Chapter Text
“Hey Birch. Look I know I’ve been off the grid for a bit but I need you to do me a favor. This is Willow. And Echo. Yes, Willow is mine. Yes, Echo is Hertz’s. Things are getting dangerous around here and I can’t exactly take care of them. I don’t have anyone else I can trust with this.
Willow’s birthday was a few months ago. Wasn’t really in a place to check the calendar but if I had to guess it was the 28th or 29th of January. You’re the best Chris.”
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As Birch finished reading the note a light voice appeared over his shoulder “Willow huh?”
Christopher Birch let out a yelp that could’ve come from a Mightyena as his wife giggled behind him. “Arceus above I didn’t even hear you open the door my love.”
“You left it open.” She said as she walked past him and crouched in front of the basket. “Wow this kid is almost a carbon copy of her.”
As Chris joined his wife in front of the basket he got his first good look at the child. A startling amount of familiar dark blue curly hair already sat on the three month old child’s head. Enough so that it almost covered the very aware dark brown eyes that were darting between the two new adults.
Taking up the majority of the basket was a Noibat. It’s been a while since he saw Hertz as its pre-evolution but he doesn’t remember him being this big even right before his evolution. It's wing was tucked right under Willow's chin and it covered her whole body like a blanket.
“She could’ve stopped to say hello at the very least.” Birch sighed as he picked the basket up and turned to bring it inside.
“It did sound like she was in a rush.” Penelope reasoned from her spot at his side.
“Isn’t she alway? The last time we saw her was our wedding and that was two years ago!” He made sure to whisper but knowing how sensitive Noibat’s hearing is and the fact that it wasn’t awake yet he could only imagine it was under the effects of a hypnosis.
“So we are keeping her right?” His wife asked as she dipped into the kitchen. When he inherited the lab from the last professor before her retirement it hadn't been much of a home. It had taken him and Penelope a few years but it felt cozy now.
“Don’t make it sound like she’s a pet. But yes if you’re alright with it I think we should. We’ve been wanting some of our own for a little bit now.” He said as he picked Willow up. The child was still just looking at him. He’s surprised she isn’t crying yet.
“So then this would be a good time to mention my last pregnancy test came out positive right?”
And then Willow took that as her que to start crying.
15 years later
July 10th, 20XX
“The nature of a Nincada’s evolution still stumps many professors. Many believe Shedinja to be a “True” Ghost type because of its innate ability to not get hit by any attack that isn’t super effective and its husk-like appearance. But if that is the case then why do the Ninjask that also appear during the evolution still retain their personality and ability to grow? Many trainers that owned a Nincada before their evolution report that-”
“Willow, get down here! Augustine sent something over that you should take a look at!” My book fell on my face as Dad’s voice startled me out of my studying. Mom got me a book on Ghost types for my birthday this year and with all my other reading piled up I only just now got started on it. Actually if my watch is accurate at all “Just Now” may not be accurate.
“Noiiiiii…” I look up from my watch at Echo who is hanging upside down from the fan on the ceiling. It hasn’t actually been turned on since we moved into the room because he refuses to perch anywhere else. The little drama queen has his wings over his ears. I know how sensitive Noibat's hearing is but we both know that Dad hadn't been that loud.
“Yeah yeah I know, I’ll remind him to quiet down again. Sorry bud.” I reach up and scratch him under the chin before opening my door.
“Oibat! noi noi...” I don’t even bother hiding my giggles as I head downstairs. Such a drama queen. Waiting for me in the lab is my Dad and the twins. They’re all crowding around one of the research tables and no one seems to notice my presence except Mom who is in the kitchen. I make sure to wave to her before going over to see what the ruckus is about.
“What are you three freaking out about?” I ask as I peer over the twins. Brendan and May are only a year younger than me but neither have really hit their growth spurts yet. Dad had seen me coming but the twins jumped at the sound of my voice. They both pouted at me when I chuckled. Despite being two very different people they always manage to remind you that they're twins.
“Ah Willow I’m glad you heard me.” Dad reached over and tugged me to his side. I leaned in and let out a sigh. He’s a very round man and gives the best hugs.
The case on the table catches my attention. At first glance it just seems to be a plain briefcase, but there is a PokeBall etched onto the front. “You said Uncle Sycamore sent me something?”
“Dad won’t let us see it!” “I wanna know what it is!” Points for my earlier case. For brats who don’t get along very well they’re usually on the same train of thought. Though I’m pretty confident I’d get annoyed at someone if they were always talking over me. This time though their excitement over whatever's in the case stops the two from glaring at each other.
I turn an amused look at Dad who rubs the back of his neck with his hand. “Well it’s a present for you so I didn’t want them to spoil the surprise.”
He really is the sweetest. I gesture towards the case. “May I?” After he nods I pull it in and pop the latches open. A gasp escapes from me as my eyes are immediately drawn to the bright red. Resting in the middle slot of the case is a PokeBall.