Severely embarrassed, Gary kept his hands over his mouth. What was that, Gary?? Why would you say that?? Sure, she’s really, really cute, but you don’t just tell complete strangers that!

As her eyes fell away from Gary, the girl raised a hand to her hair and brushed at the side of her face, her tiny smile spreading and her hand went over it, her cheeks as red as apples. “I...”

“I didn’t mean to say that! I’m so sorry!” Gary removed his hands from his face and held them up.

The girl's hand lowered to her side and she laughed lightly, her eyes raising back to Gary’s. “I didn’t think you could possibly have meant that about me, anyway.” She laughed again. “I-”

“But I do mean it! You’re so pretty!”

Gary finally stopped talking for a moment, staring at the girl in disbelief, finally feeling like he was taking back control of himself. “Who... are you??” He asked this question with a sign of desperation in his voice. The way he was acting wasn’t like him at all, and somehow, he felt that it was all because of this girl in front of him.

Smirking, the girl lowered her head and adjusted her glasses. Keeping her head down, her eyes looked to Gary. “My name is Cas. And thank you for such... kind words.” She spoke with such a delightful little accent, possibly Southern.

“Cas...? Wait. Cas?!” Gary ended up snapping out of his enamored state of mind. “The Gym Leader?!”

Cas lifted her head and her eyes widened. “Oh, yes. The Dark type Trainer of the Powerzone Gym.”

Gary pulled out his Pokedex and went through it. He stared at the darker image of the girl he had originally seen, the picture hidden in shadows and purposely poor lighting.

Cas was wearing dark lipstick and eyeshadow in the picture, her hair all black. But in front of him, her hair was black but could have been a dark brown, the tips highlighted green. Her lips had not a smear of lipstick on them. In fact, she wasn’t wearing any makeup. She had on glasses, a dark-blue shirt with the front covered in bizarre artwork and illegible words that could have been a shirt promoting a rock band or some dark, chaotic symbolism. She stood in dark-blue jeans and all-black sneakers.

Before Gary even knew he was speaking, he was again! “You look so amazing in this photo.” He held out the Pokedex to show her her own picture. “Here, in this picture, you look so captivating! Engrossing! I saw you there and I couldn’t stop staring! And now, here in person, even without the makeup and stuff, you’re so cute! You’re adorable, even! You look... so precious, delicate...”

GARY! STOP!! he screamed in his head.

“My...” Cas covered her face with her hands and shook her head adorably. “Oh, my... It really surprises me that you think I’m pretty... Those words coming from someone as handsome and lovely as you makes my heart swell. God, Gary, you’re so nice. Thank you.”

Gary, just shut the-

“Well, you know how I feel then. I certainly can’t believe you think I’m handsome. I’m happy you do but you are just a doll! Your eyes are hypnotic! Your lips so perfect. You look incredible as far as I’m concerned!” Gary was just gushing out of control!

It was as if hearts had filled Cas’ eyes, delight unlike anything before taking over, and yet she still looked subdued, like she was resisting fully expressing herself. “Oh my god! No one has ever told me that.” Cas swayed in place in front of Gary.

Gary, what are you DOING?? He tried to find reason for his actions and ended up shaking his head hard and took a step back. His wide eyes on Cas, he started to breathe heavily. What the hell?!

Cas’ eyes widened on Gary. “Are you okay?”

“Where’s my Electivire?!” Gary came up with, and he looked away from the girl. “Raichu?!”

The two were actually missing!

“Oh, are those two Pokemon yours?” Cas smiled. “I came out here for a reason, you know. To Bewilder Forest? I was out here trying to gain some peace of mind and to enhance my psychic abilities. It’s why I’m not so... dressed up as I am in my Gym Leader profile.”

“Bewilder Forest?”

“Do you not know of the area you’re in?” Cas smirked. “This forest is home to Stantler who are known to cause illusions if you’re not careful.”

“Illusions??” Gary gasped.

“I came upon two Pokemon not native at all to these woods, an Electivire and a Raichu. They were both clearly under an illusion. Knowing they weren’t from these woods, I didn’t dare wake them, and knew they likely had a Trainer, so I left and found you not too far off. They’re right over here.” She pointed.

