PKMN: Maya

After watching Pokemon Generations, I was totally inspired to finalize Maya's team! I debated whether or not to add a blissey in there as well, since blissey is a pokemon I use extensively in Pokemon Go, but in the end I feel like Maya wouldn't fight with a blissey as much as her other team members.

Anyway, since I'm once again immersed in inspiration for my pokemon OCs, I'll try and ride out this wave as long as I can. Lol~

Maya's Team:

Glaceon♀✨ - Maya's glaceon is nicknamed Sayo. She received her eevee as a gift and was hoping to evolve a jolteon, but ended up with a glaceon instead, as eevee evolved to protect Maya during a wild pokemon attack. She's aloof, and is often lost in thought. She likes to gaze out of windows.

Tyranitar♂ - Berlin is Maya's tyranitar. He is fiercely protective of her, and is a very affectionate and obedient pokemon by nature. Maya raised him from a little runt of a larvitar, so it's understandable why they are so close. She used to carry him around everywhere when he was small. He still paws at her shoulders every now and again.

Togekiss♂ - Yukihito (or Yuki) is Maya's togekiss. She hatched him from an Egg gifted to her by Ethan's grandparents, the Day-Care couple. He evolved into a togekiss on Maya's 16th birthday, during a celebration in the National Park with beloved friends. He is the pokemon she flies on primarily.

Typhlosion♂ - Maya's cyndaquil, Akira, evolved into typhlosion much to her reluctance, as Maya would have preferred cyndaquil stay as a starter pokemon forever. Akira is a fierce fighter and often butts heads with her tyranitar over Maya's approval. He is mischievous in nature and tends to be a bit naughty.

Aerodactyl♂ - Potato (or Toto) is Maya's aerodactyl. He was revived with a piece of Old Amber that her cyndaquil swiped from the Pewter Museum of Science during an investigation.

Flaaffy♂✨ - Ryuji is Maya's lazy flaaffy. His nature is that of a companion pokemon's, and he immensely dislikes battling. Because of that, he likely will never evolve into ampharos. Maya received Ryuji as a mareep from a distant traveller, who likely wanted to pawn him off to another Trainer after discovering the pokemon's inadequacy at battling and carefree nature. Despite this, Maya loves and spoils him, and can't bear to leave him behind on her travels.

Well, there you have it. My pokemon OC's team of monsters! And now, maybe I'll fill out a bit of info about Maya herself:

Name: Maya

Age began journey: 13-14, later than most Trainers. She is now 16-17.

Hometown, Region: Goldenrod, Johto

Starting Pokemon, its name, and how you met: Cyndaquil, Akira, Professor Elm (Very typical, I know!)

Who do you ship them with (if at all?): I would say Blue Oak/Leader Blue, when he was acting as Viridian City's gym leader. I have always been fond of the spunky rival. But Maya sees him as a mentor and friend more than anything... (does she?) Once she managed to obtain his phone number from his sister Daisy, she periodically calls to pester him about training her, battling together, and Red's whereabouts. They battled together every week on Sunday nights, as Maya never missed a chance to train with him.

Brief History: Maya grew up wanting to become like the Champion Red, in his golden days. Ever since she saw the news broadcast his victory over the Elite Four, she has wanted to become the female champion for her region. However, for the longest time, her parents were overprotective of her and did not allow her to travel alone. As a result of starting later than her peers, Maya is often overeager and brash in her decision making, striving hard to prove her abilities as a Trainer.

She is close friends with Ethan as her family is friends with his. The two often travel and board together.

After she heard Red went up to Mt. Silver to train, it became her goal to find him and challenge him to a battle. She journeyed up to Mt. Silver with Blue's help, and was followed by a tiny larvitar, befriending it when Blue shared the Poffins they had brought with it. The tiny larvitar later became Maya's dependable Berlin.

Somewhere along the way, Maya lost her fighting spirit and lost her sense of purpose as to why she wanted to become the Champion. She saw her rivals achieving more than her and felt disheartened. Coupled with the aftermath of an unfortunate accident, Maya's journey stagnated...

-+-

Golden

The dark-haired girl jolted awake under the covers of her bed in a cold sweat.

