Mt Moon, and a Step Forward!

Posts : 1696 Location : England

There were other people in the forest, mostly bug fans like the boy from before, but most of them stayed on the path unlike Miku. Not far away from her there was a pond, a blue skater surfing along the surface on four spindly legs, a natural pink blush to its otherwise azure face. Blinking curiously, the dual type skid forward, stopping just at the edge of the pond. "Surskit? Surskit? Surskit!"

That was when it became apparent that it wasn't the only of its species there. From the grasses and water came a whole swarm of these Hoenn-orriginated Pokemon, all of them seeming to flock to or at least glance at the first to appear before peering over and even approaching Miku, all of them different genders, levels and sizes. One couldn't deny that Pokemon were emotionally intelligent creatures, even if there happened to be nothing else going on upstairs. The girl was crying, and an enormous family of Pokemon wanted to know what was the matter, echoes of their name ringing around the hidey spot.

Posts : 782 Location : Water's Edge

Miku heard the small Pokémon's voice, though ignored it at first. Though it could be dangerous with none of her partners at the ready, Miku just didn't care right now. Still. The skittering and sound of the light water bugs drew louder and nearer. She finally glanced up from her cocoon, shocked to see a plethora of them had surrounded her. Her head raised suddenly, eyes wide.

Could they tell? Miku knew Slowpoke had always been empathetic, but she had passed that off as a combination of high IQ and psychic abilities. Yet here they were, but mere bugs and surrounding her as if she were a beacon, a cry for help in itself. She felt something swell inside her, and she couldn't help as the tears began to flow more freely, though she couldn't explain it. It was like joy and sorrow had merged for just a moment, to know that another creature- an entire species, even- could feel so purely toward someone like her.

"Thank you..." She blubbered, wiping her face on the sleeve of her kimono once more. It was gonna need to be washed after a day like this. She reached her hand out in a way as non-threatening as she could manage. "You guys understand, huh? Well, maybe not, but you know something is wrong. And that's enough."

Posts : 1696 Location : England

The Surskit all chimed and bobbed their body-heads in affirmation that they did indeed understand, a few of them coming to nuzzle the hand that she reached out. They were used to humans, some of them coming to play or observe (like Professor Oak, who they trolled and helped in equal capacity), others there to catch them like the bug-obsessed collectors. One of them seemed to think it was appropriate to soak Miku with water sport - a very small, probably baby Surskit, which thought that her red and snotty face and clothes meant she required a shower. A few Pokemon laughed, others chided. Either way, it wasn't meant to be cruel.

Still, Miku needed cheering up, not that any of them knew her name. There must have been some kind of communication between them, because some of the tougher looking adults spewed sticky web into the air, hooking the attack across branches above before firing water gun. The droplets made the air and web glisten, small rainbows forming where tubes of light broke through the trees. It was an impressive display that might only be reserved for expert contests, and it had been put on especially for her.

Posts : 782 Location : Water's Edge

Miku smiled softly as a few of the bugs nuzzled her hand. She gently caressed them, giving a gently pet to each in turn. Then she was assaulted by a splash of water. She felt a twinge, momentary anger until she glanced up and saw the young bug laughing happily. It wasn't like the jeering laughter of the trainers, this was much more pure. She felt the anger melt quickly as the bugs laughed and went on. She too let out a soft laugh.

"Guess I was overdo for a bath," she joked. Ten something was happening, hive mind? No, it was more strategical and organized. This wasn't a bunch of bugs all trying to do the same thing, this was a group of Pokémon working together toward an ultimate goal. A beautiful one, at that. Miku rose for the occasion.

It was hard to believe that bug Pokémon could produce such majestic things, but here she was. Her tears had dried, now replaced with the water dripping from her hair down her face. Her eyes wide with awe, glistened in the rainbow light, the gentle blue reflecting them almost purely. "Thank you, Surskit," she said, turning down to the swarm at her feet.