Gary let out his breath with relief. “Oh, thank goodness!” He gasped sharply with the realization of the fact that the woods were no longer as dark and cold as they had been a little bit ago when the hallucinations had occurred. He turned in a sharp circle, trying to make sense of this sudden change in his perception.

“Come with me, honey,” Cas said so smoothly to him.

Gary’s feet took him after her.

Cas reached behind her and grabbed his hand.

There was a bright and loud spark between their hands, forcing them apart, but together, they reached out again and grasped each other.

Gary felt like he might slide right through her soft, smooth hand and gripped it tighter.

They smiled at each other with understanding, and then walked through the dark woods.

The little Pokemon that kind of scared Gary somewhat, followed next to Cas.

Wait! Just wait a second! Gary panicked. I’m... I’m holding a cute girl’s hand?!? Is this some kind of dream?? An illusion?! It must be!

It wasn’t a long walk before Cas stopped.

“Oh, no!” Gary gasped, releasing Cas. “Electivire? Raichu?”

Electivire and Raichu were both on the ground, surrounded by a bunch of Stantler!

Electivire was curled up on his side. “Vire Vire Vire Vire Vire...” he mumbled. His body sparked brightly in the dark woods and stayed lit, the electricity crackling loudly. It went away after another moment and his body eased up.

Raichu was also on his side, his tail raised high in the air. His head reached out and he took a bite and growled. “Raaaiiii... Raichu.” He then started squirming around like crazy.

Gary pointed his Pokedex at the Stantler.

Stantler. The Big Horn Pokemon. A Normal type Pokemon. From their horns, they can produce strong hallucinations. These horns are valued by Pokemon hunters and the species was nearly driven to extinction not long ago.

Gary then turned to Cas, and then looked at the Pokemon at her side. He held the Pokedex out to the creature.

Sableye. The Darkness Pokemon. A Ghost and Dark type Pokemon. Due to a diet of gemstones and rocks, that is exactly what protrudes from this Pokemon’s body. It was once believed looking into the eyes of a Sableye would steal one’s soul. While not believed these days, the Pokemon’s eyes have been the subject of research recently for having possible hypnotic properties.

The Sableye stared at Gary. “Sableye.”

Gary flinched and looked away sharply, not wanting to meet its eyes. Geez, what is it with Ghost types?! Gary found himself thinking about the Viridian City Gym Leader, Tera, who had passed away during their battle when her Shedinja collided with her face.

While it had been ruled that she died from a concussion, there were plenty of rumors about her fate being made by the hole in Shedinja’s back, and the theory that the hole sucks out souls.

Gary put away his Pokedex and then, “Oh! Ju-!” Gary shut his mouth, and he looked to Cas.

She looked back at him with wide eyes. “What’s wrong?”

“My other bag! I left it back there. I have my Poke Balls for those two in there, so I need to go back.”

The two were silent as they stared at each other.

Cas looked Gary down and back up. “Oh. Do you travel alone, Gary?”

Gary’s mouth dropped open. When he finally closed it, he nodded. “Yes.” He swallowed with guilt. “I’m alone right now.”

Cas stared him over again and nodded. “Let’s get that bag.” She and Sableye walked away.

Gary felt uncomfortable. Why did I say that...? Why did I not mention June...? Why do I feel like Cas is upset with me? I didn’t lie... I am alone. Gary turned back to the two sleeping Pokemon and the Stantler still keeping them under a hallucination. That’s not what she asked me, though, he admitted. He then jogged after Cas. Soon, they all were at June’s bag.

Gary ran up to it and hastily lifted it up. “Okay! Let’s go back- OH, NO!”

Gary’s grab was off and this led to the items in June’s bag spilling out everywhere.

Gary, Cas, and Sableye stared at the assortment of items.

While there were Poke Balls, clothing, makeup, and even a couple of Poke Dolls in view, there were also things Gary wasn’t familiar with at all, and a couple of them made him feel uncomfortable. “Crap.” He fell to his knees and shoved it all into June’s bag as quickly as he could. He paused for a brief moment at an object. Huh? Shaking his head, he continued shoving everything in. When he finished, he stood up swiftly and turned to Cas with a huge smile. “I-!”

