The group had done something of a round trip, so they were less than a day from Pallet. All being well, they'd get back to the laboratory around late afternoon. Sonia held Sandshrew in her arms for a time, but eventually the young Pokemon was ready to support himself. He needed to jog to keep up, but he stuck to Sonia's side well.
Sonia kept an eye on Sandshrew, a thought coming into her mind. He seemed to like Joe, if only because Joe was a fighter. She had an idea and figured Professor Oak would be fine with it. "So, what are ya doin' after ya leave Pallet?" She asked Joe.
Joe assisted Sonia over a tree growing at a forty-five-degree angle. "I'm exploring Kanto some more." He watched Sandshrew clamber up wood. "Probably a lot of fighting involved because I want to keep using Nomads and train at Gyms."
Once over the log, Sandshrew's eyes sparkled as he looked up at Joe. Sonia smiled and nodded. "Ya have a lot in common with this li'l fella, huh? Maybe I should ask Oaksy if Sandshrew can go with ya."
Sandshrew suddenly had a burst of energy and ran ahead of the group, looking back to make sure they were keeping up.
"Are you sure about that?" Joe asked.
"Yep! Oaksy says Pokemon should do what they wanna do. If Sandshrew wants to battle, then he should chase that dream."
As expected, they made it back to Pallet a bit before dinner time, Sandshrew leading the way the entire time because he was excited. Sonia picked Sandshrew up on the outskirts of town. Held him close to her chest. "I'll see ya in a little bit, Joey!" She rushed off in the direction of Oak's laboratory.
Joe walked a different direction. They'd discussed it on the way. Oak's laboratory had a healing Pokemon, but Nidoran needed to see a specialist. Joe had a few other things he wanted to do anyway. He'd meet Sonia and Sandshrew back at the lab in an hour.
Joe walked to the nearest PokeCenter using directions from Rotom. Brought Nidoran out and held him in his arms. Walked inside, Hoothoot hopping along next to him. Before he reached the counter, the nurse had seen the scarred Pokemon and shot a glare towards Joe. Assumed Joe was responsible for a Pokemon in such poor condition. Joe reached the counter as a little bed on wheels was brought out. He placed Nidoran down.
"I found him in the wild and didn't know what else to do. I used a Potion on him, if that's relevant. Oh, and Rotom translated the situation. Apparently Nidoran was scarred about a week ago, so I think he's mostly healed." Joe said, feeling a need to explain himself. Hoothoot hopped up onto the bed and sat next to its friend. "And that bird is Nidoran's friend. I hope you don't mind them sticking together."
The nurse considered the situation. Eased up her expression. Nodded. "I'll perform a check-up. If what you say is true, then come back in a few hours. Nidoran should already be past the worst of it. There shouldn't be much for me to do."
Joe quickly reached back and brought his Pokeballs out of his holster. "Also, could you heal my Pokemon, please?"
She nodded again. "Give me a moment."
Joe watched the bed until it was wheeled around a corner. He heard talking. Another nurse came to the counter with a Chansey by her side. Took Joe's Pokemon and restored their energy.
Joe left. He scratched his chin. Decided he'd like to stay in Pallet for the night. He loved the great outdoors, but he also liked a good bed. He booked into a hotel. Bought necessities along the way. Mainly food. Dropped his bag off in the tidy but bare room. Shaved.
He visited the nearest PokeMart. Grabbed some Pokeballs. He two, one for Hoothoot and one for, hopefully, Sandshrew, but he bought a dozen. Fit them in his pocket. A team for sports battles consisted of six Pokemon, but what about when Joe's criminal foes didn't abide by rules? Joe decided he would be better off with enough Pokemon to fill multiple teams. Pokemon had a limited amount of energy. If Joe engaged in a prolonged series of battles over the course of a few hours, then he would absolutely need more than six Pokemon. Joe decided to welcome any Pokemon that wanted to be with him. Money wasn't a problem thanks to Nomads. He could afford the food, and he wanted the extra power. On top of that, some Pokemon were like Sprigatito. They were pets. Not made for fighting.