Gasping, she squinted at the foggy red numbers of the clock on the bedside table. Struggling to steady her breathing, she rubbed at her temples and tried to relax.

Another nightmare, the third one in a week. It was always the same: trapped in a cave, at night, in a snowstorm. Attacked by the same shadowy creature.

Being cast into the twilight hours was something she had grown to hate. Her right hand ached, a constant reminder of the incident. She vividly recalled the pain that shot through her body when fangs sank into her flesh and crushed her bones.

She was unconscious in the hospital for days. Months later, chronic headaches plagued her daily life. She could barely hold a pencil, not that she had the will to do so. It was crippling.

There came a creaking of floorboards. The soft padding of footsteps slowly came closer to her door.

"Are you all right? I heard you moving around."

She looked up to see Ethan standing in the doorway.

"I'm okay. I'm sorry for waking you."

"I'll get you some water," Ethan said, before disappearing down the hall.

She was lucky to have such a good friend, although it had been hard to convince her mother to let her move out into Goldenrod City with a male roommate. If it had been anyone other than Ethan, she didn't think it would have happened.

Ethan returned with a large mug, placing it on the night stand.

"What did you dream about this time?" he asked, sitting down on the bed beside her. His brown eyes reflected the dim light, and she could tell they were filled with worry.

"I can't remember," she lied. "Everything just hurts."

She felt compelled to open her arms to him.

"Do you mind if... I ask you to stay with me a while longer?"

He obliged, gathering her in his arms. She leaned against him, trembling slightly. He gently stroked her hair and back.

"Maya... I told you not to push yourself so hard. This never should have happened."

The girl smiled bitterly.

"A lot of things don't go according to plan sometimes. Like how eevee was supposed to turn into jolteon."

"I blame your training in Snowpoint. That's what caused all this." He let out a remorseful breath. "Actually, you're lucky eevee evolved when she did. Otherwise, you probably wouldn't be here."

It was true; that night, her eevee--glaceon now--was the one that fiercely fought off the wild pokemon. If it hadn't run to seek help afterwards...

Maya didn't want to think about it.

The doctors examined the bite marks and determined that they must have been inflicted by an absol. That definitely explained the glowing red eyes that haunted her in her dreams.

"Are you still meeting Blue at the department store tomorrow?" Ethan asked. "If you're not feeling well, just stay home."

Was tomorrow Sunday already? The days all seemed to blend together; it was hard for Maya to keep track of time.

"I need the fresh air. I have to take flaaffy for a haircut, anyway."

Ethan smiled knowingly. "I'm sure you two will have a lot to talk about, Maya."

---

The next day, Maya pulled herself out of bed. Using her good hand, she turned on the sink and began her daily routine, duly noting her ragged complexion in the bathroom mirror.

She dabbed on some concealer and lip gloss, clipping her bangs up with a hair pin. She looked tired; she was tired. Meanwhile, Blue had travelled to a tropical region for a few months and was probably coming back with a killer tan.

"Arceus. He isn't going to let me hear the end of it..."

Glaceon hopped onto the counter with her scarf in its mouth. Maya smiled and gave it an affectionate pat.

"Thank you."

She wrapped the scarf around her neck and pulled on her pink jacket.

"Ryuji, let's go. Sayo, watch the house, okay?"

The streets were chilly this time of year. It was deep into November, and Maya could see strings of Christmas lights put up numerous balconies. They were also strung around trees like icing on a cupcake.

Flaaffy walked beside her, happily watching all the hustle and bustle of people and pokemon in the morning. The pair reached Goldenrod Department Store and strolled through the automatic glass doors.

A store employee greeted her with a flyer. "Welcome, miss. We have different holiday sales each week, so don't miss it!"

Maya decided to climb the stairs instead of taking the elevator, much to her flaaffy's dismay. With each step she took, she felt more and more apprehensive. She hadn't seem him in a long time. Perhaps things might be different now?

When she got to the 6th floor atrium, Blue was already there waiting. He was taller than before, and looked older. He skin did have a beautiful bronze glow to it, she noted.

"Maya." He grinned when he saw her. "It's exactly like you to keep me waiting."

