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It had all seemed so sudden.

It has hard to believe that it had been a day since A.J. had died.

I could feel Lily stir beside me, only to wiggle her body slightly into a more relaxed position. But I still didn't move my head up, my eyes buried into my hands, knees drawn up. I still missed A.J. as much as they did.

I know Rocky was curled around the small tree we were sitting beside, his head beside me. Oatmeal perched on my shoulder, and I could still feel her trying to nuzzle me.

And Octavia was right beside A.J.'s grave. Her green eyes were still swamped with grief.

Finally, I lifted my chin slightly. ''I...I don't wanna do this anymore.''

Rocky slowly opened his eyes, and Lily sat upright, shocked. ''Say what?''

''I..I...No, I can't do this any more!'' I wrapped my arms around my knees. ''I..I don't want ANY of you to die......all for what? A stupid badge.....? All because I want to prove myself...?''

The Slowpoke flicked her white tipped tail angerly. ''Listen, you can't just give up, you idiot! You think A.J. would've wanted that?!''

I paused. Oatmeal once again bristled her feathers at Lily's foul mouth.

''Of course there are risks, Jame! We're Pokemon, and we fight to the death! One little death like this can't knock you down!'' Lily stood up and positioned her pink face right in front of mine. Her blue eyes blazed like a fire.

''There will be more deaths, James. Your gonna lose more friends along the way. It's part of being a Pokemon Trainer. Rocky could die, Oatmeal could die, Ovtavia could die, and I could die. We all know when you send us out to fight, there is a risk of dying. But that doesn't mean we won't fight for you.''

I looked at Oatmeal on my shoulder. The hoothoot's orange eyes also began to spark, the first time since A.J. had died. She nodded. So I looked over at Rocky. The Onix simply nodded his broad head.

Sighing, I smiled since what seemed like years. ''Thanks guys...that...that means a lot to me.''

But I was cut off. Something from Octavia began to glow. Curious, we surronded her. I realised the Mystery Egg was tucked gently beside her stomach. It ripped my heart just a little bit more. She and A.J. had been so excited to be the parents of the baby.

But the egg began to wiggle and crack. A few minutes later, a baby hatched from the egg. It was very odd looking. It had a pale spiky head, stubby little hands and feet. It's body was the egg shell itself.

We all simply stared in blank surprise at the new Pokemon. It opened it's tiny mouth and yawned. It seemed cute, though I had no idea WHAT pokemon it was.

Just then, I got a call from Elm. He wanted me to take the baby Pokemom back to his lab so he can see it. We would have to back track, but I suppose it's only fair. He DID let me keep the egg.

After I hung up, I took out my Pokedex, curious about this strange new Pokemon.

''Huh...Says here it's name is Togepi.....it's a normal type....'' I muttered as I read. Rocky, Oatmeal, and Lily looked at me curious, while Octavia's eyes were glued to the baby Togepi.

''Oh well! Guess we'll have to take care of him now!'' Rocky and Oatmeal nodded, while Lily flicked her tail. ''Pfft. Just another softie to watch out for, but if it's what you want......''

Rolling my eyes at Lily, I bent down to take a closer look at the napping baby. Then I looked up at Octavia. ''Well, Octavia, I think it's only fair YOU get to name him.''

She perked her ears in surprise, then looked down at the baby. I hesitated. The Togepi might remind her too much of A.J.

''She thinks he's beautiful.'' Lily translated, smirking. The Quilava's cheeks went red, and Octavia nuzzled the baby gently.

''Uhh...Ethan? Yeah, she wants to name him Ethan.'' Lily once again translated for Octavia. I slowly grinned. ''Ethan, huh? I like that, Octavia.''

Then I stood up and clapped my hands to get everyone's attention. ''Okay, Elm wants to see Ethan, so we're going to have to go back.''

Lily's jaw dropped open. ''ALL the freaking way?!'' I nodded nervous. ''..Y-Yah...he wants to see him, so I figured we might as well.''

Though she grumbled, Lily did follow me, as we left A.J.'s grave, smiling after what seemed like forever.
--

After showing little Ethan off to Elm, we headed back to challenge the Gym Leader. I still felt a bit of regret and worry in the bottom of my stomach, but I had to shake it off. A.J. would've wanted us to continue on. Even Octavia snapped out of grief, instead focusing on little Ethan.

