The sun beat down, causing drops of sweat to collect on my forehead. The sunlight was harsh, and the sky cloudless, giving us no hope from the relentless heat. I resisted a grumble.
We stood outside the Stellar Tower, sitting in the soft, emerald grass. A young woman I hadn't met before named Yukino stood before our group, lecturing us about classes, the program, the tower, and other things I didn't bother to pay attention to.
"Hey, are you listening?" Fate, who was sitting in the grass next to me, prodded my shoulder
"What's your dorm room?"
He blinked. "Ehh, what?"
"Narcissus Fate, I'd like to know what number your dorm room is."
"That has no relevance to what I just asked you."
I shrugged. "Answer my question and I'll answer yours."
Fate rolled his eyes. "Dorm room 134B, in the wing next to yours. Why do you even want to know?"
"We have been enrolled in this program for over a week now and I just thought it was weird that I still didn't know your dorm room number." I looked away, pursing my lips. "And no, I wasn't paying attention cause I wanted to know what dorm room you were in."
"You're so strange..."
I jumped when Yukino's voice suddenly raised. "Hey! You two kids in the back! Shut the hell up and listen!"
My face flushed at the sound of people snickering around us. Clenching the edges of my shirt, I tentatively looked up, eyeing Yukino and the large chalkboard she stood in front of.
Her blue eyes flashed me a fiery glare, but she said nothing and continued her lecture, scribbling things on the board that I was completely delirious to.
"Um, what's she talking about?" I asked Fate, my voice barely a whisper. I pointed a finger at the words "chosen", "wild Pokémon", and "test".
"Dammit, Vee, you really weren't listening," Fate remarked irritably.
"Sorry."
He sighed. "A huge test will be taking place in a couple weeks, but only the trainers who have proven themselves already will be chosen to take part. Basically we'll be escorted out into wild territory by a team of elite trainers in the program. We'll be on our own for a week to try and not only catch wild Pokémon to increase our teams, but to strengthen them. Basically a test to show our skills."
I reeled back, appalled. "What? But we have only been enrolled for a week! Isn't a test like that a little dangerous?"
"Fawning! Don't make me speak to you again!" Yukino snapped, causing me to sink down into my skin.
Fate waited a few minutes in silence before replying. "Yukino said there's a lot of stuff planned for the program this year, so those who are ready need to start moving along right away." A grin crossed his face. "I hope I get to go. You as well."
"I doubt I'd be chosen to do something like that so early."
Fate's gaze moved from my own to in front of him, focusing on something else. "Well, you may find out whether or not you are now."
I followed his eyes to see Ivory walking up towards Yukino, sheets of paper clutched in one hand. Her silver eyes were narrowed, and she greeted her companion with a brisk nod.
"What I hold here is a list for those chosen to take part in the test. Please know that many such tests will take place through the year, so do not be distraught if you are not chosen this time to take part in this first round." Ivory scanned the crowd ahead of her, who all stared back with an unwavering, intent gaze. Seemingly content, she lifted up the list, clearing her throat before beginning to slowly read off names.
A few murmurs sounded around me, seeming pleased and excited. I guessed that they had been one of the first ones called.
It wasn't long before Fate's name was called, resulting in a few doubtful and disapproving glances flashed our way.
Fate, however, lit up, exhilarated. "Yes! Having more Pokémon other than Doublade will be awesome!" He suddenly froze, coughing slightly. "Er, not that you aren't an amazing partner, buddy!" He added awkwardly, glancing down at his bag where Doublade's pokéball was kept.
"Why are you so excited to be in a test?" I tilted my head. It sounds terrifying to me.
"Come on, Vee. It's more of an adventure than a test. All we need to do is strengthen the power and size of our Pokémon team." He placed a hand on my shoulder, a touch that I no longer shied away from. "It'll be fun!"
Yet I stiffened when Ivory called out, "Veerium Fawning."
I bit my lip, blood turning cold, and unsure of how to react. There's no way I'd be chosen to take part. Maybe they made a mistake.
"Seems like you get to join me!" Fate flashed me his familiar warm smile, but I did not return it.
"I can't do this," I murmured, half to myself. "I can't."
"Hey."
Fate, who now held a more serious tone, grabbed my hand, something that wasn't very uncommon now. We both seemed to find comfort in each other's presence and touch, which was probably because we were both scared, lonely children.
But at least Fate can stay confident.
"You can do this," he told me firmly, staring at me. "You are a strong, capable person. Physical strength and skill sure as hell aren't the only contributing factors to how strong someone is." He poked my nose. "I see it in your eyes, Veerium."
Fate's words were comforting, but not enough to eradicate the fear that gripped my insides like a clawed hand. However, I did not tell him this.