"Blue..." Maya stared at his bright green pants. "Those capris are ridiculous!"

"Hey, we've barely reunited and you're already on my case." He rested his hands on his hips. "It's just like old times, yeah?"

"I guess." She looked down, stuffing her hands into her pockets. "How was your trip?"

"It was amazing. Alola is a beautiful region."

"And what about Red? Did he enjoy the trip as well?"

"He started off griping over everything, but he's the one that had the best time. He decided to stay longer, so he's still island hopping. The food there was amazing, they have these special pancakes..."

"I'm glad you had a good time."

"Yeah." He reached out and touched the stray ends of her hair. "It's much longer now, isn't it?"

"I guess."

She suddenly felt nervous, in a way she had never felt before. For years she convinced herself their relationship was purely platonic. They were close, and everyone always assumed differently, but nothing ever happened. She was too busy with her training, and he with leading the Viridian City gym.

Now that she was taken out of commission by the accident, and he had some vacation time...

She stomped on the thoughts before they had time to surface.

"Anyway, I have to take my flaaffy to the underground shops to get a haircut. Did you want to come?"

"Sure. But first," Blue reached into his silver shoulder bag. "I have something to give you. An early Christmas gift, let's say."

He presented her with a dainty blue box, wrapped with a white ribbon. Maya tugged off the ribbon and flipped open the lid. Inside was a shining pearl pendant shaped like a droplet.

She stared. It was beautiful, like nothing she had ever seen in Johto. He always did have good taste.

He scanned her face intently. "Do you like it?"

"I do, thank you."

Maya carefully lifted the necklace out of the box. Blue took it from her hands and she gathered all her hair to one side so that he could clasp it around her neck. She was grateful for his help; she wasn't certain how well her hand would have taken the task.

"I couldn't help thinking of you when I saw it," he said.

His words made her want to melt into the ground. She ignored the feelings stirring up inside her chest and tucked the pendant under her scarf.

"Let's go."

---

The pair sat on a bench in Goldenrod's underground level, across from the haircut stall. Flaaffy was thoroughly enjoying its grooming time, goofing about with the younger of the two haircut brothers.

"So, how's Ethan?" Blue asked, more out of politeness than anything.

"He's spending time with his grandparents today. You know, the day care owners."

"I hear you two are living together now?" Blue narrowed his eyes. "Goin' steady or something?"

Maya almost choked on air. "No, that's not it! He checks in on me from time to time, but he's rarely home."

"Does he still rant on and on about how perfect his marill is? He never used to shut up about it."

"That's died down a bit. He's a good roommate, but he likes to let his noctowl out at night. And usually there's a... present the next morning."

"Ugh, annoying as a delibird."

Between the bits of small talk, Maya didn't know how she felt about anything. All she knew was that if she didn't recover soon, she wouldn't be able to continue her journey to become stronger.

Then she really would be left behind. By everyone.

"Do you want to have dinner together?" Maya found herself asking. The words flew out before she could stop them. "Ethan won't be home tonight, so... we could cook something at my place."

She thought he might tease her for being too forward, but his gaze was unreadable.

"You do know the only thing I can make are poffins, right?"

Maya answered him with a nod, and Blue laughed.

"As long as you do, then okay. Let's do it!"

"Great."

His smile slowly faded.

"You know Maya... you've changed."

"How so?"

"You're a lot... nicer now, for starters. But there's something else... you haven't asked me for a battle once. Did something happen?"

She felt her fist clench involuntarily in her coat pocket.

"I'm feeling tired, that's all. It's nothing." Maya touched her forehead, feeling the ripple of a headache coming on. "Can you get flaaffy for me? I need a moment."

Blue suspected something was wrong, but knew she wasn't the type he could force things out of. Seeing her look so lifeless and frail alarmed him. There used to be sparks of determination in her eyes, now zapped away... by what?

---

Maya slowly chopped onions on a cutting board, wincing when her eyes began to burn and brim with tears.

Blue sat on the sofa with flaaffy sprawled out next to him. Glaceon was more aloof, deciding to curl up on the windowsill a few feet away. The TV was on, and a news announcer was droning on about the appearance of pokemon hoards in the area.

