A Brief Moment in Time

“So let me get this straight.” Brock says to me, trying to comprehend my story.

“Two days ago you were almost killed by a girl named Ashley Ketchum, Ash’s daughter, with a gun. But you got away because Celebi rescued you by taking you back in time?”

I nod, that’s sounds right I think, but not all of it.

“That’s a good section of the story.”

He raises an eyebrow. "There's more?"

"Unfortunately, yes." I look at the sun, then at my watch, 8 A.M. Ash and Misty are probably up by now.

"Brock! Rose!" Speaking of which.

“Pika pi!”

"Where are you guys?"

I turn my head and see Ash, Misty, and Pikachu enter the clearing. Were they looking for us?

"Wow! An Umbreon! And a Sneasel!" My Pokemon run to my defense and separate us, growling. He turns to me, a little uneasy. "Rose? Are these your Pokemon?"

But before I could answer Pikachu made a direct beeline and was hugging Ash's leg.

"Ack! There are two Pikachus?!"

"Ash, that's actually Rose's Pikachu."

"It is?" he holds up the older Pikachu. "But he just looks li-"

"You must have a knack of attracting Pikachus Ash, heh heh..." I laugh uneasily. Pikachu! Why now?! "Since it looks like he likes you so much, why don't you hold him awhile? You know how to handle a Pikachu, so you don't have to worry about getting shocked." It's all I can do Pikachu, enjoy the time you have with him.

He gives me a look of thanks then snuggles his head into the trainer's chest.

The younger Pikachu on the ground, well... it was apparent that he was jealous. A frown on his face matched perfectly with the tiny sparks of electricity escaping his red electric sacks.

Sorry, but he's been wanting this for a long time Pikachu, you would too if you knew the grief he went through.

"He's big!" exclaims Ash. "Even bigger than mine!"

"Well he's very old, he's the first Pokemon the Professor gave me."

"So is mine! Professor Oak gave me my Pikachu at the very start of my journey."

Yes, I know.

"What were you guys doing out here?" asked Misty with a sly expression on her face.

"We were, uh..." Brock blushes bright red. He looks at me for help. For goodness sakes he's making it sound like we did something wrong!

"I came out here early to feed my Pokemon and give them a little exercise. But this guy..." I stick out a thumb and pointed to Brock. "followed me here. Does he do this with all women?" I don't have to ask. I already know.

She frowns at Brock like he was a bad Growlithe. "I'm sorry to say he does act this way."

"Not my fault!"

“Rose?” Ash gives me a sideways glance. “Why didn’t you bring out your Pokemon yesterday?”

I look down at Slash, Moonlight, and Aura, Mystic was behind me. I sigh deeply. They had been giving the new intruders the death glare. If any of them took a step I would not be surprised if they attacked.

Usually I would not worry about the other, it was always a Team Rocket member that found out, but then they would turn up missing because of my Pokemon.

But now, I worry, because these were my friends.

“They’re… uh…”

“Not used to other people!” Brock abruptly blurts out.

“What?” I look at him in confusion. What was he doing?

“Well that what you told me. Right Rose?” he gave some impasses on the last question. I smile. He was trying to help me out. How… sweet.

“Rose, are you alright? You’re face is turning red.” Misty whispered to me.

“I’m, I’m fine…” I whisper back. “I just feel a little… light-headed. I’m fine now.”

“Sorry I didn’t tell you earlier, Ash. It’s just that they don’t trust any human besides me. They’re… all abandoned Pokemon…”

“Oh…” he looks down at my group of overprotective Pokemon. “I understand Rose. They usually get over it soon.”

If they’re with the right people all the time, I add mentally. It too bad they haven’t been.

“Um… let’s get breakfast, then we can pack up to go to the next town.” before they can make any abruptions I turn around and go to my red bag. I pull out their Pokeballs and they all have a look of dread on their faces.

“Sorry guys, but you have to go back into your balls.” I throw up four black Pokeballs. “Aura! Mystic! Slash! Moonlight! Return!” they all disappear into a red beam of lightning back into their Pokeballs.

“Come on guys! I’m starving! And I bet my Pikachu is too, aren’t ya Pikachu?”

“Pika pika!” he jumps down from Ash’s arms and jumps onto my shoulder. And I start walking to our camp.

From behind I hear “She certainly is a weird one.” Misty.

I smile.