"Narcissus Fate, you're something else."
"Don't use my first name, Veerium Aster."
"Then don't use my middle one."
"Alright!" Ivory called, bringing us to her attention. "Those of you chosen will be escorted to a nearby wild territory in two weeks. You will be accompanied by a team of elite trainers, but they will be there to watch over you and nothing more." Her gaze became fierce. "This means you must be responsible and cautious at all times; we don't want any fatalities."
I swallowed hard.
"What about the Crimson Army or Orumni?" someone in the crowd piped up, which caused a nervous hum of voices to rise.
"This may be wild, uninhabited territory," Yukino replied. "But it is owned by the Stellar Tower Alliance. And our elite forces will be there to ensure that this test is not interrupted by any... unwelcome guests."
Fate shivered beside me, whether it was from excitement or anxiety, I could not tell.
Eventually the class was dismissed, with the sun beginning to dip down in the west, revealing the evening approaching. Trainers were given free time between class dismissal and dorm curfew, which was at 10:00 p.m. Fate was asked to join up with another group of younger boys, which he, at first, refused. However, I insisted he join them, not wanting him to feel like he was always wrapped around my finger.
Grumbling, Fate did not argue, and hesitantly left my side, leaving me alone.
Almost.
I rummaged through the small, leather bag that hung at my side, grasping Lugia's pokéball. I rubbed my thumbs along its smooth surface, smiling slightly.
"How about a walk?" I spoke softly, tossing it into the air and watching Lugia's figure appear with a bright flash. He shook out his body, ruffling the feathers on his wings, before whipping around to face me with his familiar bright eyes.
He squeaked a response.
"Awesome." I brushed a hand along his chin, causing the lids of his eyes to droop and head to tilt slightly. He made an odd gurgling noise.
What a dork, I thought with a laugh.
Removing my hand, I ambled along, following the towering, iron bar fence that bordered the Stellar Tower training grounds. Lugia walked by my side, halting every now and then to sniff or prod at the ground.
With the slowly setting sun, warm, whispering breeze, and welcomed company, it was all too comfortable.
If only my parents could be here to experience this with me. Just one last time.
"Hey, if it ain't one of those kids."
Before I could turn around to face the approaching newcomer, a hand suddenly gripped my shoulder, shoving me against the fence, which clanged at the commotion. Lugia squeaked out in alarm, but I could not see him, as my face was pressed up between the bars.
"Um, can I help you...?"
"Yeah, you can get your sorry ass outta here before I do it for you," the voice, clearly masculine, hissed. Judging by his voice and grip, I guessed he was a teenager, possibly approaching twenty, and significantly larger than me.
Well, shit.
The person shifted, and I suddenly felt his hot, spitting breath on my ear. "I sure as hell don't like kids like you. You're an immature piece of shit who doesn't deserve a place on this program. You don't know a damn thing about the real world."
At this point, I was unsure of the point this person was trying to make, and only focused on trying to squirm out of his grip before I got beaten into a pulp.
"There are people out there working their ass off to defend the people they love, putting their lives on the line, and you get a free ticket here cause you're just some kid with a nice pet." He spat on my shoulder, and I winced when I felt wetness seeping through my shirt and onto my skin. "You disgust me."
And suddenly, his words seemed to click.
However, before I could reply, his fist slammed up against my temple, a harsh ringing sound splitting through my ears. My vision erupted into darkness, giving way into the endless depths that consumed me.
I awoke to more darkness, a warm hand gripping my own, and my familiar, plushy bed.
I pried my eyes open, trying to move, but instantly froze when my head began to spin, not to mention the harsh ringing in my ears.
"Try not to exert yourself."
I tentatively tilted my head ever so slightly, just enough to see the figure who sat at my side. When feeling their had gripping my own, I had immediately assumed it to be Fate, though was surprised to find the other girl who shared the bunk with me instead. Though the room was dark, her eyes seemed to shine, regarding me curiously.
"We brought you back to the dorm after we found you and your Pokémon unconscious. Seemed you had been knocked out." Though her voice was soft, it felt like nails scratching up against my temple and stabbing at my eardrums.
Her voice dulled to a whisper upon seeing me flinch.
"You've been out for a while. Another kid was in here earlier, but we had to kick him out when the lights went off. You've also been excused from class tomorrow." She shifted, grabbing something out of her pocket. "Here's your Pokémon," she murmured, handing me Lugia's pokéball. "He's fine, just needs to rest."
I extended my hand, feeling comforted by Lugia's presence when his pokéball was placed in my palm. I turned, giving the young woman a soft smile. "Thank you, uh..."
"Knight."
"Knight?"