Joe took a moment to sit on a bench and think. He had been thinking of a strategy for his battle against Sandshrew. He pulled up the PokeDex entry for Bug Bomb. Read into the move. He was reluctant to use it since it harmed the user if it was countered, and Caterpie was a weak bug. One or two counters and Caterpie would knock herself out. If Joe wasn't careful about his opponent's capabilities, then Caterpie would only hurt herself. He sat back. Thought. Maybe that's how he should use it. Draw out everything his foe was capable of. When he was sure Bug Bomb couldn't be countered, he could strike hard, weaving Bug Bomb into his strategy.
He looked up what exactly counted as a counter. Moves like Protect and Barrier stopped the energy, resulting in a backfire as the energy had to go somewhere. Some moves like Detect redirected energy, which sent Bug Bomb back at the user.
The way Joe had used Tackle to clash with Bug Bomb was not a counter. Moves clashing lessened the impact and therefore lessened the damage to the energy shield, but it still resulted in both sides walking away with damage dealt.
Joe walked until he found a fashion store. He wanted to get Sonia a gift, and she seemed trendy and fashionable. He went inside. Immediately felt out of place as women turned their heads to look at him. The place smelled like perfume and somehow looked like glitter was constantly pumped through the air. Some of the woman wore smug grins, assuming Joe was a fish out of water trying to get his girlfriend a gift. Others looked him up and with hungry eyes.
Joe walked the aisles. He'd taken note of aspects to Sonia. She cared for every part of herself, so he was free to choose. Joe picked out a set of nails that were dark blue to hint at nighttime. A yellow streak for a shooting star. Plenty of little white dots for far off suns. To him, these nails signified their time together in the wild. He hoped they were a good gift. He put them in a jacket pocket until they were needed.
He made his way to the laboratory. Sonia was standing at the stop of the small hill, waiting for him. She waved when she spotted him. Joe ascended.
"Welcome back!" Sonia shouted. She continued when Joe was close enough. "I spoke to the Prof, an' he said ya can take Sandshrew if he wants to be with ya." She directed Joe around the building. They reached a simple fence. She watched Joe hop over. "But ya gotta beat him in a battle first." She stretched up and leaned over the fence to pat Joe's upper back. "Good luck!"
Joe eyed Sandshrew some meters away. His big black eyes hungered for battle. He hunched over a little, ready to attack. Joe tossed out a ball. "Let's see what you can do, Sandshrew."
Blue energy burst to reveal Caterpie. She let out a squeak and dipped down, understanding she was going to fight. Sandshrew's little claws glinted with white energy and he ran at Caterpie.
Caterpie used String Shot to wrap around Sandshrew's arm. She pulled herself in. Having a bug missile coming for him made Sandshrew stop and hesitate. He cut the thread, but that didn't solve the problem of momentum. Caterpie continued sailing through the air. Tackle met Scratch and Caterpie bounced over her opponent.
Sandshrew spun to meet the foe now at his back. Dug his tail through the ground to reveal he knew Mud-Slap. His tail tossed globs of dirt into the air that were imbued with energy. They shot forward at unnatural speeds. Caterpie dodged one by reeling herself to the ground, but one struck her tail and spun her. Her side hit the ground with force.
Sandshrew was already standing over Caterpie, claws coming down to scratch the bug. Caterpie's red horn turned white as she used Tackle again. Claws locked against horn, both sides putting all their strength into their attack and shaking from the effort. Caterpie tossed her head aside to redirect Scratch. Twisted her head from the lowered position and used String Shot. Thread hit Sandshrew's throat. Caterpie reeled herself in and brought her tail around, hitting Sandshrew in the side of the head with Bug Bomb.
Joe was fairly confident Sandshrew had shown most of his moves. Maybe all of them. In Joe's experience so far, younger Pokemon had two or three moves. He judged it safe to use Bug Bomb.
Sandshrew toppled, rushing to put a hand out to keep himself standing. As he moved, smoke stuck to his body. Caterpie purposely jumped back to create distance, but was still caught by Sandshrew as he swished his tail along dirt. Sand was kicked into Caterpie's face. Sand Attack.
