And maybe, on a different day

I'd let the rain wash this away

But it's just too late

The sad sad side of it all

Is you don't remember

-Different Day: State of Shock

###

The headline made news everywhere.

The St. Anne had sunk just outside Vermillion City's harbour.

The reason's for its' sinking was unknown.

As the ship started taking on water during its annual 'Pokémon Trainer' cruise, all of the trainers were believed to have boarded the life boats. However, upon their rescue hours later in the icy sea, five trainers had been deemed missing upon being unaccounted for upon rescue.

The next morning, it was being broadcasted on the television both in and outside of Kanto.

Everyone in the world would be talking about the horrible news.

"The St. Anne sinks outside of Vermillion harbour due to unknown reasons during its annual Pokémon Trainer cruise. All of the trainers were believed to have fled to the life boats as was reported last night. However, with new information we have received from the officers in Vermillion, we regretfully have to inform you of five trainers deemed missing and are feared to be dead," here, the newscaster rustled through their pages, before returning their gaze to the camera. "The missing trainers are Ash Ketchum, Misty Williams, Brock Slate, Jessie Smitt and James Morgan. They have not been confirmed at the checkpoint in Vermillion. Our condolences go out to the family of these trainers who have had their Pokémon dreams cut short and anyone who –"

The television flicked off.

With shaking hands, the remote fell to the floor, a muffled scream escaping her lips as her hands flew to her mouth. Her legs gave was underneath her, folding as she collapsed onto the couch, her vision blurry as she pulled at her red hair.

"Ash . . . Ash . . ."

Just like that, Delia Ketchum's world fell apart.

Her son – her baby – was missing.

Her Pokémon Master was proclaimed missing, possibly dead, never to walk through the front door again, grinning ear to ear about his newest catch.

He was dead.

At ten, her star was gone.

"Why . . ." Her voice broke, her vision swimming with tears. "Why were you on that ship?"

###

At Oak's lab, the Professor paused, the news playing quietly in the background. The microwave buzzed off over his head, drowning out the monotone voice of the reporter.

"Finally," the older Professor mumbled, opening the microwave door. Pulling the steaming pan from the microwave, he moved towards the kitchen table, setting it down. "After this, I have that conference call with Professor's Ivy and Elm."

". . . Ash Ketchum, Misty . . ."

Professor Oak paused as he caught the dark haired trainers' name, dropping his fork in the process. Turning around, he glanced at the television located above the sink, raising an eyebrow as he reached for the remote, turning the volume up.

"Ash and his friends," he mumbled, only catching half of it. "Not confirmed?"

With a raised eyebrow, he glanced at the scrolling bar at the bottom of the screen. As he read the simple line, his eyes widening, hardly believing what was before him. "I can't believe. . ." he shook his head, glancing out the window, Pallet Town beneath it. "We've never faced anything like this."

While he knew Pallet Town would be surprised of the death of a Pokémon Trainer so young, but he wondered of the effects this would have on Delia. He'd know the carefree girl from the days she spent at his lab learning about Pokémon alongside another couple trainers before leaving to see the world on her own. She didn't return to the rural town until three years later, a baby in her arms, all her belongings fitting in a travel bag. She never spoke about what had transpired, only that it was in the past and it didn't matter.

But, to have her whole world pulled out from under her . . .

Shaking his head, he sighed, glancing at his microwave dinner. Turning his back on it, he quickly left the kitchen, heading down the stairwell. Locking the front door behind him, the Professor made his way down the steep stairs, Pallet Town below.

###

"Daisy!" Lily yelled, her voice echoing through the spacious house. "We're going to be late!"

Sighing, she flipped her pink hair back, a frown marring her features. Crossing her arms over her chest, she drummed her fingers against her arm, impatient. Glancing at the empty hallway before her, she had to roll her eyes. Wasn't Daisy the one who was always early, hustling herself and Violet along?

"Daisy!" she shouted again, slipping out of her heels. "Come on – we're not expecting anyone at the gym for hours! You know how Francesco gets if we're late . . ."

After performing their Water Ballet for the past month, all that chlorine and stage makeup was slowly starting to ruin their complexion and their hair . . . oh! After all that chlorine it was just . . . Lily forced back a shudder. Luckily, Francesco had been able to squeeze them in between working with the pop artist Brittany and her Igglypuff's in Johto and Paris of Sinnoh. She'd have to remember to send him a thank you afterwards.