It was a normal scene. Something maybe a family would do, Maya thought to herself. They were a family of sorts, weren't they? The four of them, at one point. And Red, too.

What was wrong with her these days? The memories were suffocating, but they kept surfacing in her mind, floating up and up like drifloon.

Lost in thought, Maya's hand slipped and the knife narrowly missed cutting into her thumb. Startled, she paused and exhaled deeply.

"Are you all right?"

Blue was suddenly beside her. He took her hand and inspected it for injury. His gaze trailed up along her forearm. She closed her eyes, waiting for the inevitable.

"Those scars look like bite marks," he commented. "Did something happen?"

Her heart trembled. "Yes."

"Were you going to tell me?"

"I wasn't planning to."

"Why?"

She didn't answer further. He took the knife from her.

"Sit down. I'll finish this."

She didn't trust him, and that was a bothersome thought.

"Honestly, you're as bad as Red," he grumbled. "What's with you broody dark-haired types?"

"Can you really blame me? After everything that's happened."

"You need to learn to grow past these things. Otherwise you'll end up in a cave for months."

"That actually doesn't sound bad."

"You've got to be kidding me."

"What can I say?" Maya made a face at him. "I'm a copycat."

Blue rolled his eyes and continued chopping.

Soon, the aromatic scent of sautéed meat and vegetables filled the small apartment. Maya stirred the pot of curry while Blue washed the rice and flicked on the rice cooker.

"So, your hand. You really aren't going to tell me what happened?"

"It was just an accident, nothing more." Maya fidgeted with the hem of her skirt. "I hate when people worry about me. You know that."

"Then don't make me worry. Tell me when something happens. I'm not only free on Sunday nights."

"I'll do what I can."

Maya felt awkward, but it was better to stay silent. She had learned this lesson the hard way, many years ago.

---

"Anyway, thanks for dinner," Blue said, leaning against the doorway. His voice was cool, not betraying his emotions.

"You're welcome. Thanks for helping."

They stared at one another for a moment longer. Blue hesitated, entertaining the thought of leaning in and giving her a kiss. How easy it would be! But he kept his distance.

He snatched a pokeball from his belt. "I'm going now. Smell ya later."

Moments later, Maya heard the cry of his pidgeot, and he was gone.

She felt her headache starting to return and stumbled, collapsing onto the sofa with her heart still beating rapidly in her chest.

---

In the early morning haze of Goldenrod City, a girl exited the casino. Her legs were shaking as she stumbled on her heels, arms folded firmly over her stomach. Somehow, she made her way to the side of the road where the cobbled pavement met the seawall.

Terra lifted herself over the railing and threw up. Vodka sprayed into the waves below. She coughed, pushing hair out of her face as she struggled to breathe. A hand nudged against her back and she nearly jumped out of her skin.

"Arceus! Don't do that," she growled, but it came out a hoarse whisper.

"Sorry." Ethan rubbed her back soothingly. "You shouldn't have drank so much."

"Who knew it would take that much liquor to get him to talk!" Terra grinned despite herself. "Where is he now?"

"Passed out behind a slot machine, last I saw."

He passed her a Fresh Water, which she accepted gratefully. Terra took gulp after gulp of water and the soreness in her throat became a lot more bearable.

"What's our next course of action?" Ethan asked.

"We know where their headquarters are, thanks to that Executive," Terra said. She wiped her mouth with her sleeve. "We should regroup with Maya. Exchange information."

"If the information he gave us is true, we've got a long journey ahead of us." Ethan pushed his cap back, unusually serious. He pulled a pair of pink boots from his messenger bag. "Here, you'll be a lot more comfortable walking in these."

Terra stared. "They look familiar, like--"

"Yup, they're Maya's. I borrowed them for you."

"You're lucky we're only a size apart." Terra kicked off her heels. "They're a little tight, but thanks, Ethan."

He nodded. "Let's head back to my grandparent's house. Noctowl can lead the way through the alley. We don't want to be spotted."

The large bird perched atop a nearby streetlamp suddenly perked up. Without so much as a rustle, it spread its wings and took to the air.

"Come on."