Caterpie landed a few feet away and squirmed from being blinded. She wasn't resolute enough to respond to Joe informing her that Sandshrew was approaching. She took a Scratch right hand uppercut to her body, which winded her. She barely managed to run energy through her horn to avoid direct damage from a left hook. The size and strength difference caused Caterpie to fall back a few feet.
Caterpie righted herself, still unable to see properly. She could at least make out that Sandshrew was running her way. She saw no other way out. Her entire body glowed with a soothing white light. She expelled thread, also glowing white, from beneath the segments of her body, wrapping every millimetre of her body in a thick cocoon.
When the light dissipated, Caterpie was revealed to have evolved into Metapod. She was a bright green that would fit in well with tree leaves. Her body was shaped like the top of an archway. She rocked about on the arc, strong eyes looking at Sandshrew.
#0011 Metapod
Gender: Female
Height: 2' 04" (Average)
Weight: 10.3kg (Above Average)
Moves: Tackle / String Shot / Bug Bomb / Harden /
Ability: Shield Dust
Releases a pale green dust when struck by certain moves.
Rotom listed off facts and briefly showed a different screen to highlight the changes. It would save the description for after the battle. Joe took note of the new move. Harden. Having evolved, instincts had awakened and shown Metapod how to channel energy to strengthen her body. A defence mechanism for the growing Pokemon.
Sandshrew reached Metapod. Aimed Scratch at the cocoon's side. Metapod's entire body glinted and shone with a faint light as Harden activated. Sandshrew's claws, despite being enhanced with energy, bounced off Metapod's body.
Metapod immediately knew what her new body could do. Instinct again. Most bugs changed fast, so they needed to be ready for things like evolution.
Metapod rolled on what was essentially her belly. Hopped. Used Tackle to headbutt Sandshrew before he had fully recovered from Scratch failing a moment earlier. Struck him in the stomach. They separated. Metapod rolled and hopped. Opened a small compartment between her eyes. The bug inside the cocoon still needed to eat, so she could manipulate small parts of her shell. She used String Shot. The thread hit the ground at Sandshrew's feet. Metapod reeled herself in as her head lit up with Bug-type energy.
Sandshrew jumped aside as Metapod struck the ground where he had been. He felt the blast wave as an explosion rang out. Shrouded Metapod in dust. Thread pierced the smoke. Struck Sandshrew in the shoulder. He was almost pulled off his feet, but after a stumble he stayed standing. Metapod came flying in.
Sandshrew's claws glinted white. Sparked green, like crackling fire. He'd paid attention to the Bug-type energy Metapod was using. Figured he could use it somehow. Such raw energy didn't require much deciphering. He'd gotten into enough battles throughout the forest that he'd gained a decent understanding of energy manipulation. As Metapod rushed through the air, Sandshrew grew pale green claws an inch long. He let out a squeak. Metapod wasn't the only one that could learn and change mid-fight. Sandshrew learned Fury Cutter.
Bug-type energy collided as Sandshrew swung a claw and Metapod headbutt with Bug Bomb. Sandshrew jumped back, Fury Cutter claws still active. Metapod followed by hopping forward. She switched between Tackle and Harden to try and land a hit while also trying to decrease the damage she took. She whipped the side of her body around to strike with her tail, and she headbutt.
Each time they clashed, Sandshrew's claws grew in size and strength. An aspect of Fury Cutter. It got stronger with every successful strike. Sandshrew's energy claws reached a foot long, energy crawling up to his shoulders, but he was the one being pushed back.
Sandshrew wanted some breathing room. He gave one last powerful swipe, stunning Metapod. He jumped back as far as he could. Dug his tail through dirt and flung balls of mud. Took a breather. Watched Metapod twirl on her tail to dodge. He expected String Shot and he was right. He stepped aside so it didn't latch onto his body. String Shot hit dirt. Before Metapod could reel herself in, Sandshrew swiped. Cut the thread. There was a brief pause as Joe expected to use Bug Bomb next, but his brain was stuck computing that Metapod wasn't rushing at her foe. Sandshrew used that time to use Mud-Slap again, this time running after his own attack.