But, she thought idly. If we make him wait . . . She'd heard what he'd done to Jessebelle two months previous.

"I'm going to go without you!" she shouted, stopping at the bottom of the stairs, hands on her hips. "Violet?" she called, suppressing a sigh as she started up the stairs. "You two better not have left without me!"

Down the hallway, the door to Daisy's room swung open, Violet sticking her head out. Lily paused, raising an eyebrow as she took in the purple haired girls' expression. She could see the tears welling up in her eyes from this distance, her makeup smeared. "Wow . . . you really need to see Francesco. Maybe you should go –"

"We cancelled it."

"C-Cancelled? Why?!"

Violet blinked, running a hand under her eyes. "Haven't you heard the news?"

Lily blinked, raising an eyebrow at her sisters' piercing stare. "Like no, I don't have time for that," she laughed, flipping her hair back. "I mean, do you know how long it took to get –"

Violet sighed, tuning out her sister as she glanced back into the room before smiling warily at Lily, who was still talking away. Shaking her head, she reached forward, grabbing Lily's arm – effectively cutting her off – dragging her into the dimly lit room.

"Wow, Daisy doesn't look too good," she stage whispered as she caught sight of the blonde.

Violet shot her a look, frowning. Daisy sat curled up in the chair beside the bed, the mounted television set playing lowly, illuminating the room. The flower was missing from her hair, her usual blonde hair hanging limply around her face, still donning her pajamas. Tearing her eyes away from the television, Daisy's blue eyes swam slightly as she glanced at her sisters, smiling warily.

"Lily, you'll like never –"

"You look really bad," Lily said bluntly. "You could so use –"

"It's about Misty," Violet interrupted, scowling at Lily. "It's . . ."

"What'd she do now?" Lily whined. "Unless she became the Water Pokémon Master, it's no reason to cancel Francesco."

Daisy glared at her, drawing her knees closer to her. "Misty's . . . dead . . ."

Lily blinked, surprised. Shaking her head, a laugh bubbled from her lips, dying moments later. Sensing the awkwardness, she glanced from Daisy to Violet and back again, expecting them to say something. Upon hearing nothing, she frowning, realization setting in, "Misty's . . ." she shook her head. "How?"

Daisy only nodded, glancing back at the television, turning it up for good measure.

Violet smiled warily, dropping Lily's arm. "Misty and Ash and a bunch of people didn't make it off the boat."

"What?" Lily muttered, raising an eyebrow. "Like, start at the beginning."

"Misty and a bunch of trainers got invited to the St. Anne's Pokémon Bay Cruise and the ship sunk with five of them still on it!" Violet's voice rose as she spoke, almost yelling by the end.

"And like, Misty went down with it?" Lily said dryly. Then, "Oh my . . . god . . ."

Shaking her head, she glanced past Violet, catching sight of the television set, a picture of the St. Anne appearing in the corner, the reporter on scene in Vermillion City.

I can't believe Misty got to go on a cruise, Lily thought idly, falling onto Daisy's bed.

###

Water lapped against the beach, trying to claim the cool sand as the sun made its appearance, peeking its way over the horizon. As the sun slowly crept into the sky, a figure was spotted in the sand, washed up by the ocean's currents. The figure was all alone, the usually crowded beach surprisingly empty.

With the sun on his back, his fingers slowly started to twitch, a groan escaping his parched lips. Slowly coming too, his fingers curled into a fist, his movements sluggish as he tried to push himself up into a sitting position. After a few slow moments, he blinked, taking in his surroundings. A cough escaped his lips, his lungs protesting the fresh air.

Shaking his head, his dark bangs falling into his eyes, he started down at the grains of salt beneath him. Doubling over, a fit of coughs wracked his body, expelling the salty water from his system. Mumbling to himself, he ran a hand over his features, dripping wet. Running a hand through his hair, he vaguely thought something was missing.

Dispelling the thought, he slowly pushed himself up off the ground, staggering slightly. A frown marred his features as he realized a shoe was missing, a white sock replacing it. Wringing his hands together before him, he glanced over his shoulder at the calm waters.

A dark storm . . . a cold wind . . .

