"Just a few potions and pokeballs, please." The lady behind the counter smiled and retrieved the items for Aster. They were gradually making their way to the Spring section, and had been traveling for a week. Only a few wild pokemon crossed their path, causing a couple of delays, but Ripley was able to handle them fairly well. Perhaps they should have caught a pokemon or two, but they didn't have the supplies nor did any particularly catch their attention.
Calla sat outside with Ripley. They had found a nearby city by where they had been walking that had a train able to take them to the border separating the Summer and Spring sections. The sun was slowly beginning to set, so it was evident that they would have to wait until the next day. Luckily, Pokemon Centers gave freeboard to traveling trainers or the variety.
As the she sat outside, she saw a few kids her age walking with a large cage, giggling to themselves. A boy, seemingly the leader of the group, told them to set down the cage while pulling out his Xtransceiver. They appeared to have just walked into town, possibly from the nearby prairie.
"Yeah. We caught one of them," the boy spoke, talking to someone over the line. "Sure thing. We'll head over there now." He ended the call and turned back to his friends. "C'mon, we're going to the shelter."
As the group carried the cage away, she caught a glimpse of angry yellow eyes. She knew what the shelter was, there was one in nearly one in every major city or town. Domesticated pokemon that didn't have a home, caught wild ones that were destroying the ecosystem, among other reasons, found themselves there. They were usually tall buildings with several areas for pokemon to play and interact with those who were planning to adopt. At times, it could be a rather upsetting place due to the number of sad pokemon. Despite not being confined to pokeballs (rather, being placed in open areas), they still seemed empty and sad.
"Alright, lets head over to the Pokemon Center. I'm beat. How about you two?" Aster stretched and talked at the same time, but frowned slightly upon seeing the distant expression in his sister's eyes. "Calla? Something wrong?"
Upon being called, she snapped out of her daze and looked at her brother. "Oh, sorry! I was watching some kids taking a pokemon to the shelter. But yeah, I'm tired too." To be honest, she was far from tired. She had taken a nap earlier in the day while Aster was washing up Ripley in a nearby stream.
"Ya'know, we haven't thought of that."
"About what?"
"A shelter. We haven't checked one for a pokemon for you. We should." They had discussed Calla getting a pokemon, and she was excited to get one, but they couldn't seem to find one that stood out to her. They had kept an eye out while walking, came across a few breeders as well, but nothing.
"True. We can go tomorrow before we leave."
"Sounds like a plan." With that, they set off to the Pokemon Center, Ripley snuggly in his pokeball.
The walk was relatively silent aside from the occasional comment here and there, fingers pointing to interesting sites. There was fountain in the center of the city -pretty close to the Pokemon Center, actually- that was a beautiful sculpture of three Vaporeon playing in the water. On the other side of the marble, the shelter could be seen.
The cage slid into the opening of the door, a few tired grunts echoed across the deserted street. Calla found herself watching the building as they entered the Pokemon Center, her gaze unchanging. Eventually a nurse escorted them each to a room. They said their goodnights and shared their tired smiles, then disappeared behind closed doors.
The silence breathed into them, creeped along their skin, forcing them to awkwardly look around. Even if they were each alone. The rooms were white, plain and simple. White sheets, white walls, white curtains, and even white lamps. It smelled of cleaning products and hair spair. When they stumbled into bed, the blankets felt like a tile floor in the morning, icy and gripping.
To her own surprise, Calla found herself drifting off. Her body was wrapped in a tight ball for warmth, and her eyes quickly became hazy. As she dived into dreamland, she could hear the chitter of pokemon from the other rooms. A pang of loneliness enveloped her as she finally fell asleep.
The next morning, they headed over to the shelter. Their train wouldn't be leaving until the late afternoon, so they had time to spare. The building towered over them, a small yard could be seen in the back.
It was made out of nice brick with several balconies. It was three stories, and you could see pokemon bouncing around from the windows. Flowers sprung from the ground and tangled together, releasing a soothing smell by the doors.
The twins stepped in, only to be greeted by an energetic volunteer. She had short blonde hair and bright hazel eyes, and wore a blue t-shirt that said "Pokes' for Homes". She led them through the halls as she chattered and asked questions.
