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“Are you ready to go, Boltund?” Sonia asked, glancing down at her Pokémon partner.
Though it was still early in the morning, Boltund beamed at her, its tail thumping against the foyer floor in excitement.
With a laugh, Sonia patted its head gently. “I suppose that’s a yes.” She reached for her lab coat, altered slightly in order to accommodate for her growing midsection, and took it off the metal rack in the foyer. Checking to make sure she had everything she needed for the day in her bag, she unlocked the front door to their apartment and stepped out onto the porch, Boltund following at her heels.
After calling a Corviknight taxi, Sonia slung her bag over her shoulder, full of notes and papers. Stepping into the taxi with Boltund at her side, she paid the cabbie. “I’m headed for the northernmost section of the Wild Area.”
“You got it,” the cabbie replied with a sharp nod of his head. Then, after adjusting his flight goggles, he gave his Corviknight partner the go ahead, and they lifted off into the air, soaring through the sky until they reached the location she’d given him.
“Thanks a million!” Sonia smiled. She and Boltund hopped out of the taxi before beginning to wander through the Wild Area. “Hmm…” She mused. “I suppose we should start heading east, yeah, Boltund?” Digging through her bag for her clipboard, she continued, “This experiment isn’t going to conduct itself.”
The weather toward the north of the Wild Area was rather pleasant for now, and Sonia was glad to see that it was so sunny. It seemed that the conditions for her experiment were perfect, even down to the sandstorm that was picking up as they walked.
“Stay close by, Boltund,” Sonia instructed. Occasionally, she brought her clipboard up to rest against her chest as she rested a hand on the swollen curve of her belly.
Just a little over five years ago, Sonia had married Raihan, and their marriage brought forth many different things. There were, of course, plenty of people who hated her. There was a lot of talk from the media. There were parties and events and formals. There were people who were obsessed with them both. But there was also love and safety and warmth. There was joy unspeakable and strong arms to hold her through the night. And now, there was a baby on the way, and their hearts couldn’t be more full.
As she and Boltund navigated their way through patches of tall yellow grass, Sonia scribbled notes down on her clipboard. Occasionally, she’d get stopped by kids asking if she wanted to battle, and she’d sometimes take them up on their offer. Battling with Boltund was like reliving her past; she once again became that small ten year old girl who’d received a baby Yamper as her first Pokémon and was ready to take on the world.
Eventually, though, she arrived at the center of the area, her boots kicking up more dust with each step. Since there was so much sand swirling around her, she startled at the sight of a huge Tyranitar standing before them. It roared as Boltund bared its teeth, and she stumbled backward.
Thrusting her clipboard back into her bag, Sonia checked to see if she’d brought any other Pokéballs with her.
None.
Wincing, Sonia knew that her Boltund was pretty underleveled to be fighting such a huge beast, but it didn’t seem like she had any other choice besides standing her ground. The Tyranitar was blocking their path forward and didn’t seem like it was planning on moving away any time soon.
Boltund was already rather tired from its previous battles, and Sonia knew that she had to be smart about this. Whipping out her Rotom phone, she shot off a quick message to Raihan. There was a chance that he’d see it and be able to come help.
“Okay, Boltund,” Sonia fought to keep herself calm. She was a capable battler. If they played their cards right, she and Boltund might be able to make a quick getaway. “Use Charm!”
Fairy moves were effective against a rock and dark type like Tyranitar, and Charm was a smart first move. The Tyranitar roared and used Earthquake, causing the ground to rumble and dealing significant damage to Boltund. Sonia had just enough time to toss Boltund a few berries, getting ready to make her next move.
As the Tyranitar and her Boltund took turns dealing hits, Sonia found herself growing more and more nervous with each passing moment. They wouldn’t be able to make a quick getaway with how heavily pregnant she was and how tired Boltund was becoming. If only she'd remembered to bring more Pokémon with her.
“Sonia!”
Whipping around as quickly as her body would allow, Sonia was overwhelmed with relief at the sight of her husband.
Flygon dropped down beside her, and Raihan hopped off it, instantly pulling her into his arms. “Good grief, Sonia, are you alright?”
Heart thundering in her chest, Sonia pointed toward the Tyranitar. “I'm fine, but Boltund won't be if we don't stop that Tyranitar!”
Raihan pulled his flight goggles off. “Hit it with Dragon Claw and then Dig, Flygon!”
The Tyranitar redirected its attention toward Flygon as Boltund turned on its tail. The battle was swift since Flygon was strong and had the type advantage. Ultimately, the Tyranitar fainted as Boltund ran to Sonia’s side. She returned it to its Pokéball so that it could rest.
As the sandstorm finally subsided, Raihan turned to her, his eyes worried. “Sonia, are you alright?”
“Yes,” Sonia sighed in relief, lacing her hands over the curve of her stomach.
Raihan looked wrecked, a vast contrast from the confident, smooth Dragon Type Gym Leader the rest of Galar was familiar with. “You gave me the biggest scare. Arceus, had I not already been searching with Flygon for any sign of you, I might not have made it in time.” He buried his face in his hands. “Sonia, please never pull a stunt like this again. I don't know if I can handle it.”
Temper flaring lightly, Sonia placed her hands on her hips. “I wasn't off pulling a stunt, Rai. I was collecting data with Boltund.” Even though she knew there was some merit to what he was saying, she didn't want to hear it from him. “You can screw right off.”
Raihan was exasperated. “Sonia, please.”
“No.” Sonia turned on her heels and made her way over to Flygon.
“Sorry I'm so protective over the people I love. I know you’re a capable fighter, I swear.” Raihan’s voice cracked lightly, and he sank onto the ground, tucking his long legs beneath him. “I’m sorry, Sonia, really.”
Instantly, Sonia paused, the broken quality of his voice tugging at her heartstrings. She turned right back around, placing a soft hand on his back. “Raihan…” She didn't want to curl up with him here in the middle of the Wild Area, but she would if he needed her to. “Rai, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to give you such a scare.”
Pulling himself upright, Raihan allowed her to engulf him in a hug. “I'm sorry for freaking out like that,” he whispered. “But damn, if I wasn't worried after waking up to see your side of the bed empty.” He weaved his fingers through her long auburn hair. “We’re not all alone anymore now, you know? Not only do I wanna make sure you're safe, but I want to make sure that our baby’s safe too.”
“I understand,” Sonia whispered finally, experiment long forgotten. “I love you.”
“I love you too, Sonia,” Raihan promised. Then, he motioned to Flygon’s back and handed her a pair of flight goggles. “Let's go home.”