I'm Human

New Life

Following Rowan and Marcy

"So, it's been a year. I guess it could be worse?" Flynn asked hopefully. "Couldn't it?"

"It's been a little over a year, Flynn. That's what the Pikachu said." Sora corrected as he motioned towards the Pikachu.

Pikachu was trying to keep his distance from the Poke-humans, but remained within the children's sight. He appeared to find them more bearable than the adults.

They had all climbed out of the earthen cavern earlier due to many of the Poke-humans' panic over the recent news of their disappearance; of the length of time that they had been missing. Unfortunately, being out in the open didn't help any of them like they had hoped. Now many of the adults were arguing with each other on what to do next.

"Do you think Daddy tried coming for us yet?" Marcy asked. She was sitting beside Rowan, who had used her to help him climb out onto the surface.

The boy was silent for a long moment as his thoughts drifted towards his dad. "Could he have come for us while we were trapped within the lab? If...If he did, then does that mean that the war is over? He'll be looking for us. He knows the neighborhood and house we were assigned to live in, and he'll find it empty. Dad might be able to help us...if he's home, but..." "I don't know, Marcy."

"When we go home can we call him? I remember our old number."

"I don't think he'll pick up, Marc."

"Plus, he may not understand us." Jo added. She had finally revealed herself to her friends once they reached the surface, but made sure to keep her identity hidden from the adult Poke-humans. She couldn't risk revealing herself to Mr. P.

"Oh...okay." Marcy said glumly as she hung her head. "We're still getting your game, right?"

"Later, Marcy. We need to wait until we know those scientists won't come back for us. Kay?" Sora explained.

"Hey...Sora? Do...do you see mom anywhere? I don't remember seeing her earlier." Flynn whispered to his brother. "Did she make it out with us?"

Sora gave his twin a remorseful grimace. He hadn't noticed his mother back in the lab or in the cinderblock room.

"Can we stop being so down about this? She might be with my mom...wherever she is." Elen suddenly spoke up. Abby was sitting on her back again, cooing giddily. "Yeah, it's a bummer that this happened to us, but think about it. We're Pokemon! When does this ever happen?"

"Elen, we know you're trying to make our situation sound better than it is, but--" Sora began.

"No! Hush! Think about it! We. Are. Pokemon! We're experiencing something that no other human will ever get the chance to have. Aren't you guys even the slightest bit excited?" She met each of her friends' gazes and frowned. "We can get roots later. Relax."

"Huh?"

"No one said anything about roots, Elen." Flynn pointed out.

Elen's frown deepened. "I swear I heard someone say something about roots."

"Why is that so surp...right. Humans." Pikachu mumbled to himself.

"Care to explain?" Jo asked. "Should we be concerned?"

"It's a Paras thing. That's all I really know. I've stayed away from them for the most part." Pikachu replied.

"But should we be concerned?"

Pikachu shrugged. "Just ignore your instinct to collect roots. I don't know. Remember, you're human."

Elen nodded, causing her whole being to bounce. Abby giggled and cooed as her sister bounced her up and down.