Metapod hopped onto a point and spun. Avoided the three globs of mud headed her way. She brought her body down to meet Sandshrew's Fury Cutter with Bug Bomb. Another massive explosion rang through the air. Metapod hopped out of the smoke. Sandshrew went sliding on his back. Bug Bomb had pushed through because Fury Cutter's increasing power faded before the clash.
Metapod won.
Joe ran to Metapod and picked her up. She was noticeably heavier than Caterpie. He stroked her side, curious if she could even feel anything in that cocoon. Decided it didn't matter. Just the act of showing affection was enough. "You fought well, buddy. Get some rest." He tapped Metapod with her ball. Realised he didn't feel goosebumps when interacting with the bug anymore. Was it because she evolved? So, that feeling was an indicator that a Pokemon was ready to evolve?
Joe would check later. He approached Sandshrew. Knelt by him. "You okay?" Sandshrew squeaked and found the strength to sit up. Joe brought out a Pokeball from his pocket. "That was a good fight. So, how about it? I'm sure we'll get into plenty of fights."
Sandshrew nodded. Used a fist to bump the button on the ball. He wanted to rest, but he came out to say goodbye to Sonia.
"Sandshrew, the Mouse Pokemon. Its body is dry, except for cold nights where it burrows into the ground, its back exposed. It wakes the next morning with a layer of dew atop it." Rotom said.
#0027 Sandshrew (Kantonian)
Gender: Male
Height: 2' 03" (Above Average)
Weight: 13.1kg (Above Average)
Moves: Scratch / Mud-Slap / Sand Attack / Fury Cutter /
Ability: Sand Veil
Disperses its energy throughout a sandstorm, making it harder to locate.
"Good job!" Sonia approached. Smacked Joe on the arm a few times. Crouched down with a bit of a forced smile and stroked Sandshrew's head.
Sandshrew allowed Sonia this much since it might be the last time he saw her. But in return, when she was done, Sandshrew stuck a hand out for a handshake.
Sonia couldn't stop herself from chuckling while obliging and giving Sandshrew's hand a little shake. "Where'd ya learn that?"
It was evidence that Sandshrew was too old for Sonia's overbearing affection. He was more mature than people gave him credit for.
Joe stood up straight. He considered himself to be kind of an idiot, but he understood his own feelings. He was certain he liked Sonia. It was why he'd bought her a farewell gift. He watched Sonia stand up and look him in the eyes. She wore a sad smile, understanding it was time to part.
The idea of watching Joe walk away upset Sonia. A twinge in her heart. They'd only spent a few days together, but she wanted to spend more time with him. She'd found all aspects of him to be attractive. They operated in different fields, but it didn't stop them being together.
Joe scratched his cheek with all his fingers. "I'm thinking of staying in Pallet tonight. Want to go out for a meal?"
Sonia lit up. Jumped and hugged him. There was that crazy strength again. It was a good job Joe was sturdy and could withstand whatever it was. She eventually backed away. "I do!" Her cheeks turned a faint red as she felt like she'd just agreed to marriage.
They decided to go now. Sonia had been in Pallet for long enough to learn what restaurants were good. Considering an earlier comment about how she liked fast food, Joe was surprised when she dragged him into a normal restaurant.
As they ate, Joe finally brought out his little gift. A see-through plastic case with expertly painted nails. Sonia squealed and jumped out of her chair. She rushed around the table and hugged Joe. Given the fact that Joe was sitting down, Sonia's arms wrapped around his head and his face was buried in her chest. It was definitely worth getting that gift.
Once she let Joe go, she pranced about while looking at her gift until staff approached and politely asked her to calm down. She obliged, embarrassed, and they ate together happily.
After the meal, it really was time to part. They did their best to prolong the encounter, with Joe walking Sonia back to the laboratory. Sonia gave Joe her number so they could stay in contact. They'd both like to see where their friendship led, but neither of them said anything. Instead, Sonia focused on Sandshrew.
