Chapter 24

The cold breeze from the window in the early morning almost licked Greta's whole body before it woke her up. Recoiling, Greta got off the bed and walked through the window to close it. The sun was still nowhere to be seen. Greta assumed the time was around 4 a.m. or 5 a.m.

She turned her back to the window and walked to her bed in the Pokécenter's room. Before she got under the blanket, something caught her attention; Eusine's unconscious existence. Greta took a moment to pay attention on Eusine. He is in a deep sleep, unaware of the world right now, Greta thought. The innocent look of him was something that Greta could never overlook. She did not know that at the moment, but she was smiling happily. However, she knew that she would need a lot of energy the next day as she was leaving Pewter City with the others in order to reach to the next destination. Therefore, she decided to focus on her sleep and got in the bed.

It was not any easy, however. Eusine's imagine did not pass before her sight even when she closed her eyes. She felt something burning inside. She had desires to do things. Getting off the bed, cuddling Eusine from behind, leaning her head on Eusine's soothing chest… But she knew that she could not do any of those. Instead, she decided to write down everything she had inside of her, otherwise she could never be able to get back to sleep until the morning.

She silently brought a paper and a pen out of her bag and put them on the table. She took a moment to think about what to write down. Then, everything happened in an order.

''Today is the day we are in a Pokécenter's guest room. Redwald, Eusine and I are going on and on. It's been a couple of weeks since Eusine joined us. The moment I met him was the most desperate moment of my journey so far. Just as I was about to lose it and accept the fact that I was going to have the greatest pain of my life and stop running, he appeared out of nowhere, like a guiding light in the darkness, and helped us out of the situation. I couldn't help it but feel safer around him. ''After that, I didn't want him to leave. I wanted him to go along with us all the way across Kanto. Of course, he had no reason to do that, and he had to leave us behind for what he aims for. Speaking of which, what does he even aim for really? We can't have him the whole time, but at least, he decided to go along with us until Cerulean City, which is still something I am grateful for. ''He is like no one I have met before, so noble… He speaks different and he chooses his words wisely. Even his accent is delicate. For me at this point, it is impossible to not admire him. He has nothing to be criticized. There is nothing to dislike about him… ''I have to say, I love his blue eyes. They are in a perfect shade. When I look inside of his eyes, I always feel my heart beat faster. Sometimes I get lost just looking in there, and I feel afraid of irritating him for that reason. As much as I find it hard to do, I just look at somewhere else and hope that he is not aware of anything yet. Seeing him leaving us because of my weird behaviour would devastate me when I feel the least insecure. ''His nose is as perfect as the shape of his face. His jawline gives me some feelings that I never felt for another man before. At times like this when I'm honest the most to myself, I can't help it but get lost in deep thoughts and desires of him. If only, Eusine, you felt half of what I feel for you, I could be the happiest person alive… If only you could, the one I care the most.''

Greta carefully put the letter in her bag. She felt quite better like some weight on her shoulders were taken away. But she had to make sure that the letter could never be found by anyone. Otherwise, the letter would turn out to be a suicide note.

Redwald and Eusine woke up almost simultaneously. While they changed their outfits, Greta unusually did not wake up. Normally, she would wake up to their sounds if she did not get to wake up the first. While Eusine left the room and get something for everyone for the breakfast, Redwald was the one to wake her up and ask to be ready soon.

Redwald, Greta and Eusine had a silent breakfast in the lobby. Redwald was thinking about his next gym battle while looking at his polished first badge proudly. Eusine was making plans for their journey, mainly based on the food, and making a list of things to buy at grocery stores. Greta, in the other hand, was just feeling a bit broken due to her repressed feelings.

After everyone was done with their food, they paid the Pokécenter the bill and left the place, as well as the city.

The group found themselves on the third route. The heat was higher in that particular day than usual. However, Redwald, Greta and Eusine were fighting fit and the heat could not bring them down.

The area, in the other hand, was rather rural. There were plants and trees around the route, but the majority was covered with dry, solid sands. Pokémon who would need water and plant often could not survive in this place.

