his little sister had hatched and that she had a name that vaguely referenced him.