"Yep. You can just call me that. And no problem." She reflected my smile. "Can't have anyone getting beat up in the first couple weeks."
"Heh heh..."
Knight sighed. "Well, I'm going to bed now. Call me if you need anything."
I nodded, watching as she stood up, climbed up onto the rail, and disappeared over the edge, leaving me alone again in the silent, dark room.
I squinted my eyes shut, waiting for sleep to take over me, yet felt unbearably uncomfortable, as if I were missing something.
As hours past by, I had made up my mind, slowly shifting out of my bed. Though my head nearly screamed out in protest, I chose to deal with the pain, silently moving across the room until I reached the door.
This is a terrible idea, I thought, but continued nonetheless.
The hallways were lit, but dim, not meant for anyone to be roaming their empty corridors at such an hour. I pursued, quietly stepping across the sleek, wooden floors, eventually turning into the next hallway.
I glanced up at each door, reading the dorm room names, and searching intently.
134B...134B...
Satisfaction rolled over me when I finally found the label, which was plastered over a brown wooden door.
I grabbed the metal handle, which was cold to the touch, and gently twisted it. I stood still, cautiously pushing the door open, and preparing to flee if necessary.
Yet, I was greeted by sleeping bodies and gentle snores.
Frowning, I scanned the room, hoping to find the familiar, small figure, but to no avail. I moved deeper into the room, tiptoeing by rows of bunks.
Definitely a bad idea.
I stood on my toes, examining the upper bunks. I tried to push back the thought that I'd be dead where I stand if I were to be caught, and continued on.
I was overwhelmed with relief to see Fate's familiar blonde hair in one of the bottom bunks, his small figure slowly rising and falling under a thick quilt.
Scampering over, I hesitantly climbed onto the end of his bed, thankful it didn't creak. I sat near his feet, watching his still body as he laid on his side. His mouth was open slightly, revealing to be the cause of the wet splotches on his pillow.
I resisted a giggle.
Summoning up the courage to move, I eventually decided to disturb his peaceful figure, prodding him gently in the cheek.
He remained motionless.
I poked him harder, whispering his name. "Faaaate."
Suddenly, his eyes flickered open, barely giving me enough time to react as he lurched forward, intaking a sharp breath.
I rapidly jumped on him, pressing a hand against his mouth. "Shhh!"
Fate's eyes were wide, blinking at me a few times while he tried to process the situation. Eventually I felt his mouth move against my palm.
"Vee-yum?" He mumbled through my hand, which I then removed.
"Er, hi," I whispered.
"What are you doing..?"
"Joining you. I couldn't sleep." I suddenly felt incredibly awkward, hoping Fate wouldn't decide to kick me out or report me.
Thankfully he didn't.
"Are you saying you want to...sleep with me?"
I felt heat rapidly rising to my face, and was grateful for the darkness of the room. "I-"
"Crap, I worded that wrong, uh..." Fate seemed about as embarrassed as I was. Sighing, he moved to the side, lifting the blankets up. "Just come here before it gets any more awkward."
"Um, thank you," I mumbled, crawling forward and slipping under the covers. The bed was warm from where Fate previously slept, and I relished in his body heat as I lay down stiffly on the edge of his pillow. I could feel waves of embarrassment rolling off his as he turned his back to me, acknowledging my thanks with a simple nod.
However, we both eventually calmed down, relaxing in one another's presence. In the small bed, we were snuggled up against each other, with our feet touching and heads only inches apart. In another time, I might have been mortified by such a thing, but currently, it did not matter to me.
As drowsiness finally began to wash over me, Fate twisted around, his large, amber eyes staring intently into my own. A tiny smirk crossed his face, looking as if he were about to make some smug comment, but his smirk disappeared about as quickly as it had arrived.
"Crap, I totally forgot about what happened!" he gasped, but quieted when I raised a finger to my mouth. "How are you doing?" He asked in a much softer tone.
"My head hurts but I'm fine," I replied, wincing when his hand brushed along my temple. I assumed it was beginning to bruise.
"Sorry." He removed his hand, narrowing his eyes. "What an asshole."
"Don't worry about it," I said, not wanting him to get upset. "Seriously, I'm fine."
"You don't seem fine."
Unsure of what to say, I turned away, but grabbed his hand by my side. He accepted my touch, wrapping his fingers around my own.
"This is one of the most ridiculous things I've ever done," I whispered to no one in particular.
"I dunno, I'd be squealing with excitement if I were in your place."thanks
"Oh, shut up."
Heeeeyyy. Sorry I'm not posting chapters as frequently, school has been in the way ;P So here is a chapter of my children being dorks :)
Thanks for reading! Any reviews or whatever would be greatly appreciated :) Have a nice day lovelies