"You saved me, and you don't even know," Miku said. The thought that she could lose herself like her brother scared her. Even if it wouldn't have happened, she felt at peace if only for a moment. She closed her eyes and tilted her head back, letting beads of water trickle down as they refracted the light, making an ever changing dance of shadows behind her eyelids.

Posts : 1696 Location : England

Did the Surskit know? It was arguable. They could sense the darkness in her, but they also sensed that she was good, and needed company, and wanted to be saved. When the baby bug heard Miku laughing with it, it let out a giggle of delight and raced closer, the apparent parents seeming defeated. Nothing could be done about the troublemaking offspring!

"Surrrr~~ skit~" It chimed, and there were echoes of varying lengths and notes. They were happy to be thanked, but it was unnecessary. The Surskit were just glad that their little display was appreciated and did the job, some of them skating across the pond to put on another show of their natural abilities. Miku was more than welcome in their home for as long as they liked, and it would be a shame if she left, but the miko-dressed girl would be a delight to see if she did ever return.

Posts : 782 Location : Water's Edge

Miku opened her eyes again, glancing down as some of the Surskit skittered off. She often wondered if Pokémon perhaps mistook her for a Shrine Maiden, with her peculiar choice of attire. It didn't matter at this moment, though. She brushed some of her wet, matted hair behind her ear.

"I promise, I'll come back and visit again some day. I really needed this, guys." Miku thanked the bugs, and began to walk off once more. The magic of that moment would forever remain a memory. However, in her fit she had wandered pretty far off the path. It was a maze enough when you stuck to the usual road, but now Miku really was lost...

Posts : 1696 Location : England

Walking further into the forest and getting stuck had not been the best idea, but apparently Miku wasn't the only one. Wandering around aimlessly was Rokas, this time in a pair of light blue jeans, torn in places, matched with a red and black check top. He wore a hat, too, and the same leather boots as before. Surprised to see Miku, he blinked, blushing faintly. "Oh, it's you! Hello," He smiled, "Did you beat Brock already, or were you just training, or...?" He asked, shy and awkward as ever.

Posts : 782 Location : Water's Edge

Miku was surprised to run into another person this deep in the woods, let alone a familiar face. Now...what was his name again? It started with an R, Miku was fairly certain. "Oh, it's you," she blinked, still a bit surprised. Not to mention she was still soaked from the Surskit. It was pretty bad she couldn't quite grasp the whole social interaction thing yet.

"Umm...no, I haven't faced Brock yet...I uh- I just needed a break. I just...came out here for some peace. But...I wandered off the trail, so it might take me a while to find my way back..." It was clear she didn't want to admit she was lost. "What about you? I mean- why are you out here?"

Posts : 1696 Location : England

"Oh, well. I haven't faced the gym yet, either. Actually, I came for a stroll, too, since I really do love places like this. Good for photographs and foraging, like berries and honey." Rokas explained, "And I thought Viridian might be nice to look at, and it was, but now I've lost Pewter and I didn't want to go through Diglett's Cave, so..." He trailed off, an apparent habit for him. He hadn't even thought to use his Zubat to guide him back out. He was overly intelligent, but terrible in a panic and very, very forgetful, "But if you want, we could go back together. And then I'll leave you alone if you want, promise!"

Posts : 782 Location : Water's Edge

"Huh? Oh, uhm- sure. We can do that," Miku said awkwardly. She didn't mind Rokas back in the Pokemon Center cafeteria, so maybe this wouldn't be too bad. After all, they were more likely to find their way back out if they stuck together. "I beat the Gym Trainer, but I needed to cool off before I fight Brock," Miku explained, several moments after that conversation had appeared to be over. She was awkward like that, which could be jarring to some.

She walked on with Rokas, hoping to at least find the trail to follow back to Pewter City. She remained relatively oblivious as to what kind of Pokémon Rokas had at his disposal, aside from Raichu. She felt like they had spoken about it, but along with his name, it was missing at the moment. "You know, I saw some Surskit around here earlier. They aren't native, so that was kind of surprising," she tried to make small talk.

