Chapter 3: Beautiful Nightmare

Vespiquen did not waste time.

The moment Aaron fell asleep at the hidden meadow of their small grove, under ample shade and protected by a legion of Combee under her orders; she immediately turned to the three Pokemon owned by the slumbering boy. Under her scrutiny; Yanma cursed vulgarly under his breath as Beedrill sent a glowering 'I told you so' glare at the dragonfly, while Shedinja stared back at her. Impressive. Only Ledyba was able to hold her glare against her for more than several moments.

What happened? The queen demanded, issuing an amused look from her best friend. With a side glance at her, the queen ignored her.

Toothpick took kid out for the night with only him for defense. Beedrill grumbled, as the queen and the ladybug's eyes widened.

You did what?! Ledyba demanded, fire in her glare as she looked at the red dragonfly. He's a human! A young human at that! I know that he can speak our language but that does not prompt him eligible to run around in the dead of night! Some Pokemon hate humans so much that they attack without prompt! How can you be so —!

Shh! Shedinja quieted the ladybug's scolding as it gestured to the child in question, who shifted with a small frown before snuggling deeper into the soft grass, a thin blanket of woven moss over his shoulders. Turning back to the group of Pokemon, the exoskeleton spoke, it's monotone voice reasonable.

Perhaps we should relocate to a more private area.

Snapping Ledyba's trap before she could crack another scathing scold, the queen nodded, gesturing to her subjects to protect Aaron before leading the other four deeper into the forest, catching the small relief of Yanma's expression before it caught hers, lime mask paling.

Oh. He realized. She had yet to start with her words for him.

And she wasted no time.

Wurmple battled brilliantly, finishing his trapped adversary with a swift Tackle as Aaron raised his fist in victory before running to his first friend with a wide grin, words of congratulation on his lips. Catching the pink worm into his arms, Aaron laughed fondly as he fell back on his back, Wurmple's yellow orbs glistening with happiness.

Accompanied with a row of grinning fangs.

Involuntarily, Aaron froze, transfixed by the yellow incisors.

Why did you leave me there, Aaron? Wurmple whispered in the comforting voice that would help him sleep at night. Only now, it was simply mocking. Why was it my fault that you lost? You are weak, needing all these new Pokemon to fill up the void of a human I left you as. How pitiful.

Aaron felt like he wanted to throw up. Crystalline tears sprang from his lime orbs as he tried to speak, but the words clogged his throat, not leaving.

Have nothing to say? The worm shrugged, a huff of exasperation leaving his jaws. You never had anything but cruel things to say. Always blaming me for your faults and losses. Are you going to do the same to them, Aaron? The same to Vespiquen? Yanma? Shedinja? Beedrill? Ledyba?

The jaws brushed his thin neck, lightly nicking the terse flesh.

After all, you've already condemned one of your precious Bug Pokemon.

Aaron screamed a silent cry as he felt the warm blood trickle from the small incisions, steady rivulets streaming swiftly as his body grew cold; the pain exploding at his neck as it pulsed in unison with his heartbeat. Despondent and almost dulled as his pulse grew weaker with every minute, Aaron limply rose a hand to his fatal wounds, feeling the flesh bitten off, warm and sticky. Blearily, lime orbs blinked slowly, barely registering the sight before him. Wurmple was eating his flesh.

That did not bother him as much as it should have. Everything hurt way too much for him to care. Just when he was about to pass out, a familiar yellow caught his eye, behind the pink worm.

Caught the glimmer on his former Trainer's eye, the blurry worm smiled. Then stepped aside, making whatever pain he felt become a distant memory.

Aaron woke up with a small jolt as he sat up quickly, his lime orbs wide and still half-asleep. After a long second, the boy blinked as he glanced at the sun, clearly indicating mid-day as he recognized his surroundings. Startled by his sudden rousing, the Combee exchanged looks as they nodded for one of them to approach, a worried expression clearly on his faces.

Aaron? Are you okay?

Grimacing at his sweat covered forehead, the boy managed a shaky smile.

"Y-Yes, Combee." Aaron breathed deeply for a moment. "I-I'm fine."

No one was convinced with that answer. Aaron himself was not. However, the Combee had enough tact to see that the human boy clearly did not want to talk about it.

"Where is Her Majesty?" Aaron addressed instead, not wanting to divulge into an awkward silence, willing his voice steady. It wasn't. The Combee were silent as the boy's words quickly became a soft plead. "And Lady Ledyba, Yanma, Beedrill, and Shedinja for that matter?"