"Maybe on the road, we will take our time to spend some time with the Pokémon." Eusine said. That was the first thing said out loud since the morning. Redwald replied Eusine as if they had been in a conversation for a long time. "For sure", he said.

While they were heading towards, Greta's scream stopped the other two. Redwald and Eusine turned their back in a shock to see what was up with Greta. Greta covered her face with her fingers and was shaking.

"What is wrong, Greta?" Eusine asked. He walked towards her quickly. Greta did not open her eyes, but she pointed out a direction with her right hand. "There is a dead Pokémon over there, Eusine…" she said uncomfortably. Eusine and Redwald looked at that direction. There was a Pokémon lying on the ground. The Pokémon's body colour was as almost the same as the sands, so, it was impossible to spot him. Redwald never tried using his Pokédex on a dead Pokémon. He was not sure if it would work. However, he met the species already. It was a Sandshrew.

Eusine approached the Pokémon carefully. But he realized that the Pokémon was still breathing. "He is not dead, Greta. You can uncover your eyes." He said. He put his hand on Sandshrew's body poised to check the Pokémon's situation. Sandshrew was tired out.

"Red, give me some water please." Eusine said. Redwald put his backpack on the ground and took water out and handed it over Eusine. Eusine gave some water to Sandshrew from the battle. It was not enough to recover his consciousness.

"Looks like we will stay here a bit longer until Sandshrew is fine." Eusine said.

Eusine brought herbs and medicine out of his backpack to prepare proper food for Sandshrew. Redwald decided to help him out with organizing what was needed. In the meantime, Greta took her time to spend some time with her Pokémon.

Metapod was getting harder every day. Eusine was positive that she would complete her process and evolve any time. When the nurse also confirmed Eusine's claims, Greta felt much better. When the nurse told her that she would not need to carry her around all the time, Greta did not feel safe about Metapod. But she was convinced afterwards.

When Greta took Paras in her team, she knew that a young Pokémon such as Paras would require a more specific care. However, Paras had always been so healthy that Greta did not need to go with any specific treatment. Paras was just fine the way he was.

Foudre decided to be independent as usual. Whenever Greta attempted to pay a personal attention, Foudre felt uncomfortable and ignored her completely by either pretending to sleep or finding something else to distract her from Greta. If a Pokémon was there to be challenging, that was Foudre. But Greta knew that Foudre was deep inside interested in Greta and was waiting for Greta to find a proper way to melt the ice.

Nidoran, in the other hand, had always been the "mature" one in the group. She was taking responsibilities with Greta, or paying attention on Greta when she took responsibilities, like the times she was volunteer to wash the clothes or do the dishes. Nidoran would either help her carry everything and stick around her the whole time, or she would just express her support for her.

Redwald and Eusine returned after nearly half an hour. Eusine was carrying Sandshrew with him. When they came closer, Eusine put the Pokémon on the ground and everyone sat around Greta.

"What is wrong with him?" Greta asked.

"His nails are broken for some reason. I am assuming he hurt himself." Eusine said. "Sandshrew's strongest defence is protecting itself by hiding itself underground. If Sandshrew can't provide that for itself, then, they become an easy target. They can't battle in situations like that, as Sandshrew's strongest weapon is also its nails."

"Are you saying he was under attack?" Greta asked. She could hardly believe something that horrible.

"It looks like it." Eusine said. "Red and I prepared a great potion for him. As you can see, his nails are bandaged. It will take a while, but Sandshrew will feel himself better soon, and be able to dig through again."

"In the meantime, we should be close to him." Greta said. "In case he gets attacked again."

Redwald and Eusine nodded their heads.

"I am sorry, I couldn't help you guys out." Greta said. "You see, after assuming I saw his dead body, it would be too hard for me. I know, as someone who wants to be a Pokémon breeder, it is barely an excuse… But…"

"Don't worry about it, Greta." Redwald said. "It doesn't make you a bad student to be a Pokémon breeder. You still have a long time and way to become a real one. Give yourself a break."

