Hybrid Era [Pokémon]

02: A Journey Home

~P.O.V: Lucia Césaire~

We walked for about ten minutes, talking about how Hybrid's work. "So, we're like... Pokémon?" Micah asked. I nodded, "Sort of. We have the abilities if pokémon, and the bodies and intelligence of humans. Some people, like you and I, have physical pokémon appearences— Like your tail and those metal spikes on your hand. Those are physical aspects of Lucario. My wings are like Articuno's, so is the weird ice thingy on my head." I explained.

"Sooo we can do pokémon moves, right?" He asked. "Yeah, with practice." I said. His eyes brightened with joy, "Can you show me??" He asked, halting. I stopped, looking at him for a minute, debating my answer. "Well, I guess it couldn't hurt.." I said. He grinned like a little kid, stepping away,

I lifted my hands toward the tree that was behind Micah (before he moved), and focused on the move Ice Beam. Due to little practice, it took a minute. Not to mention it's a pretty strong move. Then, a sharp, icy blue beam erupted from my hands. There were sparks of glistening ice shards inside the beam that pierced into the tree. When the move ended, the tree was left, torn up and frozen over, keeping it from falling over.

I looked at Micah, feeling tired. His jaw was dropped, and eyes wide. "You know Ice Beam!? Isn't Articuno only able to get that with a TM??" He asked. I sighed, "You won't believe the lengths Team Rocket goes to in order to power-up a Hybrid or Pokémon." I said. My legs felt weak, my arms weaker. "Come on, let's hurry to the camp. It's close." I said, my voice weary. Micah looked at me with worry, but said nothing.

We walked further until we came to a group of weeping willow trees. I moved under the thick layers of leaves, Micah trailing behind me. At the center inside the weeping willows was a camp. An unlit fire, logs around it, a pot, and two tents. What? I prepare!

Finally, my legs gave out has I shakily collapsed to the ground, my eyes heavy and everything numb. "What's wrong??" Micah asked. "N-Nothing— The move just wore me out." I said wearily. He grabbed my arm, lifting me up. "Get in the tent— come on!" He urged, dragging me into the tent. "You really should rest." He said. "I'll let you know if those men find us."

And just like that, I nodded slowly and my eyes slid close, as I embraced sleep with wide open arms.

~P.O.V: Micah~

I left the tent when Lucia had fallen asleep. She fell asleep really fast. But I'm not complaining, she needed it. I grabbed some flint nearby and lit the dry wood that was placed in the ashy fire pit. I sat on a rough  log as the blazing fire grew, warming the chilly area. 

My ocean blue eyes became trapped in the dancing flames; watching, as they rose and fell, enchanted. A rustle snapped my attention toward one of the weeping willow trees. I curled my hands into fists, cautiously stepping toward the tree. "Who's there!?" I exclaimed. No answer. I edged closer, before extending my hand to move the long, lacy green leaves.

There, a small black and blue pokémon sat, looking at me with fear. I sighed in relief, releasing my fist at the sight of a Riolu. The pokémon came with me back to the fire. "Hey there, fella. What's your name?" I asked, forgetting pokémon can't speak. I chuckled silently, waiting for a little, "Riolu" noise to escape it's mouth, but what came out shocked me beyond belief.

"I'm Nate."

My mouth dropped when it spoke. "You can talk?!" I exclaimed. "You can understand me!?" The Riolu exclaimed back. We both stood in awe at each other's words. I shook out of it, extending my hand, "I-It's nice to meet you, Nate, I'm Micah." I said. The pokémon's paw extended, taking mine as we shook hands— er, paws?

When we lowered our.. Er... Arms... Voices were heard outside the trees. "The trees! I heard something!" A voice exclaimed. Oh no.. "Lucia!" I whispered, hurrying into the tent, shaking Lucia. "Wake up!" But to my amazing luck, she didn't wake. She lay sound asleep. Welp, there goes my secret weapon.

I hesitantly exited the tent. What do I do? What do I do!? Nate noticed my distress and walked over to me, "Are those men bad?" He whispered. I nodded. "I can fight them! Fighting is my specialty!" He said. That's right, Riolu's a fighting type pokémon!

"You sure?" I asked. Riolu nodded. "Okay.. I'll try using moves, I don't know how that'll work out though." I said. We turned toward a large man stepping into the trees. "What do we have here? Another Hybrid? I might get a raise for this..." the man chuckled greedily, grasping his tranquilizer. Riolu jumped into action, attacking the man with multiple moves I couldn't possibly name, but none seemed to be very effective.

"Pathetic." He said, kicking Nate aside. I growled as he stepped forward. "What's wrong, afraid your gonna loose your precious freedom?" The man snickered. I got into a fighting position as he stepped forward. "Whatcha gonna due, tickle me?" he sneered. I growled, before lunging at him, kicking and punching with all of my strength. To my surprise, he tumbled back, groaning in pain. "So, the hybrid knows fighting moves, eh?" He chuckled, grabbing his walky-talky thingy. "Fall back," He said, standing and limping away. I used a move?

~P.O.V: Lucia Césaire~

I woke up after who knows how many hours, and to my surprise, a small Riolu sat next to me. "Rio?" it cooed. I stood up, rubbing my head. "Hey little guy, do you know where-" I stopped when I smelled food. Oh, heavenly food.

I stood slowly, exiting the tent to see Micah struggling to pour soup straight from the pot into a bowl. I chuckled, "Spoons are laid in the spare tent for a reason," I said. Micah's head shot up at my voice, and he sighed in relief, "Finally, I was about to eat without you!" He said. I snickered, "Sorry. I'm not sure why I chose Ice Beam of all moves. It wears me out, especially after flying." I said. He nodded, hurrying and grabbing a spoon, putting soup into two bowls, handing me one. I took it, "Thank you." I said as we sat in front of the blazing fire. Who knew a ten year old could cook?

When we finished, we decided to head to sleep, and continue taking him home the next morning. He slept in the tent next to the one I was in a few hours ago. Once my head hit the pillow, I was out like a light.

Don't worry, Micah. You'll be home soon, I promise.