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It was a nice warm day in Kanto and Julian was glad to be outside and on the move, but it was almost time to find somewhere to eat lunch. 'Maybe I can also think about that letter Sabrina sent me,' he thought as he started to search for a good spot to have lunch with his team.
A few moments later he found a nice picnic table near a large tree that would provide some shade from the noon day sun. After placing his pack on the table, he took his three occupied Pokeballs and threw them into the air. “Come on out and enjoy some lunch, my friends,” he called and soon a Kadabra, a Gallade, and a Gardevoir were standing in front of him. “I’ll get your food setup, and then we can eat and maybe discuss a letter I received yesterday from one of the gym leaders.”
Sounds good to me and who was the letter from? Archimedes, the Kadabra asked him in his mind.
Yes, who is the letter from and what did the gym leader want? Gardevoir also asked Julian in his mind while Gallade merely sent him a curious look.
‘The letter was from Sabrina and she offered to teach me to become a better Psychic-type trainer despite Oak also informing her that I can’t use Psychic powers myself. From what the letter said, the Professor was impressed by how I raised Gallade and Gardevoir from when they were twin Ralts in Hoenn and chose to come home with my family until I became a trainer at fifteen,’ Julian thought, knowing his Psychic friends could read what was in his mind.
Why does that bother you so much? Gallade wondered in Julian’s mind.
‘I remember how crowded Saffron City is when we passed through. Archimedes was just a Abra back then and slept most of the time during our trip through there. I also know how good Sabrina is supposed to look, and I don’t want to have any bad thoughts about her,’ was the trainer’s thoughts in his head as he started unpacking the Pokemon food for each of his partners and his own sandwiches.
You want to be able to keep your promise that you made to your mother before we left, was Gardevoir’s reply in his head. Don’t worry, we can help keep your mind on track with what she will teach you and what your mother taught you about relationships.
‘Even you Archimedes? When did you hear about that promise I made? That was before we met you outside of Viridian Forest,’ wondered Julian knowing the Kadabra would pick it up.
Gallade and Gardevoir told me about it when you were asleep after I agreed to join the team. Teamwork is crucial after all just like we agreed that you won’t mock trade me to make me evolve until I master all the attacks I can as an Kadabra, Archimedes sent to his trainer and friend. Who put up the screen to reduce the sunlight? It’s nice not that I am complaining.
It wasn’t me and it wasn’t my sister, Gallade sent. It feels like one of those barriers that the Mimes would use and it seems to be reducing the sound as well. It’s nice but I would also like to know who put them up.
That was myself who put up the barriers, a female Mr. Mime told the group in their minds. Compared to everyone else I’ve met, your trainer has a relatively quiet mind and so do you three Pokemon. I wanted to help you enjoy the peace of your lunch and discussion.
“Speaking of which, here’s your food, my friends. Would you like something to eat?” Julian said while passing his Pokemon their bowls. “I’ve also added your favourite berries on top and ensured I used the correct blend for each of you, so I have some spare Psychic-Fairy food if you want some miss.”
Thank you for offering and I’ll have some, she sent back to Julian in his mind. Mind explaining what you look worried about? Maybe I can offer a suggestion or two?
Julian carefully set a bowl of the Psychic-Fairy blend on the edge of the table. “Here you go,” he said, his voice steady despite his nerves. “I received a letter last night from Sabrina, the Saffron City Gym Leader. She’s offered to mentor me on Professor Oak’s recommendation. He told her I can only sense energy, not use it, but I’m still... hesitant.”
He looked down at his own sandwich, then back at the Mr. Mime. “I’m sixteen, and she’s a very impressive, very pretty lady. I made a promise to my mother before I left home, and I’m worried that being around someone like Sabrina might make it hard to keep my head on straight.”
The Mr. Mime paused, mid-bite, her expression thoughtful. I can see how that would be a challenge, her voice drifted into his mind, clear and melodic. You have a rare chance to train with a master, but you're a young human male and she is, by your own admission, a beautiful human female. I have seen the males of my own species act just as foolishly to impress others.
We will be there to help you, Julian, Gallade’s voice joined in, firm and reassuring. We know the promise you made. We won't let you lose your way, even in a crowded city.
Archimedes looked from Julian to the barrier-maker. Would you be willing to join our family? he asked, ensuring Julian could "hear" the invitation as well. We could use your help protecting our trainer’s mind while we all grow stronger together.
Julian looked at her directly. “I’ll only catch you if you truly want to stay,” he added aloud. “You’re welcome to finish your meal and go in peace, but I’d love to have you with us.”
The female Mr. Mime smiled, reaching out toward the empty Pokéball Julian held. I would be very happy to join a family like this, she sent.
She pressed the button and was absorbed inside without a struggle. A few seconds later a PING rang out from the ball indicating the capture was complete.
Julian immediately released her so that she could resume her meal. “Welcome to the team. Would you like a nickname like Archimedes here?” he asked her.
You can call me Sylvie, was her response. We don’t share our own names with others unless we consider them close friends or family which I know this team will become for me over time. I think that you should consider accepting this gym leader’s offer as they don’t come that often and who knows, she may help you find the last two we need for a full team.
That’s true and I can’t believe that I didn’t think of that myself, Archimedes sent with a clear flavour of disbelief. Accepting her offer is probably the best thing we can do unless Julian wants to travel to a different region soon.
“No, I have no plans to travel to any of the other regions yet,” Julian replied. “So we are agreed? I accept Sabrina’s offer and we head towards Saffron City as a team of five instead of the four we were before?”
Yes, he heard in his mind from all of his Pokemon including his newest member, Sylvie. After that, he unwrapped his sandwiches and began eating his lunch in peace, knowing he had a meeting in the future with the gym leader he had a crush on.