Greta nodded her head with the guilty feeling inside of her. She tried to look at Sandshrew. Seeing the Pokémon having an innocent sleep, as innocent as Eusine, gave Greta some peace inside. Sandshrew was there to survive. Why couldn't she do the same over her wounds in her heart?

Redwald, Greta and Eusine spent the rest of the day in the area. They created a small camp area for themselves and kept Sandshrew safe. Greta was in charge of standing close to Sandshrew and be in alert in case anything happens. Nidoran spent her whole time with Greta. During the time, Greta analysed her Pokémon. Nidoran was expressing a merciful attitude towards the poor Pokémon. She was sometimes licking his body and lying on Sandshrew's back with the instinct to keep him safe.

"Do you like him, Nidoran?" Greta asked. Nidoran's way to confirm her trainer was implying that was not a romantic liking, but more like motherly liking.

Redwald took his time training his Pokémon, as he would do every time he gets a chance. Eusine watched his training the whole time. Eevee was still mastering his attacks that he knew. Eusine praised him after he performed what he had. Pidgey was flying much faster, as he took the control of his wings better after Eusine's suggestions. Eusine implied that Pidgey could evolve any time soon. He was heading to that direction. Poliwag and Tangela were as good as usual. Charmander was just improving himself. In the early training, Redwald found a proper way to approach his new Pokémon. Once they managed to connect to each other, Redwald began his training. Charmander knew how to use Scratch, Growl and Ember. Eusine commented that for a Pokémon who was never trained before, Charmander was just fine. Redwald, then, focused on Charmander's moves and what could bring out the best. With a proper training suggested by Eusine, Redwald made a great opening. Eusine comforted him as he said Charmander would get much better in time. In fact, their training gave Eusine such inspiration that Eusine called Haunter out and he trained his Pokémon just for the enjoyment and satisfaction.

When the sun disappeared, and the darkness guided the third route, Redwald and Eusine finally returned from their tiring training. Redwald felt quite tired despite of having a great rest the day before. They set a camp fire and warmed up. Eusine prepared a dinner for everyone before they went to sleep. Ever since they left the city, Greta had always been distant and silent, but no one realized, or no one had a chance to talk over it. As much as Greta was upset and pissed off about it, she was also glad that she was not asked about it. Otherwise, she would not know what to say. "What a dilemma." She thought.

After their another silent dinner, everybody got in their sleeping bags and got in deep sleeps. Feeling unpleasant and uncomfortable, it took longer for Greta, but she fell asleep eventually. Nidoran, who was already out of her Poké Ball and wanted to spend the night with Greta, stood next to Sandshrew and fell asleep while covering him from all around.

Later the night, Greta felt something wet on her face. That was none other than Nidoran's lip. She was licking to wake her up. Greta could not understand the situation for a moment. "What is going on, Nidoran?" She managed to ask. Nidoran was upset, showing Sandshrew. Sandshrew was just lying on the ground, sleeping under the blanket that Eusine put on him before going to sleep.

"Is there something wrong with him?" Greta asked. She got out of her sleeping bag and touched Sandshrew's body. Sandshrew had a great fever. Not only he was burning, but also, he was shaking.

"Sandshrew…" Greta said. For a moment almost like hypnotized, Greta did not know what to do. She just looked at the Pokémon and waited for just nothing. She pulled herself together quickly and ran back to Redwald and Eusine.

"Eusine, Red! Wake up!" She cried out. "Wake up immediately! Emergency!"

Redwald and Eusine woke up quickly. "What is it, Greta?" Eusine asked, while he was coming to life and getting out of his sleeping bag in a rush.

"Sandshrew…" Greta said. "He is shaking. He is in a bad situation…"

Eusine and Redwald ran to the Pokémon under the blanket. Nidoran was still trying to cover him all around his body. Greta put Nidoran on her lap and stepped back to give Redwald and Eusine some space.