The calm stretched out before him seemed wrong. Sighing, he shook his head as no memories came to him, his vision swimming before him. Turning his back to the calm waters, he stretched his arms out before him, stifling a yawn. Shoving his hands into his coat pockets, he glanced at the rocky path leading away from the beach and through the forest that separated the beach from the busy roads and bustling cities.

"Where . . ." he mumbled, his voice raspy from lack of use. "Am I . . .?"

He couldn't explain it as he stood up, his balance wobbly as he moved towards the path leading away from the calm scene before him.

He couldn't help but think that something . . . someone was missing.

"Who . . . why am I . . .?"

But, his mind was blank; he didn't remember.

###

"I can't believe we got tickets . . . free ones too! If only we could travel the world in this. It'd be awesome; lounging in chairs, taking in the sights –"

"No way," her companion complained, curling his nose up. "We won't get any Pokémon that way. You're such a girl –"

"No I'm not – take that back! I'm not like them, don't even say that."

"Then why do you want to spend forever on there then?" he muttered, rolling his eyes. "Come on, we're going around the bay and heading towards Saffron City."

"Augh, you'll get your stupid badge," she grumbled, shoving the trainer lightly. "Is that really all you can think about?"

She frowned as the trainer let out a laugh, shaking his head at her words. Walking ahead of her, he glanced to their third and silent companion, speaking to the darker trainer.

"You're not leaving without me," she commented, picking up her pace.

But, before her eyes, the two started to fade, disappearing into the fog. She found herself standing there, alone on the pier, the water . . . the darkness. Picking her pace up, she sprinted through the darkness, smiling when she saw the two stop ahead of her.

But, in the blink of an eye, the two were gone.

"Wait!" she shouted, balling her hands into fists. "Come back here! Don't go . . ."

"Is she okay?" A blue haired woman asked, a frown marring her features, hands on her hips. "She looks like . . ."

"She was found on a raft half way to Sinnoh, Solona." A dry voice sounded, rolling their eyes. "A couple more hours and the Spearow's would have found her."

"Jackie!" Solona shouted, stepping closer to the blonde. "That's just . . . there's no words for it!"

The blonde shrugged, turning his back to her. "You're taking responsibility for her; who knows what headquarters will say."

Solona sighed, flopping down in the nearest chair. With narrowed eyes, she watched the blonde typing furiously on the keyboard. "I'm just glad we finally solved that mystery of the incident in Greenfield; who'd have thought a five year old kid was behind it."

"Kids," Jackie shrugged, half listening. "I'm never going to understand them, too much sugar or something."

Solona huffed, glancing at the red head. "I wonder why she was out there . . . that storm last night . . ."

"Who knows," Jackie shrugged, leaning back in his chair. "We'll be in Almia in ten minutes."

"Uh huh," Solona nodded, preoccupied. "That's good Jack."

###

As the sun rose higher into the sky, the black haired teen blinked, frowning as the rays peeked through the foliage overhead. Shaking his head, he reached his hand up, grabbing nothing but air. Frowning slightly, he sighed as he dropped his hands back to his side, yet again feeling that something was missing.

"What . . . why can't . . ."

He knew something was wrong.

Stretching his arms out before him as the worn trail cut through the dense forest, he found himself glancing to either side of him, subconsciously searching for something. His charcoal eyes took in his surroundings, as it trying to find a landmark or a person; the fact that he didn't know where he was slowly aggravating him. Shoving his hands into his pockets, he glanced at the path underfoot, kicking up the dirt behind him.

Lost in his own thoughts, the teen didn't see what was ahead of him until he stumbled, his foot catching on something. Letting out a yell as he stumbled, he stretched his arms out, catching himself as he collided with the ground. Hitting the ground with a groan, he glanced over his shoulder as he pushed himself up.

The rustling of a nearby bush caught his attention.

"Hmm?" he mumbled to himself, stepping towards the bushes.

His curiosity getting the better of him, he stopped at the edge of the path, pushing the shrubbery away. He blinked, an eyebrow rising as he looked into the open clearing; there was nothing there. He shook his head, mumbling to himself as he let the shrubbery fall back into place. He didn't even pay attention to the odd grass standing in the middle any glance.

His thoughts jumbled, he didn't even hear someone call out; "Oddish? Where did you go – it's alright to come out!"

Twenty minutes later after wandering through the winding path, the black haired teen let out a sigh as he saw the forest breaking up ahead. A smile appeared on his features as his walk quickly turned into a run. The trees rushed by him as they gave way to a light breeze rustling through the grass, a town situated directly ahead.