"We have open rooms for all the pokemon. Its so cute watching them play- you should see the pups. Oh and they take turns outside, a few at a time. What kind of pokemon were you looking for? We have many adorable ones! Maybe you're looking for a gruff one? We have all kinds! Feel free to look around! Oh, but don't open the doors with a red dot!" The cheerful girl suddenly got a call from her walkie talkie and quickly left them to their own devices. There was plenty of other volunteers and workers to ask questions walking the halls though.
As they walked and looked, they saw many interesting pokemon. A couple of Meowth sunbathed in the windows, some Growlithe pups ran around playing tug of war, Fletchling flew above their heads and chirped, and several other pokemon would occasionally run up to them in a moment of interest; only to lose it and continue to play elsewhere. They past a few doors that had a large red dot, making it obvious not to go in. However, they each had a small window on the door so you could peer in.
"They're all pretty cool. Any of them catch you eye? I personally really liked that Treeko!" Aster was smiling brightly. He had caught the attention of a Treeko and they quickly became friends. It was a rather young pokemon, but was laid back and liked to watch others play instead.
"Not…. really. I hope I don't sound too picky," Calla replied, a small frown set on her face. Aster sighed and patted her on the shoulder.
"Well, keep on looking. I think I'm gonna go adopt that Treeko. We'll meet up at the front, hm?"
"Sure thing. I'll go take a look at the top floor."
Calla made her way up the last of the steps as Aster made his way down. The girl saw a young boy and his father picking up an Electrike and talking to one of the staff members. The little boy looked at her and smiled, waving while he attempted to keep the green electric-type in his lap.
The top floor was rather empty, mostly made of doors with red dots. A couple of Zangoose guarded the hallways, only occasionally looking at Calla. Old pokemon were the primary residence of the floor, making it seem rather dusty and dreary. In the corner of the main room, a familiar cage sat. It was the one from the previous night, and she walked over to it.
"May I help you?" A volunteer had come in as she lightly touched the metal frame.
"Actually, what pokemon came in this cage?" The walls of the interior was slashed and ruined. Something had put up a fight.
"Oh. A few local kids managed to catch a Pawniard last night. We've been having a problem with them lately. Somebody released a bunch of them, and it's been quite troublesome. Its very difficult to find good homes for them too, as they are very temperamental."
"What room is it in?"
"The one to your left. It's locked, but you should be able to see from the window." After a few moments of quiet, and Calla peering in, the volunteer spoke again. "You aren't thinking of adopting it, right? No offensive, but they aren't the best for beginner trainers. Or first pokemon."
Calla's eyes locked with the Pawniard, cold and angry. The pokemon was crouched in the far corner, its food untouched. Its blades glistened in the light of the room, but it faltered under her gaze. Almost skittish, despite the malice in its eyes. She found herself smiling at it, earning a surprised and confused grunt. It was strange how the slight tug of the lips could make one produce such a sound.
"I think I might." The words were simple, but made her intentions clear. The volunteer shuffled awkwardly before nodding and going downstairs. She returned a few minutes later with a manager, telling him Calla's request. "Is there a problem?"
"No, not at all," the manage replied. He looked amazed. "Hardly anyone ever wants to adopt these kind of pokemon. They can be really stubborn, and will even lash out at their trainer. Are you sure this is the one you want? She in particular was a tough one to bring in."
"Yes. I've been looking for one that caught my eye, and that's just what she did." The manager chuckled and nodded, taking out a key.
"Very well. I have her pokeball right here, but be careful when you let her out later." As he opened the door, he pulled out a pokeball. The Pawniard glared at him, watching his movements. Calla smiled at her again, making the pokemon look away. The manager put her inside the pokeball and ushered Calla downstairs to fill out some paperwork.
Aster was already in the front office when they arrived, the Treeko sitting on his shoulder. His eyes lit up when he saw her walk in with a pokeball, jumping up to congratulate her. Upon hearing the condition of the pokemon, however, he faltered.
"This sounds dangerous. I'm all for a challenge, but..," He said, looking at his sister. She still continued to fill out the paperwork.
"I like her. She'll come around eventually." Calla finished her last signature and handed the papers to the manager.
"Y'all have a nice day," He told them as they left.
Aster eyed the pokeball in his sister's hands, making it clear he was unsure. The Pawniard peered back at him, its small reflection annoyed. Calla simply chuckled and rolled her eyes.
"I'm gonna name her Gladiolus, Gladdy for short." She slowly hummed as they walked to the train station.