Eusine quickly grabbed his backpack and took a liquid out of it. He poured the liquid in Sandshrew's mouth. "Give it 5 or 15 minutes." Eusine said. "Sandshrew will get much better soon. Hopefully…"

With the help of Charmander, Redwald set another camp fire. Everyone sat around it and waited for the time to fill up. Greta looked at Eusine in the eye and watched how tired he was. Occasionally, his eyes would be closed, but Eusine would force himself right after to open his eyes. That was what Greta loved the most about him, the carrying and helping nature of him.

His blond hair coming down from the top of his head, even it was in order despite of coming out of the sleeping bag. How, Greta thought, how could it be?

When the time was up, Eusine walked towards Sandshrew and checked his fever. It was normal then. Also, he was not shaking anymore, maybe a little.

"Much better now." He let the others know the good one. After that, everyone got back in their sleeping bags to keep sleeping.

"This was all thanks to you, Nidoran." Greta said. "You are a great Pokémon. Take good care of Sandshrew, please."

Nidoran nodded her head and walked back at the Pokémon. She put her arm on Sandshrew's tired body under the blanket and got back to sleep along with him. Nidoran might have hoped to meet him in the same dream, just maybe…

When Sandshrew woke up the next day early in the morning, he found himself lying under a blanket. He felt tired and in pain, of course. But he knew he was in a better shape then. A Pokémon was sleeping right next to him. Whom could she be? A random Nidoran?

He got out of the blanket and walked out. A lady was there, sleeping as well. Sandshrew felt the cold breeze of early morning, which would be gone in a short time and would remain hot until the sunset. Sandshrew passed through the girl and found two young men sleeping in sleeping bags, as well. Just as Sandshrew was about to leave them behind as well, he smelled something delicious from one of the bags. Instead, Sandshrew dug in the bag and brought out what was smelling so tempting. It was nothing else than a delicious food in pocket. He ripped off the pocket and began to eat the delicious food right away.

Greta was the first one to wake up, as Nidoran woke her up once more. As an automatic reaction, Greta worried if something was wrong with Sandshrew again. "What is it, Nidoran?" Greta said. "Is everything alright?"

Greta's face was licked once again, before Nidoran pointed the blanket. Sandshrew was nowhere to be seen.

"Did he escape?" Greta asked. Nidoran nodded her head. Greta quickly left the sleeping bag and ran to Redwald and Eusine. However, she found Sandshrew there. He was eating food from the backpacks. When Sandshrew sensed Greta, he attempted to escape. But Greta's soothing voice with love and mercy stopped him.

"Wait, Sandshrew. You may have it as you like!" She said. Her sound woke Redwald and Eusine up as well. The two lifted their heads and looked at the direction where Sandshrew attempted to run. He was standing and looking back at Greta and the food he had to leave. As much as Sandshrew felt insecure about going back there, he also did not want to leave all the delicious food behind. He could not find it often on the third route.

He walked back slowly while watching everyone else's steps carefully. Greta, Redwald and Eusine did not move a single muscle. Nidoran, in the other hand, approached Sandshrew slowly. The two met in the middle, they dug in the food, and Greta took a deep breath. They gathered around Sandshrew, as Eusine began to speak.

"We found you hurt and damaged, Sandshrew." Eusine said. He was looking at Sandshrew's bandaged arm, except it was not bandaged anymore. Sandshrew must have gotten rid of it.

"Your nail seems to be normal again." He kept talking. "I believe you can dig holes as you like and defend yourself from the wild enemies. You must be safe."

After Sandshrew ate a bit more, he turned his back and stood before Redwald. Sandshrew was having a daring standing. He seemed to be very brave and encouraged. What could be up with him?

"I think he challenges you to a battle, Red." Greta said. "He wants to test himself if he is safe enough to protect himself and dig holes in emergency."

"Is that right, Sandshrew?" Redwald asked. Sandshrew nodded his head. Greta felt proud to be able to understand Pokémon's feelings after all this time. She was improving herself and that was the proof of it.

Redwald accepted Sandshrew's challenge. "It sounds fine by me." He said. Therefore, the two were ready to start a battle.

They found an empty area to have a battle freely. There, Eusine decided to serve as a referee. "The battle between Sandshrew and the trainer Redwald will now begin." He said.