"Finally," he mumbled, the high gates of the town welcoming him to Celadon City.

Curling his fingers into a fist, he pumped it into the air, before rushing towards the city and all its hustle and bustle. Humming to himself, he past by the gates, glancing eagerly at everything around him. The buildings rose high above him, people darting this way and that as cars flew by at impressive speeds. Shoving his hands back into his pockets, a frown on his features as his pace slowed, stopping in the shadow of a department store.

"What am I supposed to do now?"

He hadn't thought of anything past finding the nearest town. Glancing at the large structure across the street as a bell sounded, the door flinging open minutes later, people rushing out. He found himself backing up, grumbling to himself as his elbow connected with a brick wall.

"Come on Duplica; we've got so many study pages from Professor Cedar to finish . . ."

"Then you should go back to the dorms," the blue haired girl laughed, turning on her heel. "The talent show's only a week away, Ana! You know that Erika's got the best stuff in town."

Anabel sighed, brushing off her companion. "I still can't believe Professor Pine hasn't figured out your keeping a Ditto in your room. How many room checks has she done now?"

Duplica grinned, rolling her eyes. "Well, it's not like I have a sister to leave my Pokémon with," she laughed, shaking her head as she opened the shops' door, a bell tingling inside somewhere. "You know my mom would forget to take care of it."

The rest of their conversation was drowned out, the shop's door closing behind them. Sighing, he shook his head, picking up his pace again, not knowing that violet eyes were watching him from inside.

"Duplica . . . Anabel . . ." he mumbled to himself, frowning. "Then . . . what's . . . my name?"

###

"You say she was found on a raft out at sea?" A clipped voice said.

"Yes, that's right," Solona said, leaning against the wall, arms crossed over her chest. "She had a couple Poke balls on her, and after getting her safely on board, I wanted to check out what she had, however she only had a Goldeen and was unable to locate any ID."

"When she wakes up, please bring her to see me," the woman said, turning on her heel, her shoes clicking against the tiles underfoot. "I have a feeling she could be useful."

"Yes Ma'am."

As the automatic door closed again, Solona sighed, running a hand over her features, inwardly cursing Jackie. It was just like him to disappear when they got back to Almia.

Probably trying to smooth talk the girls again, she thought idly, used the blonde's antics.

"Huh . . ."

Blinking, Solona glanced at the beds' occupant who was moving slightly under the white sheets. Pushing herself away from the wall, Solona moved over to the bed, raising an eyebrow. "Hey . . . are you awake?" she asked, leaning over the bed. "Can you hear me?"

The bed's occupants eyebrows came together, their cerulean eyes slowly opening, their eyes coming into focus as they looked up. Solona smiled, flopping down into the chair beside the bed.

"Can you tell me who you are?" Solona asked, leaning back in the chair, propping her chin in her palm. "How did you end up halfway to Sinnoh?"

The red head blinked, letting out a cough, drawing her hand out from underneath the covers. She paused momentarily, taking in the tubes attached to her hand, a beeping sound overhead. Pushing her hair back, she glanced at the woman sitting beside her.

"Where am I?"

"You're in Almia," Solona supplied. "It's the headquarters of us Pokémon Rangers. We picked you out of the ocean – you were halfway to Sinnoh. I checked your Poke balls, sorry. You didn't have any ID on you though."

"Halfway to Sinnoh," she mumbled, shaking her head. "What was my –"

"It was a Goldeen," Solona interrupted. "It looked really well trained – I was surprised you didn't have any more . . ."

"Yeah," she agreed with a frown. It felt like the list should have been longer. She tried to remember, but found it hidden behind a veil. "Maybe they're . . ." At Home?Where was that?

"Can I ask what your name is, hon?" Solona asked. "I'd hate to have to keep calling you girl or hey you."

"Yeah it's . . ." she paused. "It's Willow."

"Willow, it's got a nice ring to it," Solona nodded, pushing herself up from the chair. "Well, I want you to get some rest. We'll talk later, okay?"

Willow blinked, catching Solona's eye. "I see . . ."

Solona let out a laugh, winking at the red head as she turned on her heel. "The sooner you're rested, the sooner you'll get out of here. See you later, Willow."