“Gary, have you always traveled alone?” Cas questioned.

Gary’s mouth fell open and hung there for a moment. “No.” He sighed. “No, Cas...”

“That bag.” She stared at it.

“It belongs to someone I know,” Gary admitted. “She was kidnapped.”

“What?!” Cas practically screamed.

“I... Cas, a friend of mine I know was kidnapped. I’m sure you’ve heard of that new monster species that’s been discovered, right?”

Cas nodded hard, giving her full attention.

Gary swallowed. “She took Ju-” Gary paused and swallowed again. “She took away my friend.” He stopped talking but kept his mouth open, thinking. Thinking... His eyes looked around. Thinking... They went back to Cas’ eyes. Thinking... He shut his eyes and held the fingers of one hand to them. “You don’t understand, and this is hard for me, because me and him were good friends, but he was taken from me by that monster thing.”

“He?” Cas stared at Gary.

“Yeah. My friend Jeffrey.” Gary... WHAT ARE YOU DOING?!?! “She... She took J-Jeff from me and I... I’m on my journey, collecting the Badges we were supposed to collect together,” Gary continued sloppily. “We were gonna be traveling partners and compete in the League to see who was better and who’d get further. She took him and I have no idea why, but I have to get him back.”

Cas stared at Gary silently. She looked him over again.

“I-I know it sounds crazy, but I’m telling the truth. I’m traveling to fulfill our journey, and to become stronger so we can kill that thing.”

“Kill?”

Gary nodded. “I’ll bury it into the ground. She-!”

“You can’t!!” Cas’ voice echoed in the forest.

Birds fluttered away and creatures scampered.

Gary was startled, staring at Cas and not moving.

She lowered her head. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have spoken... Please, just forget I said anything. Your Pokemon.” She and Sableye walked past Gary and towards where they had left Electivire, Raichu and the Stantler.

Gary took June’s bag with him as he went after them.

They all came to a stop to see Electivire and Raichu alone, both sitting up and staring back at them.

The Stantler were all gone.

The two Pokemon faced each other.

“Raaaaaii...” Raichu gave Electivire his best, openmouthed smile.

Electivire sneered and growled, his fists sparking.

“I guess the Stantler have left.” Cas turned to Gary. “If you’d like, I can take you all to the Powerzone Gym location.”

“You mean, you’ll come with us??” Gary couldn't believe his luck!

Cas smiled lightly and nodded. “If you’ll have me.”

“I’ll have you, Cas. Please, travel with me.” Gary realized how stupid his words to a Gym Leader were, but he then became further horrified at how he was speaking to her! Something’s come over me! he knew. He stared down at his hands as if the answer to his crazy behavior today could be explained within the lines in the palms of his hands.

“I’ll happily get you to my Gym,” Cas offered. “I have a feeling there’s a lot for us to talk about together, honey.” Her smile faded. “Like, why your Electivire’s arms are wrapped up.”

Gary’s eyes widened in panic. “Oh, that’s because-!” He froze up, ice cold, and went silent.

“Gary?” Cas raised one eyebrow.

Gary breathed out through his nostrils and then inhaled through them before opening his mouth. “Me and my friend were at the Indigo League last year during the Team Solace attack. A lot of our Pokemon were injured.” He swallowed, taking up only a second.

That brief moment in time was enough for Cas to jump in sympathetically. “Oh, Gary!” She lunged for the boy, making Gary, and even Electivire, Raichu, and Sableye, jump in surprise as Cas ended up holding him. She was instantly weeping over his shoulder. “I’m so sorry, Gary. I had no idea.” She sniffled before looking at Gary with big, watery eyes.

“What a beauty,” Gary was sure he had kept in his mind, but seeing Cas’ eyes water even more, and a slight smirk cross her face, he realized it had come out of his mouth, and his eyes widened in disbelief. Again?? What kind of-?

“I think we’ll have a really nice night together,” Cas whispered, and she rested her head against his cheek.

The boy shut his eyes hard, feeling his face heat up, and he swallowed hard, resting his cheek against hers, Cas’ hair in the way. Oh, Cas, he was barely able to keep to himself, unable to hold back his smile as he inhaled the wonderful scent encompassing her hair.

