Disclaimer: I do not own Pokémon or its characters, however, Game Freak and Nintendo do.
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Clattering sounds, yawns, and groans woke Touko up from her rather deep sleep. Apatheia wiggled out of her arms making Touko jump from the sudden movement near her being, "Sorry…did I hold onto you too tightly?" she asked groggily.
Lierre was already awake; watching the other refugees from the snow rouse from their sleep as well to the brown-spikey haired man who entered the Pokémon Center. He shook off his thick jacket and long cargo pants free of the pile of snow, then walked towards the nurse behind the counter and began discussing something to her. Touko rubbed her eyes free of drowsiness before looking outside the window and a grimaced.
The snowstorm had become a full out blizzard during the night and continued into the next day, making it almost impossible to see anything farther than a foot outside the window. Travelling has become the last option to choose…unless…
Touko stared into her bag at Reshiram's Poke Ball, 'I have to continue on… I need to find him,' she thought. Looking up, the newly arrived man was making his rounds towards groups of trainers, most likely telling them to stay until the blizzard passes because of the groans as responses. She fished out a jacket from her bag, thanking on how it seemed to have infinite room and was neatly organized all the time before putting it on.
"Hello Miss!" the man greeted while approaching. It was her turn next to get the news, "It would be best if you cancel your travel plans for today. The blizzard outside is as bad as it gets. You can stay the night or until the blizzard passes inside the Pokémon Center," Touko did a curt nod, hoping it was convincing enough and that he would go away. She didn't get her wish as he petted the top of Lierre's head.
"I've never seen Pokémon like these before, nor in Johto or Sinnoh. Where you from?"
"Unova," Touko replied, surprised at how taken Lierre was to this man. Apatheia was curious about him as she floated around him.
"Unova huh? That's really far away to be travelling from. Any special reason? Wanting to challenge the other Region's Gyms?" He brushed his jacket just in case more snow was on it before taking a seat next to Touko. She figured this was a good time as any to ask if he's seen N, "I'm looking for someone. He's tall, has green hair and eyes and probably the weirdest personality. Have you by chance heard news of anyone like that?"
He cupped his chin in thought, "No…no I haven't. Sorry. Although, it is a bit disappointing that I won't be able to battle your Pokémon anytime soon…" Touko's eyes widened, "You're a Gym Leader?"
"Aye, the name's Blue, I'm the last Gym you go to before the Elite Four. You?"
"I'm Touko, one of the…" she wasn't sure if she should mention the whole hero part of it, "…a champion of Unova. But I suppose I'm not anymore, I left shortly after to look for my friend." He laughed in a good natured way, it didn't feel condescending at all, "Everyone has their own callings that they must do. Even the champions of their regions." He looked off into the distance, possibly remembering some part of why he became a Gym Leader but he shortly faced back towards her and grinned.
Touko smiled at that and watched as he lifted himself up from bench, "It was nice talking to you Touko, I should probably to check up on the other trainers and notify them. Good luck with your journey!"
"Thanks! Good luck with your job." She waved good-bye and withdrew her Pokémon back into their Poke Balls whilst grabbing Reshiram's.
"Everyone has their own callings…" she whispered to herself. Touko tied her hair in her usual ponytail while looking around, making sure the residents were preoccupied and had their attention divided. Fixing on her hat, she began to quietly approach the door. She could hear the roaring winds just outside the thin barrier of the entrance and breathed out slowly. With eyes full of resolve, she made her exit.
.:~*~:.
N sat while watching his winter Pokémon play together on the ramps in his old room. The place was still a disorganized mess and appeared dirtier in the few broken lights of the ruins. The toy train has long since died, accumulating dust along with its tracks, action figures discolored, and the basketball hoop was beginning to rust with the ball thrown across the room.
He really didn't know why he was still boarding in the remains of the castle, "Am I just keeping away from humans again…?"
"Aww, don't do that N!" a voice echoed throughout the room. Steps grew closer towards him and stopped; he looked up to the side and saw Mei smiling again. 'When is she never smiling?' N thought.
"I figured you would be here since you weren't at your usual place, but really, don't stay away from humans. What about all that progress you made from your journey?" Mei sat down beside him, watching his Pokémon play on the newly frozen ramps.
"I'll most likely get an apartment somewhere, the castle isn't in the best of shapes right now," N responded. Mei nodded her head in acknowledgement then asked, "If the castle was in perfect condition to this day, will you still be staying here? Why are you still here anyways?"
N opened his mouth to answer…except he had no answer. Attempt at changing the subject was a good choice at the moment, "Why are you here?"
Mei looked at him critically, "Do not change the subject…but for your answer, I was going to battle you for this month." He mouthed an 'ah' before getting up, however, Mei grabbed onto his sleeve and pulled him back down again.
"Answer my question before we start battling," Mei glared warningly and smiled shortly after. N gave up trying to run away from this woman. He tilted his head in thought of her question and the image of the other hero popped into his head. The words just spilled from his mouth, "Touko…will be able to find me easily here…if she wants to talk to me still."
Mei's eyes widened in realization and began jumping excitedly before grabbing his hand and pulling him back up. 'Make up your mind…' N sighed inwardly. There was a gleam in her eye as she was still jumping up and down.
"I got news of what Touko was doing! I can't believe I totally forgot to tell you when I entered," Mei still continued to bounce, it reminded N of a Buneary…or a Lopunny because she was older looking. He just watched her as she grabbed his other hand and clasped them in her own, "Touko went looking for you! She's currently at other regions trying to fi-"
N's listening skills temporarily shut itself off as he stood completely still, "Why? Why is she looking for me? That doesn't make any sense! Of everything Team Plasma has put her and her friends through…" Mei stopped bouncing and looked him straight in the eye, "It's the same…"
N stared right back into her blue eyes, "The same as what?"
"The reason why you want to see and talk to Touko again," Mei never broke eye contact, but a small smile graced her face. N wasn't sure why he wanted to see her so badly in the first place, all just to say a simple thanks? Mei's voice broke him out of his string of thoughts before they went out of control:
"Except…recently her mother tried calling her and she hasn't answered…"
…that sent N into a new whirlpool of turbulent thoughts.
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As I stare at this Jellicent page for reasons I can't remember…
I don't know why I think of Mei/Rosa has a hyper type. I think it's the hair…definitely the hair…
.:* Thank you so much for the reviews, favorites, and subs *:.