"Ya look after the li'l fella, ya hear? If ya don't, ya gotta answer to me!" Sonia rolled her coat's sleeves up like she was preparing for a fight.
Joe grinned. "Of course. He's royalty. And stay in touch. We'll have to go somewhere together."
Sonia nodded, satisfied. She liked the sound of that. Joe grabbed his possessions from the laboratory. Sonia hugged Joe. He hugged her back. Joe turned and left down the hill as Sonia watched him, the sun mostly below the horizon on the other side of Mt. Silver. If neither were going to confess, then clearly they needed more time. They both looked forward to another date.
Joe dropped his bundle of clothes off at the hotel and headed to the PokeCenter. He got Metapod and Sandshrew reinvigorated by a nurse. She walked around a corner and the nurse that accepted Nidoran earlier came out. Apparently the nurses were on the lookout for a giant coming to retrieve a scarred Pokemon. She had Nidoran in her arms, and Hoothoot hopped along next to her. She handed the poison bunny to Joe.
"As you said, he had mostly recovered naturally. There wasn't much for us to do."
She said that, but Nidoran had his eyes wide open. He was sniffing to learn scents, and his ears twitched at new sounds. He was a lot more active than when Joe had met him. The nurse had helped plenty. Nidoran was still missing most of an ear and three claws ran across his side, but they weren't as rough. The wound had been sealed and tended to fully, but the scar would be there forever. Maybe? It made Joe question how evolution affected scars. Did it erase the scar? Did the scar grow with the Pokemon? Only time would tell.
Joe thanked the nurse and left for his hotel. He sat on the edge of the bed, Nidoran and Hoothoot sitting together and talking in a corner. He finally got a read out of Metapod's PokeDex entry.
"Metapod, the Cocoon Pokemon. The shell covering this Pokemon is as hard as iron, but it struggles to move now due to the new shape of its body."
For having no arms or legs, she got around well enough. Her leaps were strong, covering a few feet at a time.
"Just to confirm, Rotom. I was feeling goosebumps around Caterpie, but I don't feel it around Metapod. Is that because she evolved?"
"Yes. Pokemon evolve when they want, which can result in a Pokemon evolving long after they're ready. What you felt was excess energy hitting your Aura."
It was nice to have confirmation. He asked about evolution because the idea that 'Pokemon evolve when they want' was way too broad. Apparently, it was exactly how it sounded. The requirement for evolution was unique for each member of each species. To be as simple as possible, Rotom said it was centered around personal goals. For example, Cyndaquil was a fighter. When he feels he's strong enough, he'll evolve. But only Cyndaquil knows when he reaches this requirement of being strong enough.
Rotom could only speculate, but Caterpie was likely waiting for some large change in her life, like a Trainer taking her in.
Even Pokemon with special requirements for evolution could evolve through other methods. This also tied into why some Pokemon had evolutions in different countries' PokeDex's. Rotom used Munchlax as an example. A bear Pokemon. It is heavily suspected to originate in Sinnoh, but due to being further North, Sinnoh was cold all year around. Some members of the species braved the Sterling mountain range to come South to Kanto. They found a mild country with an abundance of food. The species ate so much that they evolved into Snorlax. That was the first sighting of Snorlax, although as people befriended Pokemon more, the species could be found in Sinnoh too. It is proven now that certain species, like Munchlax, can also evolve through receiving energy from a Trainer. This transfer only happened when both Munchlax and the Trainer care for each other deeply.
Rotom went away once it was done speaking. Joe considered handling Hoothoot tonight, but he didn't want to interrupt the friends. There was still time left in the day. Joe left Absol in charge of security for the little ones as he found a fitness center. He pulled a card out of his wallet. A pass that worked with all locations this company owned. He got a proper work out done.
Joe went back to the hotel and saw that Nidoran and Hoothoot were asleep, bundled up together. Joe went to bed. It was still earlier than normal, but he had a lot of ground to cover starting tomorrow. His goal was to head North to Viridian. His first Gym.