"You're crazy," Aster joked. The Treeko jumped over to his sister's shoulder and looked at Gladdy, intrigued by the sharp creature. "Have you checked what moves she knows? Just scan her with your Xtransceiver."
"Oh yeah. Almost forgot." Calla quickly scanned Gladdy with her watch device, making it whir and click in the process. "Her ability is Inner Focus. And her moves are Iron Head, Night Slash, Metal Claw, and Brick Break."
"Hm. She doesn't have any defensive moves, like, Protect?"
"Nope. Is that bad?"
"I suppose not at the moment, as she's more of an offensive type, but it may be useful to teach her a defensive one later."
"True. I'll read up on Pawniards while on the train."
They soon arrived at the station, just in time to get on their train. Ripley was much to large to stand inside, so he was put in his pokeball. The Treeko, Martin, took his place in between Calla and Aster. His small head rested on his trainer's lap before he quickly fell asleep in content.
Aster soon took out a-much-too-large-book-in-Calla's-opinion, leaving his sister to begin her research. They had small computers placed around the train, and they had made sure to sit right next to one. As she typed and clicked away, the girl couldn't help but remember when their parents had first taken them on a trip. The family had gone all the way to the Winter Section.
Calla could still see her brother's face when fell into the snow, and when he realized he couldn't get up. The poor boy had cried even after their father had helped him. His hair was covered in the icy white powder, making the twins look like yin and yang. They had seen all the beautiful ice sculptures and igloos. The sky was a deep indigo at sunset, making their shadows look like smashed berries.
The small family had explored the caverns, created by old frozen waves. Ancient pokemon were caught in their elegant and fierce movement. Snow had fluttered around them, eventually leading to a series of snowball fights. And at night, they all stood outside and watched the sky get saturated in stars, naming constellations as they went.
That had been eight years ago, but the memories were still fresh in Calla's mind.
Gladdy watched her new trainer, the emotions flashing across her face confused her. Smiles were impossible for the pokemon, and found it strange someone would make one at her. She was on the girl's lap, inside a somewhat comfy pokeball. The computer flashed with pictures of creatures identical to her. Her eyes roamed the area, spotting an old woman with an equally old Delcatty.
The woman was lanky and wore a long purple dress with gold borders. Her white hair was cut short, and her deep brown eyes were half-lidded. The Delcatty sat at her side, white bits of fur seeping into her coat. Her tail slowly moved back and forth as the woman stroked all the weary muscles. They looked like an old statue, one that showed a bond.
Gladdy looked back at her trainer, only to realize she was also looking at the two.
The train stopped out in the farmland. Dirt roads and fresh fruit, trees and flowers that aimed at the sky, and a cooling breeze beckoned them. After grabbing a map, they indulged themselves and began to run. Their bags jostled on their backs, and Ripley's antlers shed their leaves and bloomed flowers. Martin sat on the Sawsbuck's back, eyeing the delicious plants that sprouted from the ground.
Calla pulled out Gladdy's pokeball, forcing the others to stop. The Pawniard had lost quite a bit of the malice in her eyes, which made the new trainer feel more confident. With a red flash and a click, her pokemon stood in front of her.
Gladdy looked like she was at war with herself. She looked at those around her, and then at the fields. She was confused and angry. They knew she was violent, but was she really? She had never felt so lost. Why would this girl want her? She was made of knives and metal, not cute with fluffy fur. She was dangerous, thats it. Only stubborn and strong people ever even thought of getting something like her.
Crying out in frustration, the Pawniard began to slash and kick at the dirt. People turned in horror, Aster and his pokemon backed away, but Calla stayed put. She had dealt with little kids all her life, as she regularly babysat, and this was a temper tantrum. It didn't matter what species.
"Hey, calm down now. It's okay," She whispered to Gladdy. Her voice was so soft and caring. "Everyone gets frustrated sometimes." The Pawniard lunged at her, pointing a blade right at her. Its small arm shook and her breaths were uneven.
Then, to the pokemon's surprise, Calla grabbed her upper arm. Warmth spread through that one area, but not the kind she was used to. It wasn't like the harshness of the sun or the hot coals of a fire, it was the gentle touch of protection and care.