They had went off to speak in private, seeing as you were taking a nap.

"I see." Aaron nodded absently before waving off the Combee who glanced back at his comrades, all of them just as concerned. Aaron was not quiet, unless he was asleep. But even angry or happy, the boy was a ball of energy. Never so silent and desolate.

Staring off into the distance, the boy did not even appear to be actually seeing what his glassy lime orbs were registering. Looking younger than he actually was more so than usual, the Combee were greatly disturbed and helpless as they watched the boy curl up within himself, his fingers clinging on the moss blanket as if it was the child's lifeline.

It was when the first tears dripped on the grass that the Combee sent off one of their own to find their queen. It was too heartbreaking to bear the sight for a secondary.

Aaron?

The usually cheery little boy under the protection of the queen lashed swiftly, darting away from his nap site with a sharp leap, landing at the high tops of a medium grove, lime orbs wild and glassy with slumber as the queen and the other four Pokemon stepped back in shock and confusion. Vespiquen hovered lightly, her arm reached to where Aaron was asleep a moment ago, Ledyba beside her as Shedinja, Yanma, and Beedrill floated behind them, concerned coloring their faces as the swarm of protecting Combee watched with trepidation.

Aaron? Ledyba whispered softly, her voice comforting as the human boy made no move from his fetal position at the highest bough, slightly shaking. Aaron. Look at me.

None moved as they watched the ladybug near the child in a few slow beats of her wings, lasting only a few seconds. But to the queen, it was near eternity until Aaron finally lifted his head, his lime orbs glowing with something she never wanted to see. No longer wild and half sleep, they were now luminescent with free-falling tears colored with guilt and deep regret, breaking the heart that she refused to acknowledge.

But her body refused to listen to her rational mind, as she found herself before the boy as well, catching his sob-racked form into her arms as he tackled her as soon as she appeared. Clinging her dress as if it was his lifeline, she made no sharp barb at the child, instead, ran her claw through his locks, comforting the child as he blubbered several words making no sense at all.

"… Sorry …I'm sorry… — hiccup — …I'm w-weak… — sob — …n-no one's fault… only mine — sob — …all my f-fault…." Aaron blubbered as he broke on into full crying, effectively ruining her ballroom gown as each word cut into each of their hearts with a painful wrench, the queen trying her best as she glanced at the others for a moment. Ledyba had taken to hugging Aaron from behind, whispering sweet nothings to his ear, too low for even her to hear. Shedinja hovered over them, it's expression almost tinted with confusion, stiffly there, as if it was at a loss, not exactly knowing what to do. Yanma gripped the rolled peat moss blanket tightly to display his helplessness and frustration, lime mask glowing with it, awaiting beside a restless Beedrill, arms crossed as he floated, coned spears and all.

The human boy does not even know. The firm hold he has over all of us. How much we, despite being so hardened and cruel, are so subservient to him. She thought quietly as she ran small strokes into his chartreuse locks, looking to her subjects. The Combee fortified the tree they all surrounded, the security so tight that not even the smallest Rattata would be able to sneak by undetected, only comparable to the time she called for the greatest defense order. Even her subjects protected the child like he was their heir, never mind that she favored him. The boy just had a way to lace all of them in his little fingers.

It was another thirty minutes in a rough estimate until Aaron's cries softened to sniffles before he succumbed to exhaustion, freely falling into the darkness. Feeling Aaron's grip loosen from her dress, Vespiquen sighed softly as she turned back to Ledyba, who had settled to running comforting circles into the child's back; meeting her look. Nodding, the ladybug waved over Yanma and Beedrill to follow her, reluctant before the queen glared to assure them that it was an argument they would not win, following out the temporary hive.

Turning to Shedinja, the queen nodded, figuring that the exoskeleton followed the plan, who to her relief, did as he returned the gesture before ordering several of her subjects to assist him. Within several minutes, Ledyba returned with thin but strong strands of Cascoon's shed silk, Yanma and Beedrill carrying the rest toward the wax walled corner of the tree, crafting a makeshift bed for Aaron. Carefully carrying him, the queen nearly sighed in thanks that Aaron did not as much as move when she tucked the blanket over him, before she left the hive; meeting the others who had filed out into the afternoon air, the sun blocked off by storm clouds as if the earth was in tune with the child's despair.