''Okay, team.'' I announced, sizing them all up. ''Hmm.....Octavia, Oatmeal, your taking the lead, since your both strong against Bug-Types. Rocky and Lily, you'll handle the Gym Trainers, and anything Oatmeal and Octavia can't, alright?''

Lily snorted her agreement sassily, while the other three nodded mutely.

So, the trainers were quite a breeze. Saving Oatmeal and Octavia, Rocky and Lily took out the trainers. Of course, it was a sheer joy for Ethan to watch. Every time someone KO'd something, he giggle and clap.

We made it to Bugsy in no time. Pretty odd-looking kid, not much older than me. He had purple hair and always carried a net with him. Not hesitating, I challenged him.

''Go, Blade!''

A Scyther with wicked-sharp claws glared us down. I couldn't help but squirm. Those blades looked pretty scary, and sharp enough to chop anything in half...

''O-Okay, Octavia, go!''

This would be her first battle since A.J.'s death. But instead of flinching away, Octavia bared her fangs and prepared to battle.

''Blade, Slash!''

''Octavia, Ember!"'

Though the Scyther was weak to Fire Types, it easily cut through Octavia's attack and slashed her. Skidding to a stop, Octavia spat furiously and tried again.

Slash. Slash. Slash. We just couldn't get a move in.

''Octavia! You okay?'' I called as she once again skidded from the Scyther's attack. Not wanting to push her too far, I knelt down and sprayed a potion on her wounds. They vanished in a few seconds.

Panting, she nodded and glared back at the Syther. Taking a deep breathe myself, I tried to calm my swimming head. I couldn't lose anyone else. No, I couldn't. We had to be careful.

''Okay..just..Hold out, until we get our chance to strike, okay? Just use Smokescrene, Ember, Smokescreen, Ember, okay?''

Nodding, the Quilava turned from her back to the Scyther. The battle begn once more. Little by litte, Ocatvia whittle down on it's health, and lowering it's accuracy at the same time.

Soon, the Scyther was too confused by Smokescreen to land a single hit. Taking the chance, I yelled out, ''Ocatvia, Flame Wheel!''

Her body bursting with flames, Octavia took a running leap, and charged. Using all of her strength, she knocked the Scyther down. KO.

''Very well done!"' Bugsy praised as he withdrew Scyther. Octavia nodded saticfied, and strutted past me looking proud. Ethan squealed with delight and jumped onto Octavia's back, nuzzling. Puffing out her feathers excited, Oatmeal hopped out, ready to take on Bugsy's last two Pokemon.

''But, this battle is far from over!"' Bugsy decleared, a dangerous glint in his eye. I clenched my fists determined, while Oatmeal lowered her head slightly, glaring.

''Kakuna! Metapod!''

Awkward silence filled the air as the two weak bugs flashed from their Pokeballs. I glanced from the corner of my eye, and saw Octavia, Rocky, and Ethan staring wide-eyed in shock.

''Okay, SERIOUSLY? KAKUNA and METAPOD?!'' Lily rexclaimed, pointing her white-tipped tail at the two useless bugs, sitting there. Bugsy titled his head, slightly confused and annoyed. ''Yes...?''

''Uhh...they can't do anything but use Harden though...'' I mumbled, trying not to hurt his feelings.

''But someday, they'll evolve into a fearsome Butterfree and Beedrill.''

''Touche.'' I admited, and ordered Oatmel to attacked. Peck OHKO on both of them.

''Haha! Well done!"' I resisted the urge to facepalm. Did he REALLY not see those Pokemon couldn't do anything..? Like I said, what a weird guy.

But all the sme, he presented me with the Hive Badge. We all left the Gym, cheering in victory. Grinning awide, I held up the badge. Sunlight glinted off it's steely edge.

''This one was for you, A.J.....''
--

Whoops, I havent updated in a bit.

See, I'm WAAAAAY further in the gme. Heck, I'm fighting Chuck as I type this. So yeah. Expect tons of updates, since it's long weekend!!

To be honest.....that egg hatched a LONG time ago.....I just couldn't find a good way to put him in. But yeah, Ethan. He's adorbs. And Octavia is a good mommy, for A.J.

