Pokemon: Next Generation

Chapter 40: Four Brains Really Isn't Fair

Chapter 40: Four Brains Really Isn't Fair

I cursed myself for forgetting all about Zuko, even with the surprise of not dying, Daniel being in a war machine suit, and Crikey talking.

"Reg!" I yelled.

He came out from behind the nearest tree, whimpering slightly. The Ursaring from before was there, looking a bit timid.

"Don't give me that. I'm glad you're safe, but Zuko needs us." I started jogging. "Sniff him out. Ursaring, you're free to come along. We want to find Celebi after all this is done with."

Reg held his nose in the air before lowering it near the ground, leading us straight forward away from the charred part of the forest. Ursaring followed closely.

Amanda and Anthony were next to me, Rapier at the ready. Amanda had exchanged her Ampharos for Bella, who could make it through the forest easier. Crikey led the Pokemon pack, his massive footsteps shaking the ground. He kept humming what sounded like a super hero theme, which I guessed he'd made up for himself.

Daniel ran backwards next to me.

"Don't you have somewhere to be?" I asked dryly.

"I'm practicing in the suit," he said, going even faster than I could going forward before slowing back down and running facing the right direction. "I don't know all the commands besides that handy dandy screen."

"Why would it have commands?" I asked.

"Because it was my idea."

"What?" He wasn't making any sense.

Reg stopped, trotting over to a tree. I pushed tall grass out of my way, finding Zuko curled against the base of the tree, passed out.

"Zuko!" I gasped, falling instantly to his side and cradling his head. "Oh, I'm so sorry. I should have been paying more attention to you."

He had a cut across his face, which trickled blood. The rest of his body seemed ok, but he wasn't responding.

Anthony was by my side in an instant, spraying a Hyper Potion. "This will heal him quickly, but energy takes time without berries, which I'm out of."

"You sure he's ok besides that?"

"Yes, but we have to get moving," Anthony urged. "And find the others."

Reg growled. I looked up to see a Metagross next to the red suit Trainer, who was floating with the help of a Psychic attack.

"You stole my suit," the man stated.

"Ever heard of copyright?" Daniel countered.

"It's not your copyright."

A pause. "It's close enough to my copyright."

Daniel flicked his hand, telling us to go. Crikey seemed hesitant, but looked at Reg. "Lead the way. You have the better nose."

The rest of them followed without hesitation, which I was glad for. Ash, Misty, and Brock needed the help. Ursaring was with them, so maybe they could find Celebi if they had time. Maybe Celebi could explain things. Especially with that Pokemon translator thing.

I quickly recalled Zuko, staring at Daniel's armored back. It was so weird. Not really because of the suit, which made me feel like I was in the middle of a movie. But because I'd grown up with this guy. He had been a five year old kid in a private school uniform, showing up at my mom's gym. Looking like a little misfit who didn't know anything about the world. Lighting up at any joke, any invitation to anything. The guy who was so obnoxious and got himself into trouble all the time.