Pokemon Regression

Chapter 18: Pewter Gym Challenge

"...No, I really think you should sleep in your room tonight." I groaned at the young girl wearing pyjamas, standing obstinately outside my room in the dimly lit halls of the Pewter City Pokemon Centre. "We have a really big day tomorrow!"

Chee shook her head avidly at me. I don't wanna be alone!!

This argument had gone on for about 10 minutes already, and it was now well past midnight. I placed my face in my hands in annoyance. "Chee... It's 1 AM, please just go to sleep."

I will once you let me in! 

"Chee... It's perfectly safe here!"

It's not safe!

"The Pokemon Centre doors are locked and secured, what are you even scared is going to happen?!" I raised my voice in frustration.

The girl's eyes widened, and she instinctively reached for her left shoulder, falling just short before stopping. Even as she forcibly pulled her arm back down to it's usual position, she continued to shake lightly. ...I'd rather not think about it.

I was quiet for a moment, my rising temper simmering back down to a regular level. "...I'm sorry Chee, I didn't mean to shout at you." I spoke just above a whisper.

It's okay. She shook her head, staring at the ground. I know you're right, I just... I'm just scared.

I took a step closer, placing a reassuring hand on her arm. She looked back up at me.

"I'll still be right next-door to you, you know? If you need something, I'm right here." I offered soothingly, but it didn't seem to be enough.

I can sleep on the floor... Just don't leave me alone... She knotted her fingers together, shrinking to look as small as possible as she turned her gaze upwards at me, giving me what appeared to be the roundest sweetest look she could manage. ...Please?

I sighed, withdrawing my hand from her arm, and she looked at me expectantly.

"No." I dashed her hopes. She was very obviously trying to look cute to sway my judgement, but I wasn't having any of it.

I saw a flash of shock fly past her face as I went to close the door to my room, but she tackled her way onto my arm and tugged at me, keeping me from properly locking her out. I was about to pry her off of me by force, when I spotted tears forming at the corners of her eyes.

"...Are you really that frightened of being by yourself?" I asked after a small pause.

She nodded silently.

"...Fine, but you need to learn to sleep by yourself eventually." I relented. "And you sleep on the floor today, I did it last time." I added as she walked through the door.

I'd have to find some way to make her relax in a room to herself. She'd been fine at Oak's Lab, so I pondered what the difference could be as I drifted off to sleep.

Day 47:

I slowly came to as the morning sun rose into the sky. I turned my to see Chee lying on her knees and elbows looking up at me. She didn't look tired, but she had seemingly been awake for longer than me.

No nightmare tonight? Her eyes asked as she tilted her head to the side.

"...It's not like I have nightmares every night." I grumbled, sitting up and stretching my arms.

Lucky. Chee rested her chin into one of her hands, staring at the ground.

I let my gaze hover over her for a minute, debating how to approach the subject. Finally, I clambered to the floor and sat in front of her.