*

PING! The Poke Ball disappeared in bright light.

“Nice catch, Gary!” Cas smiled at him.

Gary finally swallowed a mouthful of chips he’d been chewing on since before the Psyduck had appeared from the water in the large pond. Barely able to speak, Gary had managed to muffle out commands to his Clamperl and finally captured the Pokemon.

Clamperl bobbed in the water happily.

“Thanks, Cas!” he beamed at her, proud of himself. I must have looked pretty cool, Gary thought pleasantly. This thought was squashed remembering he had been battling with a mouth full of chips. He walked back over to her and took his previous place to sit, right next to the girl.

“Though you’ve probably scared off any chances of any other Pokemon coming out to join us for the rest of the night.” Cas looked away, still smiling.

“Sorry about that, ha.”

“Maybe it’s better this way.”

“More... romantic?” Gary added hesitantly.

Their eyes were locked on each other. Their faces perhaps a foot away. Anything could have happened in that moment.

Gary wanted something. He knew exactly what, too. He looked at her lips and licked his own. Gary... Eeeeasy, he told himself. But... Suddenly, he blinked and leaned back a bit. “Cas, that monster.”

Cas stared back at him with surprise. “Huh?”

Gary looked away and into the starry night sky, the full moon glowing.

It’d been a few hours since the two had been in Bewilder Forest. Cas made sure Gary left safely and they took a break on the way to her Gym. She suggested eating “by a beautiful spot by a lake,” and Gary went along more than willingly, hand in hand. Now out of the woods, the two kids were in a much wider, open plain. Grass extended forever, beyond which were mountains. There were also spaces with high-reaching grass and weeds. They all were sitting on a ledge surrounded on three sides by the taller plant growth, the fourth wall taken by the water that reflected the twinkling, starry black sky.

The Psyduck was the only Pokemon that had popped out of the water, but Cas said many different ones, mostly Water types, lived in the area and were very active in the day.

Primeape, Hoothoot, Ralts, Fashioned, Clamperl and Sabrina were the ones out eating now.

June’s Pokemon had eaten first and were back in their Poke Balls before Gary sent out his six.

Electivire was snoring, ruining an otherwise nice night.

Raichu sat by the pond. He had been splashing his feet in it but stood up when the Psyduck had appeared. He now was back to his happy splashing.

“You said I can’t kill her earlier.” Gary stared at Cas. “Why did you say that?”

“Oh...” Cas looked down. “Yeah...” She shook her head and then faced Gary with a determined face.

This look caught him off guard.

“Listen, I have no place to speak on her when she has done something to your... friend.” She looked away from him and to June’s bag before returning to him again. “But I do know that that creature is special. I’ve never met her, but I do believe that she holds a special role in our universe.”

Gary nodded, squinting at her.

“I... I guess we need to stop her. Someone has to. I admit it, I’m scared. She’s been destroying Gyms, supposedly. But I don’t think they’re unprovoked attacks. My fear is, what’s exactly provoking her? If she took your friend, why would she do that?”

“Once I have figured out this human, I shall kill her. And your unworthy Pokemon. If I have to. One by one. And last, you,” the monster had threatened Gary after obtaining June.

“I guess - I don’t know... But she did,” Gary insisted.

“I believe you,” Cas nodded. She placed a hand on Gary’s, but turned her face away from him, looking far off.

Gary closed his eyes, his breath escaping.

“Is killing her really the answer, though?”

Gary opened his eyes, turning to Cas, and saw that she was staring back at him. “If it’s her or us, is there really a choice?”

Cas waited in silence, her eyes on Gary’s. “Are we so sure it’s her against us?”

“Is there really any doubt?”

Cas’ hand slowly slid off of Gary’s. “It’s just, I like to think Pokemon and humans aren’t so different. Animals and Pokemon and humans. If we all can just learn to coexist, maybe we don’t need to worry about separating us into categories like we do. It doesn’t have to be us humans against... whatever she is. We don’t have to feel like a... different species is not an ally.”

“I’m not talking in terms of species. I don’t know what that thing is. Pokemon or otherwise, it’s dangerous and I’ve run into it several times already.”

“Really? Several?”

