Mega Love

Chapter Nine

    Tierno, Trevor, and Shauna join me on the blanket, and I pass them some food from the basket. While Serena chases Pikachu around the forest, I explain the situation to the gang, and they seem to pick it up pretty quickly.
    "It would be great if I could scan Pikachu with my Pokédex!" says Trevor.
    "I wonder if it knows any cool dance moves," says Tierno.
    "You guys are the definition of one track minds," replies Shauna. "So you guys haven't caught him yet?" she says, turning back to me.
    "We never even really thought about that actually... We kind of were just having fun," I say.
    "Well..." starts Shauna.
    "Hold that thought," I tell Shauna. "I'm going to go help with that." I motion towards Serena screaming at Pikachu in a tree and then stroll over to her. "So, how's it going?"
    "Terrible! Pikachu's in the tree and won't come down," replies Serena.
    "I probably wouldn't come down either."
    "Calem!" she yells.
    "Kidding! Only kidding," I say with a laugh. "Why don't you come sit down with us? I don't really think this is going to achieve anything."
    "Hmph," Serena pouts. "Fine. I can't believe he's getting away with that though! It was so embarrassing!" We start our way back to the others.
    "It wasn't that bad. There's no way Pikachu could've known that other people were coming. It was embarrassing, but it's over now. Unless you just dislike me that much," I say.
    "No, no. I guess I just kind of let the embarrassment get to me. It's not like me to snap like that. Sorry."
    "What are you apologizing for? I thought it was cute," I say right before we arrive.
We sit down with the others and chat with everyone for a bit. Tierno tells us about how awesome his Corphish's Swords Dance is looking, and Trevor fills us in on his latest additions to his Pokédex. Shauna tells us of her perilous journey to find Trevor and Tierno. In short, she basically got lost, and they found her. Serena and I attempt to go into detail about her battle with Pikachu, but something seemed to be bugging Shauna.
    "So which one of you is going to catch him?" cuts in Shauna.
    "Um..." I say.
    "Well it isn't going to be me! He's a good fighter, but I won't forgive him so easily!" says Serena, crossing her arms with a huff.
    "I wasn't really planning on catching him either. You don't have to catch every Pokémon you meet ya know Shauna," I add.
    "What?! But he seems so friendly and cute!" yells Shauna.
    "Well then why don't you catch him Shauna?" suggests Tierno.
    "But he doesn't even know me," replies Shauna.
    "Why don't you go introduce yourself then?" I say.
    "Hm... I don't know" says Shauna.
    "The worst that could happen is that he decides he doesn't want to. You should at least try!" says Serena.
    "Okay!" says Shauna, easily inspired by Serena's words. She makes her way over to the tree, where Pikachu is now napping.
    "Um... mister Pikachu, would you mind coming down here for a second?" Shauna calls out. Pikachu opens its eyes to see who called out to it and to make sure that it wasn't Serena. The Pikachu runs down the tree and sits down in front of Shauna, staring up at her in curiosity. Shauna crouches down, holding her legs in her arms, before continuing, "Hi! My name is Shauna! I'm friends with C-Meister and Serena over there." Pikachu lets out a cheerful cry as in to introduce himself, and Shauna lets out a small laugh. "I was wondering if you wanted to join me on my journey. I know it's sudden, and I may not be the strongest trainer. But I would give you lots of attention and love! Plus, you can help me tease the two love birds over there."
    Pikachu is silent for the first few seconds and turns to look at Serena and I. I give Pikachu a thumbs up, and Serena just sticks her tongue out at him. Pikachu turns back towards Shauna. With a nod and cheerful cry, Pikachu accepts Shauna's offer.
    "Really?! Yay!" yells Shauna as she hugs Pikachu to death. Shauna and Pikachu rejoin us over  at the blanket. We give our congratulations, and Shauna introduces Pikachu to her Chespin. Our Pokémon play as we chat again for a bit.
    "So what lies beyond Santalune Forest?" I ask.
    "Santalune Forest leads out into Route 3, which connects to Santalune City," says Serena. "Actually, we probably should head out soon before it starts to get dark."
    "Yeah," I reply.
"Guess it's time I put you in a Pokéball, Pikachu!" says Shauna. Shauna pulls out a new Pokéball and lightly taps Pikachu with it. The Pokéball absorbs Pikachu, and with no resistance, the Pokéball clicks, confirming the capture. We all return our Pokémon, pack up, and start on our way out of Santalune Forest.
    "Well, I would call that picnic a success!" says Serena.
    "I think so too!" says Shauna.
    "I'm glad," I reply.
    "Thanks for coming to get us, Shauna," says Tierno.
    "No problem!" says Shauna.
    "We're going to be on our own for food from here on out though," I say.
    "There's food at the Pokémon Centers though, so we won't always have to be worrying about food," says Trevor.
    "Oh yeah! I totally forgot. Well that's nice," I reply.
    Since Tierno and Trevor had already gone a good way into the forest, it doesn't take us very long to reach find the exit. We step out into the brighter Route 3. It heads downhill and there is a small pond on our left side. We can see Santalune City from the top of the hill. It looks like there is a fountain in the center that's even bigger than the one in Aquacorde Town. We walk downhill towards its entrance.
    "What are you guys going to do in Santalune City?" asks Shauna.
    "Why, look for Pokémon, of course! The professor did ask us to complete the Pokédex, after all," says Trevor. "And furthermore, different Pokémon prefer living in different places."
    "And new Pokémon means new moves! I sure want to see lots of moves," says Tierno.
    "What are you going to do Serena?" asks Shauna.
    "Well, none of us are really going to have enough time today to do much, but tomorrow I'm going to go to Santalune City's Gym and challenge the Gym Leader," says Serena. "You see, Pokémon Trainers find out how good they really are by challenging the Leaders in Pokémon Gyms."
    "You sure know a lot Serena!" says Shauna.
    "My parents taught me a lot," replies Serena.
    "Having parents who are skilled trainers does have its perks too," I say.
    "I guess so," says Serena with a laugh.
    "What are you going to do C-Meister?" asks Shauna.
    "I'll probably train up and challenge the Gym Leader as well," I say.
    "Cool! You and Serena can go together! I'm going to spend some time getting to know my Li'l Chester and Pikachu!" says Shauna. As she finishes, we arrive at the entrance to Santalune City.
    "First things first, we should all make sure to reserve rooms at the Pokémon Center," says Serena.
    "Right!" says Trevor.
    "Luckily, it's right here," I say. The Pokémon Center stands right in front of the entrance to the city. Its red roof stands out from the greens and grays of the rest of the city like a Pokéball lying in the grass.
    We enter the Pokémon Center. The air conditioning practically slaps me as we enter. Pokémon Centers are very efficient facilities, providing the best in shelter, food, and Pokémon treatment. We walk up to the counter, and Serena starts to talk to Nurse Joy over the counter.
    "Good evening! Welcome to the Pokémon Center. How may I help you?"
    "Hello! We would like to reserve room for five: two girls and three guys. We don't have to be roomed together."