Posts : 1696 Location : England

"Oh. Oh! Cool, thanks." Rokas blushed, ecstatic to be invited along, although just as awkward as her. That might have been why he and Miku managed to get along so well. They both understood that socialising was extremely difficult, and as such, didn't judge or press expectations. "Oh, that makes sense. Congratulations, though! You have lots of water Pokemon, so I'm sure you'll beat him easily." He smiled. He had Oddish and Espurr, so he knew that he'd be okay, too. Or at least, he hoped so... "Oh, Surskit swarm here sometimes. So, they aren't exactly native, but there are a bunch of them that live here. I figured they'd live by the pond, but they're still a rare find, so you're really lucky." Rokas explained, once again displaying his impressive theory skills, "Did you catch any of them?"

Posts : 782 Location : Water's Edge

"Yeah, lucky is a word I guess I'd use for that situation. It was unique for sure," Miku said, gazing up through the trees. She closed her eyes only for a moment, imagining the rainbow of colors the Surskit had bestowed on her. "Catch? No...I didn't catch any of them. I guess I didn't really think about it. I had- other things on my mind," the girl trailed off. She wondered if she would have attempted a capture even if the thought had crossed her mind.

All the Surskit had been nothing but sweet to her. Then again, there were Pokémon who didn't battle to join, like her Clefairy. She supposed that young one who soaked her might have joined. Though they were rare, Miku felt like they wouldn't be afraid to show themselves to her again in the future.

"I don't think it's the last time I'll see them, though. They're pretty amazing little bugs," she noted. Ah, how the conversation turned to Pokémon, then it seemed like simply two people talking. Well, almost anyway. Miku chuckled a bit, thinking of the small one's antics. "I guess swarm is a suited term for it, too."

Posts : 1696 Location : England

"Ah, it's the technical term. When more than six wild Pokemon not native to the area show up, it's called a swarm." Rokas explained, "They are cool, but I've never seen one for myself. I don't like spidery things anyway, although they look cute, so maybe I'd be okay? I dunno, I'm pretty cowardly..." He confessed, laughing softly, "Anyway, if you ever have things on your mind, I don't mind if you want to talk to me about them! Not that you have to. Pokemon make really good company, too."

Posts : 782 Location : Water's Edge

Miku shook her head, "I'm not very fond of bugs myself. But some can have their appeal, Surskit is more like a water bug than a spider, so I don't think they're too scary..." She thought for a moment about what he had said. She wasn't really big in sharing her inner thoughts. In fact, she never really vocalized anything like that to even her Pokémon. Sure, if she was down she could talk to them. Maybe another person could understand.

"I'll think about it," Miku said. It might have sounded sarcastic or condescending, but it was genuine. The pair continued walking, finally stumbling into a clearing. "Oh?" Miku vocalized, wondering if they'd at last found the path.

Posts : 1696 Location : England

Going into the clearing, they had indeed, thankfully, found the path again. However, they had also found more than that, as there was an old man surrounded by various wild Pokemon, including a few of the Surskit from earlier! He wore a white coat over a red shirt and tan trousers, which were covered in grass stains from crouching down.

"O- oh, gosh, maybe we should go..." Rokas started, already on edge from Miku's tone, having been unsure of how to take it. One of the Surskit beamed, calling out to Miku, and the man looked around to see the pair. It was Professor Oak!
"My, I hadn't expected more company. You both must be trainers traveling through, correct?" He smiled, "My name is Professor Oak, and I'm a researcher from Pallet Town."

Posts : 782 Location : Water's Edge

Miku was curious as she saw the strange old man before her. The Pokémon didn't seem to mind him too much. Miku tilted her head curiously, seeing the Surskit. She turned to Rokas, clearly more anxious than she was. The Surskit chirped, gaining Miku's attention once more.