“YES! And that thing has killed or tried to. It has powers you don’t have a clue of, and what I’ve seen of it I’m sure doesn’t cover all the things it can do. And now that my friend is gone...”

“Jeff,” Cas said.

Gary stared at her for a moment. “Yes, Jeff,” he nodded.

Cas nodded back.

Why didn’t I say June? Gary wondered. Why won’t I tell her my travel friend is a girl? Why is she saying his name like that? Something’s wrong...

“Now that she has him, you have to kill her?” Cas asked.

“Now that she threatened to kill me, he-him, our Pokemon? I have to!” Gary thought of his gun. I’ll shoot her dead, he kept to himself.

“Wait... Did you say she spoke? She actually can talk?! I thought it was just a fake rumor!”

Gary shook his head. “That thing... It... She talks.”

“And she threatened to kill you and your friends...” Cas looked away, shaking her head. “I... I still wish to meet her. I wish there was something we could do.”

Gary stayed quiet, staring at the side of her face.

Cas turned back to him. “You may find it silly, but I have these psychic abilities. I can pick up on emotions from creatures.”

“Really...” Gary said as respectfully as he could, though he wanted to just roll his eyes. Great, she’s one of those... he thought.

“Like, you, for example. I can feel your sensitivity. Your emotions. You’re brave, but you don’t like being put in the positions you’ve been put in that have forced you to be brave. Deep down, you’re so delicate. And I mean that in the nicest way, sweetie.” She was smiling bigger for him. “You’re full of passion you can’t share with others because you’re trying so hard to be braver than you want to have to be.”

Gary nodded slowly. Huh?? Did that even make sense? Maybe?? “I suppose. Yeah... I’m... not a fan of conflict or anything.”

Cas nodded. “My psychic abilities aren’t perfect or even all that good. But, my mom was amazing at it. And my grandmother. But that’s why I was out here to begin with; to strengthen my powers. I wish to be as great as the late Sabrina, Kanto’s previous Psychic type Gym Leader.”

Gary’s mouth hung open a little as he silently listened.

“Her powers were astounding, and yet even she was taken over by the Ghost Pokemon, Haunter. But I believe there’s more to it. I think it was because of her psychic energy that the Haunter even stayed with her as long as it did. It wanted that kind of energy from her. I think, Haunter was, essentially, just hungry, not to make light of Sabrina’s death, of course. But this is why I am so endearing to that new animal. Maybe her actions are bad, but maybe it’s just a kind of hunger. It still does mean she has to be stopped, unfortunately, but if I could build up my psychic power and get through to her, I’d keep her safe for all of my days. They say, to truly control a Psychic type Pokemon, you must possess Psychic ability. I think Sabrina’s ability had the power to keep Haunter with her, but she wasn’t strong enough to stop it from killing her. I want to be stronger than her, and be able to draw ghosts to me. Not just Ghost Pokemon, but the spirits of those departed.”

“So, like a Channeler Trainer?” Gary asked.

Cas nodded. “Yes, something like that, I suppose.”

“But, aren’t you the Dark type Gym Leader? Why are you so interested in ghosts and psychics?”

Cas laughed. “I’m a mixed bag, I guess. Comes with being a witch, huh?”

“A witch?” Gary let out a single, nervous laugh, but couldn’t get out even the slightest smile.

“Oh, do you not know?” she smiled.

Gary finally smiled back and shook his head gently. “I mean, like, you’re... really a witch?”

“As real as they come.”

“Spells? Witchcraft? Magic??”

“I could teach you some if you’re interested!”

“No! No!” Gary tried to let out respectfully. “No thank you.” Oh my goodness, she thinks she’s, or really is, a witch?! I dunno about all of that!

“Well, if you ever change your mind, let me know, ha ha! My family has an ancient spell book that dates back to the third king of Pokemania. It’s a family heirloom. There’s even a spell that could allow humans to understand the feelings and thoughts of Pokemon, but the final page of the spell has been ruined and to this day, we still can’t figure it out. In fact, there’s a funny story about my mother who apparently turned a boy into a Pikachu when she mistakenly tried to perform the incomplete spell.”

“Yeah, I’ll definitely pass, please!” Gary laughed, holding up his hands in defense.