Redwald reached to his Poké Ball and threw it. "Pokémon, I choose you!"

Poliwag appeared on the grasses. Sandshrew and Poliwag glared at each other. Redwald responded with "You may start, Sandshrew", as Sandshrew ran towards Poliwag and used Scratch.

Sandshrew's nails glowed bright, as he ran towards his enemy. Eusine considered his nails to be "normal". Redwald stepped forward. "Dodge it, Poliwag!" He said.

As Sandshrew came before him, Poliwag jumped and dodged Sandshrew's move.

"Respond with Body Slam!" Redwald ordered. Without wasting a second, Poliwag counter attacked the enemy. Sandshrew bounced in the air and found himself on the ground.

He forced himself to stand up and open his eyes wide. He could still go on, as he was trying to prove himself and everyone else. Nidoran felt disturbed on Greta's lap, and wanted to reach to Sandshrew. But Greta promised her to reach him when the battle is over.

Sandshrew ran to Poliwag and used Sand Attack on him. The sands covered Poliwag's body as a whole. Redwald knew he was a bit late to give a command, but he still tried.

"Poliwag, step back!" Redwald said. Although that was a poor attempt of Poliwag to get rid of the Sand Attack move, it worked better than what Redwald expected. Poliwag only needed to clean his eyes from all the sand.

Sandshrew did not waste any second and used Scratch on him again. Poliwag had no chance to dodge it. However, Redwald was determined to attack. "Use Water Gun in the air!" Redwald said.

"Why air?" Greta asked. "Sandshrew is not even higher than Poliwag."

"I have a theory." Eusine responded.

Poliwag aimed the top and used Water Gun on top of himself. The water fell down from the air and cleaned his body, as well as it gave a chance him to clean his sight. Poliwag destroyed all the disadvantage then.

"Fire another Water Gun!" Redwald responded. However, Sandshrew quickly used Dig and disappeared on the ground. Poliwag's Water Gun hit a tree, and thus, missed.

"Use Water Gun in the hole, Poliwag!" Redwald responded. This time, Poliwag ran to the hole and used Water Gun in there. The water reached to Sandshrew in a short span of time, as Sandshrew had to bring himself on the surface.

"That's a direct hit!" Greta responded. "I am surprised Sandshrew can still even go on!"

Right at that moment, Redwald did what was unexpected. He reached to inside of his backpack and took an empty Poké Ball out of it. He threw the Poké Ball towards the Pokémon and attempted to catch him.

The Poké Ball absorbed the Ground Type Pokémon, as it hit the Pokémon's head. Greta and Eusine both were watching everything in a shock. No one expected Redwald to catch the Pokémon. Redwald did not even give any signs that he wanted to have him. The Poké Ball, in the other hand, had shaken once… and twice…

Sandshrew could not break the free, therefore, Redwald caught the Pokémon.

For a moment, a silence dominated the area. Only the soft breeze made any sound. Eventually, Greta was the one to break the silence.

"What was that about?" She said. "Why did you catch him now?"

"I didn't plan to, of course. But the fierce battle desire he has inside, which I realized in the battle, convinced me to give it a shot." Redwald said. "Considering he is good friends with Nidoran now, I thought they both would appreciate that."

Nidoran cheered for it right away. She jumped off Greta's lap and ran to Redwald. She wanted to meet Sandshrew after all. Redwald nodded his head and threw the Poké Ball to call the Pokémon out.

When Sandshrew came out of the Poké Ball, he was shocked and surprised. But when Nidoran showed off herself, Sandshrew felt much safer. Then, Redwald approached him properly by showing off his smile.

"I just caught you, Sandshrew." He said. "I thought you would appreciate it. To go along with us, I mean." He coughed. "Nidoran is very happy to have you with us. Not to mention I love your battling desire inside."

Sandshrew, after a moment of confusion, raised his hands higher and cheered for it along with Nidoran. The two Pokémon seized the moment together, as Redwald, Greta and Eusine kept going on their journey across Kanto.

Humans

 * Redwald Walker
 * Greta Parker
 * Eusine Hunter
 * The Nurse