Description
It had all seemed so sudden.

It has hard to believe that it had been a day since A.J. had died.

I could feel Lily stir beside me, only to wiggle her body slightly into a more relaxed position. But I still didn't move my head up, my eyes buried into my hands, knees drawn up. I still missed A.J. as much as they did.

I know Rocky was curled around the small tree we were sitting beside, his head beside me. Oatmeal perched on my shoulder, and I could still feel her trying to nuzzle me.

And Octavia was right beside A.J.'s grave. Her green eyes were still swamped with grief.

Finally, I lifted my chin slightly. ''I...I don't wanna do this anymore.''

Rocky slowly opened his eyes, and Lily sat upright, shocked. ''Say what?''

''I..I...No, I can't do this any more!'' I wrapped my arms around my knees. ''I..I don't want ANY of you to die......all for what? A stupid badge.....? All because I want to prove myself...?''

The Slowpoke flicked her white tipped tail angerly. ''Listen, you can't just give up, you idiot! You think A.J. would've wanted that?!''

I paused. Oatmeal once again bristled her feathers at Lily's foul mouth.

''Of course there are risks, Jame! We're Pokemon, and we fight to the death! One little death like this can't knock you down!'' Lily stood up and positioned her pink face right in front of mine. Her blue eyes blazed like a fire.

''There will be more deaths, James. Your gonna lose more friends along the way. It's part of being a Pokemon Trainer. Rocky could die, Oatmeal could die, Ovtavia could die, and I could die. We all know when you send us out to fight, there is a risk of dying. But that doesn't mean we won't fight for you.''

I looked at Oatmeal on my shoulder. The hoothoot's orange eyes also began to spark, the first time since A.J. had died. She nodded. So I looked over at Rocky. The Onix simply nodded his broad head.

Sighing, I smiled since what seemed like years. ''Thanks guys...that...that means a lot to me.''

But I was cut off. Something from Octavia began to glow. Curious, we surronded her. I realised the Mystery Egg was tucked gently beside her stomach. It ripped my heart just a little bit more. She and A.J. had been so excited to be the parents of the baby.

But the egg began to wiggle and crack. A few minutes later, a baby hatched from the egg. It was very odd looking. It had a pale spiky head, stubby little hands and feet. It's body was the egg shell itself.

We all simply stared in blank surprise at the new Pokemon. It opened it's tiny mouth and yawned. It seemed cute, though I had no idea WHAT pokemon it was.

Just then, I got a call from Elm. He wanted me to take the baby Pokemom back to his lab so he can see it. We would have to back track, but I suppose it's only fair. He DID let me keep the egg.

After I hung up, I took out my Pokedex, curious about this strange new Pokemon.

''Huh...Says here it's name is Togepi.....it's a normal type....'' I muttered as I read. Rocky, Oatmeal, and Lily looked at me curious, while Octavia's eyes were glued to the baby Togepi.

''Oh well! Guess we'll have to take care of him now!'' Rocky and Oatmeal nodded, while Lily flicked her tail. ''Pfft. Just another softie to watch out for, but if it's what you want......''

Rolling my eyes at Lily, I bent down to take a closer look at the napping baby. Then I looked up at Octavia. ''Well, Octavia, I think it's only fair YOU get to name him.''

She perked her ears in surprise, then looked down at the baby. I hesitated. The Togepi might remind her too much of A.J.

''She thinks he's beautiful.'' Lily translated, smirking. The Quilava's cheeks went red, and Octavia nuzzled the baby gently.

''Uhh...Ethan? Yeah, she wants to name him Ethan.'' Lily once again translated for Octavia. I slowly grinned. ''Ethan, huh? I like that, Octavia.''

Then I stood up and clapped my hands to get everyone's attention. ''Okay, Elm wants to see Ethan, so we're going to have to go back.''

Lily's jaw dropped open. ''ALL the freaking way?!'' I nodded nervous. ''..Y-Yah...he wants to see him, so I figured we might as well.''

Though she grumbled, Lily did follow me, as we left A.J.'s grave, smiling after what seemed like forever.
--

After showing little Ethan off to Elm, we headed back to challenge the Gym Leader. I still felt a bit of regret and worry in the bottom of my stomach, but I had to shake it off. A.J. would've wanted us to continue on. Even Octavia snapped out of grief, instead focusing on little Ethan.