Cas laughed. “Well, anyway, should we sleep the night here, or do you want to keep going? The night is still young.”

Gary looked around.

Electivire was no longer snoring, but his eyes remained closed, his arms crossed over his chest.

Raichu, Primeape, Hoothoot, Ralts, Fashioned, Clamperl, and Sabrina were actually staring at the two kids.

“I see you guys are done eating...” Gary muttered uncomfortably. “What are you staring at??” He stood up and recalled all of his own Pokemon.

Raichu snickered as Gary cleaned up the bowls of food and trash, a sneaky grin on his face, one paw over his mouth.

“Keep it up and you can go back, too,” Gary warned.

“Raaaai?” Raichu kept his grin, staring right at Gary, challenging him to call him back.

Gary looked at Electivire and then Raichu again. He sucked his teeth and turned away to get his backpack on his shoulders.

Cas was standing up now. “We’re not far now, and I think you’ll find my place might be a lot nicer to sleep in than the woods.” She held out a hand.

Gary couldn’t even swallow in surprise having heard this. His throat locked up entirely, and he could have very well suffocated. But his hand did shoot out immediately to grab Cas’.

*

“Cas: The Witch of the Midwest!” Gary read out loud, looking at his Pokedex. “The Phobia Badge. And she’s only thirteen years old.” Gary went quiet, thinking, his eyes lowering. That’s the same age as June is now, isn’t it...? He sighed at this memory. Man, you’ve gotta be kidding me. He shook his head and looked back to the Pokedex. “Wow. A witch...” Something suddenly hit Gary. “A witch...” Now laying on a bed inside of Cas’ house, which was also the building of her Gym, he started to reflect back on the day. Thinking about how strange he’d been acting with Cas, and how he’d been feeling around her. “But, she can’t really be a witch, can she? She’s just... wanting to be one. It’s just that... try-hard crap kids, people in general, do. She isn’t a broom-flying witch!” Gary laughed lightly.

But after that, he wondered, then why have I been feeling so out of control with myself around her?

“What, you think she cast a spell on you?” he questioned out loud.

No... I just... I don’t act like that normally. I’m too shy to. I could never. And yet... I was holding hands with her! Gary sat up in his bed and stared out the window, looking into the sky. He focused on the moon, and the dark gray spots and shades that were on it. Thinking about what those areas were, and why they were there. A full moon, huh? Gary thought. What a day this has been. And it’s all real...

“Hoothoot, use your Foresight EVERYWHERE!!” Gary had ordered in the Pokemon Center Cas took him to earlier.

Hoothoot immediately flew around, casting red light around the building from his eyes, blinding the Nurse Joy and Chansey, and even startling Cas.

Glad Cas was understanding and didn’t take offense, Gary told himself. Really not convenient that there’s only emergency phones in this place, though. It’s so secluded! No computers or internet or anything! Even a Gym Leader doesn’t have one?? I can wait until I reach the next Gym, I guess... Wherever that is... Can’t even call Professor... Gary’s eyes filled with tears. He laid back down and let out his breath through his nose. As his eyes closed, he finished his thought: Prof. Oak... Tears slipped through his eyelids and slid down his cheeks.

Tomorrow night, Cas will battle me, Gary thought. Makes sense she’d prefer a night battle. Gives me time to sleep and focus on who to bring, and to train. Gary ended up snickering to himself. Just what were you thinking she meant when she said you’d be sleeping at her place, anyway? No. Really. What was running through your mind, kid?

Now, Gary’s head was filling with all kinds of thoughts.

They went from Cas being right there in bed with him, close enough to share a kiss, and changed to battling Cas tomorrow night.

Soon, he was calling his mom, and then he was wondering what Pokemon to bring to the battle tomorrow.

Things then changed to how he had felt in his heart, and throughout his entire body, walking with Cas in the middle of the night.

And then it was cuddling with her at the pond, Cas in his lap, their cheeks pressed together.

To just listening to her talk with her deep, seductive voice.

To staring into Cas’ lovely eyes and kissing her dark, juicy lips.

To offering her to stay with him, and travel the Sinnoh region together, so they could track down the monster Cas was so desperate to meet, together.