"Hey- I think I know that Surskit!" Miku chimed, pretty much ignoring Rokas' plea. When the old man turned around Miku's eyes widened. She recognized not only his face, but his voice. Professor Oak was a big figure, and hosted one of her favorite radio shows.

"I-I- oh my god..." Miku stuttered. She wasn't sure she would ever be excited to run into another human, but here she was. "Professor Oak...OH, I'm Miku! My name is Miku. But I know who you are, I listen to your radio show all the time...well, whenever I'm near a radio anyway."

She was having trouble containing herself, let alone focusing. "Oh right, yes, I'm a trainer. This is-" she paused, looking to her travel companion. She hoped she got his name right. "Rokas...he has Pokémon too," she didn't want to claim he was a trainer. Especially since he seemed far more interested in his sketches.

Posts : 1696 Location : England

The Surskit chimed back a reply, waving one thin leg at Miku when she brightly called out in response, although it stayed in the same spot with the other Pokemon. Professor Oak smiled, Rokas only managing to stutter out a 'hello' quietly next to the fangirl's exclamations, "I'm glad to hear that, thank you for listening, and I hope it both educates and entertains you whenever you get a chance to catch it." He smiled, "So, you've met the Surskit of the forest, have you? You're a very lucky girl indeed. Not many get to see them." He continued on, "I'm just here on one of my rare field exploits. I like to come by from time to time and examine the Pokemon here. A lot's changed over the years, so its a new experience every time."

Posts : 782 Location : Water's Edge

Miku clasped her hands together. "Yes, I was just saying how the Surskit aren't native here, even!" Miku felt her entire being vibrate with anticipation. Her heart was fluttering in her chest. Professor Oak was one of the few humans she admired, and here he was in person! "The Surskit here seem pretty friendly. But I guess that could have been a relatively unique experience..."

Miku had wanted to ask Oak so many questions when she was younger. When she was more optimistic. Now she was at a loss for words, but such was life was it not? Nothing ever goes the way you planned it, after all. Miku opened her mouth, but not a stutter came out. She took a breath, trying to calm herself. "I've waited so long to be here, and be able to talk with you. There were so many things I always wanted to ask, but..."

She froze again, not even knowing how to tell him that she didn't know what to say. She felt herself breaking down, knees weak. She wanted to run, but couldn't bring herself to do it.

Posts : 1696 Location : England

Professor Oak continued to smile, patient and friendly as he always was. People always reacted to he and his esteemed colleagues in different ways, and this was just one of those reactions. "Well, I'm more than happy to answer any questions you might have. Just take your time and ask away." He offered, "Even if I don't appear to be listening, I assure you I'm paying attention." He added, the reason for this being that he was once again crouching sideward, communicating quietly and carefully with all of the Pokemon that he had managed to gather. "I don't know what kind of experience you had with the Surskit, Miku, but Pokemon are amazing creatures. What they're capable of constantly fascinates me, there's always something new and astounding to learn and see."

Posts : 782 Location : Water's Edge

Miku blushed, embarrassed and nervous as Professor Oak tried to encourage her to speak her mind. "Uhm, I would if I could remember right now..." She squeaked, feeling faint as her heart rate picked up. It was nerve racking, and her head was swimming. "But. Yea. The Surskit. They're pretty amazing," she spoke in broken fragments, unable to speak fluently anymore. The initial shock had worn off, and she was now having a nervous breakdown.

One of her pokeballs burst open, Slowpoke manifesting by her side. "Slowpoke," he chimed, sounding rather groggy though that wasn't the case. He looked up to his trainer, nudging her leg. "Slow."

Miku glanced down at her ever faithful partner. She felt a bit more calm with him there, at least her ears had stopped ringing now. "Thanks, slowpoke..." She muttered, though sincerely. She was just having troubles enunciating anything at the moment.