''Okay, team.'' I announced, sizing them all up. ''Hmm.....Octavia, Oatmeal, your taking the lead, since your both strong against Bug-Types. Rocky and Lily, you'll handle the Gym Trainers, and anything Oatmeal and Octavia can't, alright?''

Lily snorted her agreement sassily, while the other three nodded mutely.

So, the trainers were quite a breeze. Saving Oatmeal and Octavia, Rocky and Lily took out the trainers. Of course, it was a sheer joy for Ethan to watch. Every time someone KO'd something, he giggle and clap.

We made it to Bugsy in no time. Pretty odd-looking kid, not much older than me. He had purple hair and always carried a net with him. Not hesitating, I challenged him.

''Go, Blade!''

A Scyther with wicked-sharp claws glared us down. I couldn't help but squirm. Those blades looked pretty scary, and sharp enough to chop anything in half...

''O-Okay, Octavia, go!''

This would be her first battle since A.J.'s death. But instead of flinching away, Octavia bared her fangs and prepared to battle.

''Blade, Slash!''

''Octavia, Ember!"'

Though the Scyther was weak to Fire Types, it easily cut through Octavia's attack and slashed her. Skidding to a stop, Octavia spat furiously and tried again.

Slash. Slash. Slash. We just couldn't get a move in.

''Octavia! You okay?'' I called as she once again skidded from the Scyther's attack. Not wanting to push her too far, I knelt down and sprayed a potion on her wounds. They vanished in a few seconds.

Panting, she nodded and glared back at the Syther. Taking a deep breathe myself, I tried to calm my swimming head. I couldn't lose anyone else. No, I couldn't. We had to be careful.

''Okay..just..Hold out, until we get our chance to strike, okay? Just use Smokescrene, Ember, Smokescreen, Ember, okay?''

Nodding, the Quilava turned from her back to the Scyther. The battle begn once more. Little by litte, Ocatvia whittle down on it's health, and lowering it's accuracy at the same time.

Soon, the Scyther was too confused by Smokescreen to land a single hit. Taking the chance, I yelled out, ''Ocatvia, Flame Wheel!''

Her body bursting with flames, Octavia took a running leap, and charged. Using all of her strength, she knocked the Scyther down. KO.

''Very well done!"' Bugsy praised as he withdrew Scyther. Octavia nodded saticfied, and strutted past me looking proud. Ethan squealed with delight and jumped onto Octavia's back, nuzzling. Puffing out her feathers excited, Oatmeal hopped out, ready to take on Bugsy's last two Pokemon.

''But, this battle is far from over!"' Bugsy decleared, a dangerous glint in his eye. I clenched my fists determined, while Oatmeal lowered her head slightly, glaring.

''Kakuna! Metapod!''

Awkward silence filled the air as the two weak bugs flashed from their Pokeballs. I glanced from the corner of my eye, and saw Octavia, Rocky, and Ethan staring wide-eyed in shock.

''Okay, SERIOUSLY? KAKUNA and METAPOD?!'' Lily rexclaimed, pointing her white-tipped tail at the two useless bugs, sitting there. Bugsy titled his head, slightly confused and annoyed. ''Yes...?''

''Uhh...they can't do anything but use Harden though...'' I mumbled, trying not to hurt his feelings.

''But someday, they'll evolve into a fearsome Butterfree and Beedrill.''

''Touche.'' I admited, and ordered Oatmel to attacked. Peck OHKO on both of them.

''Haha! Well done!"' I resisted the urge to facepalm. Did he REALLY not see those Pokemon couldn't do anything..? Like I said, what a weird guy.

But all the sme, he presented me with the Hive Badge. We all left the Gym, cheering in victory. Grinning awide, I held up the badge. Sunlight glinted off it's steely edge.

''This one was for you, A.J.....''
--

Whoops, I havent updated in a bit.

See, I'm WAAAAAY further in the gme. Heck, I'm fighting Chuck as I type this. So yeah. Expect tons of updates, since it's long weekend!!

To be honest.....that egg hatched a LONG time ago.....I just couldn't find a good way to put him in. But yeah, Ethan. He's adorbs. And Octavia is a good mommy, for A.J.