###

Hours later as the sun started to set and the streetlights came on one by one, a lone figure sat on a park bench. Running a hand through his dark locks, a frown marred his features. Staring at the dirt underfoot, he let out a sigh as he leaned back, closing his eyes.

I can't believe it, he thought idly. I've been here a day and all I got was . . .

"How pathetic," he grumbled to himself, running a hand over his features. "Maybe I should just keep going."

But where else could he go?

"I know I saw him come this way . . ." a female's voice said, breaking through his muddled thoughts. "You noticed it to, right Gloom?"

"Gl – Gloom, Gloom!" It responded, walking ahead of its' trainer.

The blue haired trainer paused on the path, glancing through the dimly lit park. Humming lightly to herself, she clasped her hands behind her, continuing down the path. Her footsteps touched the ground lightly, a grin coming to her features as she caught sight of a figure on the bench ahead.

"Hello!" she shouted, picking up her pace. She saw the figure look up, confusion written across his face. "I saw you in town today . . . are you okay?"

Raising an eyebrow, he regarded the teen before him, a Gloom at her feet. "Who are you?"

Why do you care, he wanted to ask.

"Oh," she let out a laugh. "I'm Erika; I saw you from my shop this afternoon."

"Oh . . . well, sorry for standing there –"

"Its fine, it's fine," Erika said, waving the comment aside. "But, I noticed you looked like you were lost . . . where are you going?"

"No idea," he said a length with a shrug. "Wherever."

"Well, we can't have that," Erika said with a nod, smiling at Gloom. "The nights here are still pretty cold, so, while you're trying to figure things out, you should come and rest at my place. You can't be more then twelve . . ."

"Ten," he corrected her, unsure where that came from.

"So, come on then," Erika said, turning on her heel. "We've got a bit of a walk," she frowned, glancing over her shoulder. "Say, what's your name, kiddo?"

". . . Cole . . ."

I think so, he thought anyway, picking himself up off the bench.

"Well then Cole, let's get moving," she said, starting back down the path. "You've got a lot to tell me . . ."

Shoving his hands into his pockets, Cole followed after her, watching the blue haired woman warily. Her attitude, the way she spoke . . . it reminded him of someone . . .

###

Dropping his large bag onto the ground, the teen sighed, leaning back against the tree trunk. Frowning, he crossed his arms across his chest, slipping down to sit on the ground. Glancing up at the dark cloudy sky above him, he closed his eyes, his mind whirling.

When he had woken up earlier that morning, he could tell something was different. Unsure what it was, he had glanced around him, noticing a path cutting through the field; to what looked like a small harbour city ahead. Pushing himself up off the ground, he brushed the dirt off his stained clothes, his hands coming in contact with Pokeballs attached to his belt. Curiously, he detached them, numbly throwing them before him.

"Geodude . . . Onix . . ."

Glancing at the two rock types before him, he blinked, a piece seemingly falling into place. Nodding at the two, he returned the two to their Pokeballs, glancing around his surroundings. With a frown marring his features, he had continued down the winding path, his mind whirling.

In no time he made his way to the costal city, taking in the sights before him. He stumbled across a Pokémon Center, dropping Geodude and Onix off with Nurse Joy. The pink haired nurse had told him to come back in a couple hours, nodding and simply walking away. Something told him to do that, it was natural.

That was what led him to the small park overlooking the popular beach. Eyes closed, he took in the birds chirping overhead and the sounds of the beach below. Biting down on his lip, he tried to run over what he had figured out so far.

He knew something had happened . . . something he couldn't quite put a finger on.

There was something missing . . .

"What is it?" he mumbled, running a hand through his hair. "Something's . . ." he shook his head.

Pausing as he glanced at the sky overhead, he couldn't help but shake the feeling that someone should be there – he could almost see it. He could vaguely picture black hair with a red hat and orange hair pulled into a high ponytail.

"But, who . . . are you?"

Their names were gone, their faces blurred.

He shook his head, the names felt like they were on the tip of his tongue.

Maybe it would come to him . . . much like his own name had.

"You must really like Rock types," Nurse Joy had commented, running the Pokeballs through her scanner, her fingers flying across the keyboard. "Now, I just need a name," she smiled, looking up at him.

He paused momentarily. "It's Brock," he said, after a moment.

He still didn't know where the name had come from.

"Brock," he mumbled, running a hand over his face. "Brock from . . . from . . ."

It was blank.