Posts : 1696 Location : England

"You should try and catch one, Miku," Rokas finally spoke up again softly, intrigued at the sight of the Slowpoke, "You said they were really nice and special, and you do love water Pokemon. Besides, it'd be helpful to have a set of wings when it evolved to Masquarein!" He added chirpily.
"Oh, you like water Pokemon, do you?" Oak smiled, "That's a very healthy Slowpoke you have there. I can tell you're a great trainer. But Rokas is right! They are very helpful and lovely creatures. In any case, once your memory is jogged, I'll answer you anything. I'd even welcome phone calls whenever you wished to contact me." He continued. After a few moments, "In fact, back at my lab, or perhaps from Viridian Pokemon Centre, I might have some presents for both of you, if you'd like to take the trip."
"O- oh, really?" Rokas stammered, shocked.
"Yes, that's right. Would you?"

Posts : 782 Location : Water's Edge

"Hm?" Miku broke from her inner thought when Rokas spoke up. The temptation had crossed her mind, about possibly going back and catching one of the Surskit. However, each time her mind fell to that lonely Sandshrew in his ball, unwilling to emerge for Miku. She didn't want to do that to another Pokémon.

"I uhm- maybe some day. I'd rather they wanted to go with me..." Miku replied, finally. She looked down to the Surskit, thinking back to the trouble maker again. "I have one in mind, should I return though. I know which one. I would ask." She then looked up as Oak began to speak once more.

Her heart welled, and she felt dizzy again. However, this time it was excitement and adrenaline rather than anxiety. "R-really?!" Miku stuttered, alongside Rokas. It was obvious they both were more than interested in accompanying the renowned professor. "Yes! I- I mean, if Rokas wants to..."

Posts : 1696 Location : England

"Well, did you ask?" Professor Oak brought up. Sometimes Pokemon didn't think or feel confident enough to follow on their own, but because he knew nothing of the spectacle that Miku witnessed, he couldn't offer anything further on that note, "But it's good that you feel a bond to one of them above all, like a best friend. You'll have to keep in touch. What d'you think, Rokas?"
"Oh, yeah, I agree." He added hastily, as star struck as the girl he had begun traveling with, "And sure, yeah, sure! I'd love to come with you, yeah!"
"Wonderful. Then let's make our way, shall we? Thank you, all of you, I hope to see you all again soon." He smiled. The gathering of creatures all said goodbye in their own tongue, the Surskit once again shouting out to Miku before she scrambled away back to her home. Oak got up, making their way towards them, "Now, let's follow the path back to Viridian City. Perhaps you could tell me more about yourselves."

Posts : 782 Location : Water's Edge

Miku shook her head, "I wasn't really thinking about taking amy of the Surskit with me at the time. I guess I got caught up in the moment." When professor Oak said goodbye to the Pokémon, Miku made sure to wave to the Surskit a final time. She couldn't believe she was going to be traveling with the very Professor Samuel Oak, for however short a period it may be.

Miku nodded, taking a skip step to catch up to the professor. However, the proposition to tell more about herself was a bit worrying. She was used to not telling people too much, and keeping her attachments at a minimum. However, she wasn't about to deny her idol. "Uhm, sure...what is it you want to know?" She asked in return, walking along the path to Viridian.

Posts : 1696 Location : England

Most people knew how to give out details about themselves, making small talk, but apparently these two didn't. They weren't even that young, either. They easily could have been journeying for years at this point, although he got the impression from their inexperience that they hadn't. "Well, where you come from, your favourite kind of Pokemon, why you began your journey. Whatever you'd like to tell me." Professor Oak ushered them, leading the way down the path.

"Oh, well, I didn't really know what to do, so I decided to start a Pokemon journey." Rokas explained shyly, "I mean, I have a few ideas, but I'm not sure I can do them, so I went out with my Pikachu. I'm from Lavender Town." He added.
"Never doubt your dreams, you never know where life will take you." Oak chided nicely, "Your turn, Miku."

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