What the hell just happened? Beedrill broke the silence as they all sighed, exhausted at the emotional hurricane that Aaron had pillaged them into. But that did not mean she was not exhausted enough to not narrow her words at the wasp's words. We leave him in a peaceful nap for a couple of minutes and then return to find him in tears?!

Do not blame my subordinates for this, Beedrill. The queen snapped, her ruby gaze warning. My subjects have informed me that Aaron had awoken like this, his breaths short and forehead shined with sweat when he waved them away, probably not wanting to worry them.

Stubborn kid. Beedrill snorted with no humor as the queen had to agree.

And that apparently in the midst of his thoughts, Aaron had cried himself back to sleep. Shedinja took over, his monotoned voice soothing to the bee queen's ears. To which we had found him, it is something that humans and Pokemon alike share.

They all nodded, knowing the affliction that the boy had all too well.

Nightmares. Yanma voiced the thought in their minds. But about what? Aaron is the nicest and sweetest kid ever. And coming from us, as Bug Pokemon, that is saying something. We like no one. What the heck could his mind conjure up to make him go straight into tears like that?

The subconscious is a strange thing, Yanma. Ledyba sighed as she shrugged. It can literally make anything completely sane and ordinary into something so horrendously terrifying that you could not even believe that it was a part of your reality for a moment in your life. Whatever Aaron dreamed of, it was something that impacted him deeply.

A past that he is ashamed of? Vespiquen dared to ask, as three — with Shedinja at least it appeared to be one, albeit a bit vaguely — pointed looks were shot at her questioning as she returned them evenly to each except Ledyba who held a knowing glare.

I knew you would recognize the look on Aaron's face. Ledyba sighed as she nodded before looking to the other three. Have you three ever left Aaron's sight or not notify him your whereabouts before?

Receiving narrowed looks instead of answers, the ladybug nodded, expecting as much. One day, I had made the mistake of doing the same of leaving Aaron to play in the forest. Several Kricketot had requested my assistance for a moment and seeing as the request was not going take more than a minute to complete, I had taken off, not thinking that Aaron would react in such a way. On my way back which could not have been more than three minutes, Aaron burst out of nowhere, his form shaking and malice in his normally happy gaze. He looked like he was going set the forest ablaze to find me, until he saw me. Jumping into my arms and back to his cheery self, asking me with a pout where I went.

You are not the only one who saw the kid's split personality, Dots. Beedrill cut in, ignoring the glare from the ladybug. Empty Casket, Toothpick, and I have seen it once each, and to be frank, it was one too many. Do you know know anything about it, being the kid's oldest friend and all?

Unfortunately, no. The ladybug frowned. I never approached the topic and neither did Aaron mention it.

However. The ladybug continued with a wary glance at the queen. Like Vespiquen said, I think it has something to do with his past, before he met me and the rest of you. Something that happened that has been haunting him, rearing it's ugly head in the form of nightmares.

Aaron awoke dully, head pounding like all of the Pokemon in the world had attacked with their special attacks all at once and had decided to stuff it all in his head. Sitting up while a bit disorientated, the to-be Master of Bug Pokemon blinked as a soft sigh left his lips, all of the events pre-breakdown returning to him as he resisted the urge to curl within himself once more as he noticed his accommodations, smiling lightly as it was most likely Vespiquen who had done this for him, or at least ordered the others to follow her plan.

Wurmple was gone. Aaron knew that much. But his guilt and regret for his actions kept his memory of the worm fresh, just as much as the pain. During the day, his Pokemon's antics with the others kept his mind preoccupied, no time for brooding over the pink worm. But his subconscious obviously was not one to forget, the boy thought with a heavy sigh, rubbing the flesh that Wurmple ate in his nightmare absently.

Finding a hole in the silk bedding, Aaron sent a glance at the gathering of Bug Pokemon, all conversing heatedly no doubt about him as he landed softly, treading carefully in lieu for Vespiquen's sixth sense of finding him. Fortunately, the Staryu of the heavens were with him as he managed to leave the grove undetected, his stride slowing as he found himself alone in a small clearing, a bit off ways from where the others were.

The dirt was soft and lightly disturbed, but harmless enough as Aaron seated himself, the humid air of the incoming storm tickling his nose as he refused to think about Wurmple. The worm was locked away within a dark green chest under his bed, along with his promise, a vow he shared only with the tree and the rays of the sun as his witness. Pulling out a leather string around his neck, the eight-year-old held a small golden key in his hand.