Next thing she knew, she was being pulled into a lax hug. It was a careful hug, no doubt, but it was the first one Gladdy ever had. The warmth spread all around her that time, and she allowed herself to lean into it. Calla smiled at her once again, and she found herself wanting to smile back. But she stopped herself.
"Lets go. We have a lot to see and do, don't we?" The girl had stood up, and she looked right at the Pawniard. Her pokeball was placed in Calla's backpack, but the trainer had made no attempt to put her inside.
"Keep an eye on her still," Aster muttered. His sister slightly glared at him.
Gladdy followed the twins as they continued their way down the dirt road. Martin looked down at her from his spot on Aster's shoulder, tilting his head. The Steel-type met his gaze, but quickly looked away in a huff. Was she supposed to follow? Did they really want her to?
She looked at herself, the sharp edges of it reflecting in the sun. No hands, only weapons. She was made for battle, not a walk in a field of flowers. Because all she would be able to do is hurt them. At least, those were the ideas instilled in her since birth. Since she first saw another pokemon, and then a human. Only fear and distance.
The sound of laughter brought the little pokemon back to reality. Some local pokemon (an Aipom and Leafeon) had climbed a tree that was blooming little white flowers. Some of them slowly fell, landing softly in Calla's hair, making that odd sound erupt from her throat.
"Oh, y'all get down from there!" A young man, roughly in his early twenties, came running. Sun-bleached hair and emerald eyes, along with overalls and boots, made him look like a true farmer. "Get back ont'a the farm! You're destroying some precious crop!" The pokemon in the tree quickly jumped down and ran off, devilish smirks evident.
The twins turned their attention to the man. He looked rather peeved, but a nice person nonetheless. Chuckling, he extended his hand, taking both of theirs.
"Haha. Sorry 'bout that. The name's Clinton. You guys must be travelers."
"I'm Calla, and this is my brother Aster. And yes, we are. Do you know any nice places around here?"
"Sure do. There's actually a flower festival going on in town. There'll be games, prizes, and of course a battle tournament. If that peaks your interest that is."
"Indeed it does," Aster replied, already finding the destination on the map. "Thanks a lot!" He turned to his sister. "And from there, we can go to the famous Herbal Library! Its so big, it has a field of its very own!"
Ah yes. Aster. The book and medicine enthusiast. He was hell bent on being a doctor, no matter how difficult it was going to be. It was kind of interesting watching his body jitter in excitement while his pokemon watched on. Scratch that- it was hilarious. He looked like he swallowed a bouncy ball that didn't stop bouncing.
"Sure. Don't take offense if I fall asleep while you're reading though."
"You got one scary lookin' pokemon their, ma'am. I'm sure no'n will mess with you," Clinton remarked suddenly, looking at Gladdy with a mix of fascination and amusement.
The Pawniard stood there, rather still. Her eyes trained on the ground, anger boiling inside. Such a simple comment, but it had Calla focusing on her. Her left hand rested softly on Gladdy's head, without fear. Even if the pokemon couldn't see, she knew she was being given a look that had much more care than she was used to.
"We should be going now," The new trainer said, ushering Gladdy to keep moving. "Have a nice day!"
"You too!"
"Did that really set her off," Aster whispered, a bit of annoyance in his voice.
Grunting, Gladdy ripped away from Calla, deciding to walk several feet away from the group. Her trainer sighed, but allowed it. She didn't appear to want to run off, which was a good sign.
"Yes. Let her be, Aster. You aren't helping."
"Sorry, but, well-"
"What?"
"Why her?" Calla sucked in a breath and kept walking, glancing at Gladdy.
"She interested me."
"Thats it? She interested you?"
"Not just that…." She watched as the Pawniard stared off into space, apparently not listening to the current conversation. "She was confused, like me."
"Confused about what?"
"The thing is," Gladdy turned her eyes to meet Calla's, "i'm not quite sure."
Hey! Sorry for such a late chapter. I've been crazy busy. I'm also not too happy with this chapter. Its a bit rushed in my opinion, since I didn't have a lot of time to work on it.
I also introduced Shelters, to kind of reflect animal shelters in real life. I volunteer usually every weekend, and I wanted to add it in. Also, if you couldn't tell, Aster will primarily use Grass-types. I imagine you can figure out Calla and Rose's. As I go along, I would love some suggestions from you guys on what pokemon they should have. I already have a few chosen, but I need a bit of help.
Hopefully I'll have more time after this week. :)