Take Two! Haunting Memories

Miku Hamasaki walked alongside her Clefairy, which bounded and chimed as they strolled along the path to Mt Moon. With them was their new friend, Rokas and his Raichu. Miku and Rokas, though both rather withdrawn individuals had somehow shared a bonding experience and came together. Though Miku enjoyed her stay at Brock's after earning her first Gym Badge, it was time to move on.

The small gang halted at the mouth to the cave, both Miku and Clefairy having remembered what had transpired last time. She looked down to her small fairy Pokémon, who chimed her name in response. Miku smiled, nodding before she glanced over to Rokas.

"We have to go through here to get to Cerulean City. Stay close, it can get dark and sometimes there are small cave-ins," The young miko announced, taking a breath herself. They wandered into the cave, not knowing what lie in wait for them. Miku somewhat wondered if the remains of the Mecha were still in there. Then again, the Clefairy had probably already scrapped it to build another spaceship.

Miku was walking along calmly in the cool darkness. She was used to traveling at night normally, so the darkness itself affected her little. Raichu's glow was more than enough to get them through the dark patches, in her opinion. To Clefairy, this cave was home, and so this wasn't unknown territory for him. Still, the recent memories of being captured by the mecha lingered and made her wary.

Miku herself withheld a giggle, placing her hand to cover her mouth as Rokas stuttered. "We should be able to get through the cave before night fall," she explained calmly. It was strange to think that it was less than a week ago that she overcame those gruesome poachers in the belly of this very cave. "We just need to keep moving, and watch where you-" she was cut off by the sound of Rokas stumbling into something.

The sound of the shifting rubble and deep, gruff groan of the Onix's voice echoed. She could feel the ground beneath her shake as the giant rock snake moved. Gritting her teeth, she remembered Brock's and took a swift step back. "Rokas get back! Clefairy," she said, swiping her hand down to her side where the fairy type stood.

"Fairy!" The Pokémon chimed, bounding forward to take place between the humans and giant rock snake. Miku learned her lesson with Sandshrew about attacking before intentions are made clear. However, that didn't mean she was going to be left defenseless. Only a fool would charge recklessly or remain unprepared. She didn't like to think of herself as either of those things. She waited to see its move before proceeding.

Even small Onix were abnormally large compared to many Pokémon. Still, Miku was somewhat relieved that the creature decided to move on without a battle. It wouldn't have stood much a chance against her water types anyway, but this way would save them some time. Miku was about to lead on, when Rokas had a sudden change in attitude.

He had been passive the whole time, even admitting to being a follower. What had gotten into him? Even more so as he began to recklessly take cave trails when he didn't know the way! Miku grit her teeth a bit, it was actually a bit annoying.

"This is Clefairy's home, and I made it through once before. I think if anyone would know the way to go it would be us," she said flatly. She crossed her arms somewhat sternly, blue eyes shimmering in the pale light under furrowed brows as she walked along. "What makes you suddenly think you know what to do?"

Miku hadn't meant to come off as she had. In fact, she had been genuinely confused, since it was Rokas's idea initially to follow her through the cave! Either way, thanks to Clefairy they made their way through the cave just in time to witness a beautiful sunset. The mild weather and clear sky made the moment serene. Miku even paused to soak it all in.

The colors danced in the sky, various shades of orange and red melding with purple undertones. The sun was a glorious ball of fading fire, lowering over the horizon. Miku took a deep breath of fresh air, not stagnant and dirt filled like within the cave. This was home to her.

"Come on, Rokas. Cerulean City isn't far. We can jump down the ledges to get there faster," Miku announced as she began to walk east-bound. Clefairy followed as she carefully slid down small ridges, hopping down good four or five food ledges to save the time of walking around. She didn't plan on sleeping in the Pokémon Center though, no. Instead she would head north of town across the bridge. Near the river, ashy remains of her house stood in a heap. That would be her camp destination.