He tried to throw it away. He really did.

But the memory of the pink worm froze Aaron's arm when he had tried to throw it into the vast expanse of the sea, down the unforgiving boulders of a cliffside, even into the ghost infested halls of the Old Chateau. He just couldn't do it.

An idle raindrop landed on the boy's nose as he looked up curiously, grey clouds greeting him as it began to pour, Aaron staring dumbly for a moment before a curse startled him from his blank stare. Beside him, while giving an impressive litany of curses emerged a pale purple scorpion.

I was right, Arceus-dammit. The scorpion swore, it's pair of claws unearthing himself from the ground. Screw this damned place. 'Soft earth' and 'idle conditions for Bug Pokemon' my arse. Rain, thick dirt, and humans? Screw this. That is the last time I listen to that stupid arse of a Pokemon.

Blinking, it was then that the scorpion realized he had an audience.

It was a child, Skorupi noticed as he eyed his audience. It was obviously a young boy, drenched from the rain as was he, lime orbs glowing with curiosity and awe as he huddled on the ground. Mud caked his cargo shorts as his tank top was darkened by the rain, pale chartreuse locks a florescent green in the storm.

"Are you frustrated too?" The child asked him.

Skorupi huffed. Of course he was. He was whisked off into coming here, and then look what in Mew's name happened! His home, trap, food source, and hiding spot all gone with appearance of the storm. That he was frustrated was an understatement as far as the human knew. The hum—…

The Scorpion Pokemon one-over his audience once more before narrowing his black pupils at the child. You understand me, human?

"Yes." The child gave a small smile. Skorupi ignored that it bothered him that it was small. "But only Bug Pokemon like yourself."

What the hell are you doing out here? The scorpion blurted before he could catch himself. Aren't you suppose to be inside and be taken care of by your parents or something? Like the other humans?

"I'm not that fond of other humans." The boy shrugged as if the species they were talking about were not his own. "They're nice and all but I never really cared for their opinion of several things all too much."

Sorry I asked. Skorupi muttered as he hissed with his mandibles. And to the pale purple insect's surprise, the boy laughed, his chuckles light yet hearty as the boy grinned crookedly.

"You're funny, Skorupi." The child was still grinning. The scorpion did not know whether to be creeped out or happy. Wait. He was happy for the human? What the hell did he eat last night? That was the last time he ate Weedle before dawn.

"My name's Aaron." He was still grinning, but with his hand outstretched. A symbol of accord. Something that the scorpion never associated with. Not knowing what to do, the scorpion stared. But for some reason, the human left it there, instead, his grin drooped.

"But really, I want them to know." Who was this kid talking about?

"Everyone says that Bug Pokemon are a lost cause. That you all are at the bottom of the food chain and will remain there." The kid was not smiling anymore. That was scaring him more than anything right now. But oblivious to the scorpion's internal struggle, Aaron continued. "But I think differently. You are all so beautiful. I want to show them just how blind they have been to you all." He was smiling again. And for some reason, so was he.

"Will you help me, Skorupi?" The hand was still there.

Within a minute, a small tail pincer joined the dainty hand, soddened by mud and rainwater. Yet, none shone brighter than the twosome in that moment.

After a thorough scolding from Ledyba and Vespiquen along with another from his mother when Aaron trotted in covered in grime, the eight-year-old soaked impishly in the herbal bath that his mother had prepared for him, as a disgruntled Skorupi did the same beside him, only in a wooden basin. The scorpion muttered curses under the lukewarm water, creating small bubbles as Aaron grinned at his newest Pokemon's moody self.

Exiting the bathroom and returning Skorupi to his Pokeball, the little boy pulled out a postcard that he received two days ago.

It was from Professor Rowan, inviting him to receive a starter Pokemon and become a full Trainer with a Pokedex. His mother was a bit saddened that he was growing up before her eyes, but like his father, accepted that their son was ready to explore the region and the world that they lived in. Of course, without the storytelling of how his father and mother met in their own individual travels would have satisfied him enough.

Here he was. About to start his own journey, with four Pokemon before even getting his starter. Yanma, Beedrill, Shedinja, and the newest friend, Skorupi.

Sighing, Aaron threw the postcard on his desk before pulling out a pen and paper, scribing his reply before a solemn smile curved up his lips, the memories of his everyday escape into the woods, lazy afternoons with everyone, and the way they all glowed beautifully before him, whether rain or shine. They would forever be beautiful in his vision.