Disclaimer- I don't own Pokemon or anything else.
--
Being released from his Poke Ball, Mudkip jumped about happily. Something that left Brendan uneasy.
"Pr-Professor, are you sure this is okay?" he asked. "I mean, shouldn't we wait for-"
"You and I both know my primary assistant is overseas visiting family. Besides, you've proven to us both time and time again that apprentice is only an insult to your ability." The man Brendan dubbed "Professor" voiced.
As he felt it should be done, the Professor turned to Brendan. He truly had that vibe of scientific authority with that white coat. However his wear of a casual green shirt, brown shorts and sandals along with that beard only mellowed what was regarded as the elite of elite.
That man wasn't just an easygoing science authority with a strong (yet intimidating) wife his loyalty (and fear) remained set to, he was noted as one of the Hoenn's region's best. If not officially noted number one Pokemon authority.
Truly a man among men…
"Brendan, from here on in you are my full-fledged secondary laboratory assistant." He continued. "Running a few field research missions isn't just "okay", it's expected. Just have a bit more faith in your ability."
Though he doesn't get the respect he deserves in his field, Professor Ivan Birch is definitely someone I respect the most. He's pretty unorthodox, the only known Pokemon researcher who has no problem getting to understand Pokemon in their natural habitat up-close and personal, literally.
He's also not afraid to admit that building models of any kind are always cool.
Brendan felt proud to be regarded with such faith, but something still bothered him.
"But…Professor, why Mudkip? I-if it's just Route 103... Well, I go there all the time. I doubt-"
"But that's the beauty of life; it's never the same no matter how many times you visit." Prof. Birch reasoned. "Why do certain Pokemon live where they do? And, if it's because of their type, then how is it that certain Pokemon with no affinity to such a habitat hold out so well, sometimes, better than the ones who do? This is where Mudkip comes in."
Prof. Birch ignored the quizzical expression Brendan and Mudkip gave and continued his findings. "There's a rumor going around that even Pokemon hatched and raised by humans will become stronger if in a habitat that naturally calls to them." The man theorized. "A fresh water Pokemon like Mudkip will adapt to Route 103 far more positively than a forest and field Pokemon like Treeko and Torchic. And you Brendan…" he continued. "Likewise, this is a mission that requires you for full accuracy. With your knack for grooming Pokemon and creating diets that fortify their health, if there's anyone who will notice any change in Mudkip's skin, appetite or anything on the surface right off that bat, it's clearly you."
"…Yeah… because Pokemon skin care is such an A level talent in the trainer world…" Brendan mumbled.
Brendan jumped when Prof. Birch surprised him with a pat on the shoulders.
"This is another reason why I want you to run this mission and keep Mudkip as your partner." Prof. Birch began. "Brendan, I know you had some hard times in that Academy, but if you give up now you'd only be giving those who criticize you what they want! You should get back on that Rapidash and ride no matter how long it takes! I mean, a Pokemon researcher's life isn't all glamour and recognition."
He was unsure, but he was believed in. As he turned to his mud fish partner who returned a carefree atmosphere, Brendan muttered a small curse and clenched his fist before he threw an eased sigh.
"It can't be helped, can it?" he said before he toughened up for his hero. "You have a point Professor, sorry for questioning you. I-I won't let you down!"
It felt good to see the boy standing strong again, but the strength revealed threw a chill down Prof. Birch's spine. "Br-Brendan… It would be easier on the nerves if you just called me "Dad" or "Old Man" or whatever kids call their parents these days… Seriously, you have your mother's intensity…"
(End Flashback)
--
The region of Hoenn isn't like the better known ones. An origin that astounds many; its pride and it shame. An origin that gives reason why Hoenn is said to be one with the sea…
This is why areas like Petalburg City exist. Once a fisherman's city in its founding days, Petalburg stands apart from the sisters LittleRoot and Oldale as a place that fully expands its grasp and modernizes to the point visitors, even official establishments like the Pokemon League, set up camp for business and pleasure.
Its roots will not be forgotten however, for the vast purifying sea with all its gifts and mysteries are the reason its founders were able to thrive and grasp the sun.
For you see, despite its evolution, Petalburg will always be noted as the starting line to the sea of dreams…
However not all dreams are easily read. Sitting on a lone bench not too far from the newly constructed planetarium, Brendan heaves a heavy sigh. On Laurel's suggestion that they all dress nicely for the event, the boy takes advantage of the return of usual Hoenn weather and wears a sleeveless black vest over a black tie and a dressy white shirt. He rolls up the long sleeves for reasons of his own.
But just because he let Laurel and Max have their way doesn't mean he's not going through this on his own terms, that's why his favored multi pocket black pants, sneakers and bandana were also apart of his look.
Brendan shifts his attention to his left where the bitter Mudkip rests beside him. Noticing this, the mud fish growls at his partner before jumping off the bench.
He watches silently as the mud fish keeps his back to him and settles for a nap.
Well, that can't be helped…
It's been a little over a month since the disaster that cost Prof. Birch the Hoenn satellites of grass and fire. But then, from out of nowhere, Torchic comes back into our lives and in house of that girl of all people…
Even if Treeko didn't seem to be there, Mudkip was still happy to see a friend. I should've been too, but looking at that girl's face I…
After a strained look Brendan sighs. "Well, I was really caught off guard by the whole thing so I ended up recalling Mudkip and leaving without really thinking about it. I forgot about cleaning up… Hah…I really screwed up…"
"Brendan is such a boring brother; he never plays with us and is always sad by himself." The voice of Sally states.
"Mudkip is grumpy today too…No fun…" Suzie sighs.
"Sorry about that, it's just-"
Cutting his apology short, Brendan quickly leaves his seat to see his little sisters: Suzie, holding a hotdog with everything on it and Sally, holding a vanilla ice cream sandwich, sitting contently on the bench.
Like their brother, the twins act upon Laurel's request in their way as well, with Suzie wearing a frilly pink party dress with matching shoes and a shiny new hairpin. Sally took a more boyish approach by wearing a short sleeve orange shirt with the words "Advanced Generation" written in International characters on the front, "AG" on the back. Throwing in the yellow shorts with the casual sneakers with the words "Gen.III" on them, one can easily tell the two apart.
"You two! Why are you out here by yourselves? Where's Laurel?" Brendan questions.
Hearing "they ditched to give him lunch" is something Brendan doesn't want to hear no matter how thoughtful it is! Thus, he chastises them. As getting yelled at isn't what they want to hear, the twins join Mudkip in turning their backs to him.
Brendan's rejection doesn't last long, not when neither twin is capable of properly holding their food but criticizes the other for their poor handling, resulting in Mudkip, sick of them both, to moisten the ground and kick a patch of mud at them no longer giving them a reason to argue but a reason for Suzie to cry and Sally to be on the brink of tears.
As the mud fish chooses to go back to the bench, Brendan just sighs good-naturedly while slapping his bandana-covered forehead.
--
Chapter 7- Lost Wings II Boy's Heart
--
(A bit later)
"So, is everyone satisfied?" Brendan asks.
Sitting on the bench with Suzie sleeping on his left, Sally quietly sipping her soda on his right and Mudkip sleeping on his lap, Brendan turns to Max in exasperation.
"And how about you? Though I don't know why I'm giving you anything in the first place."
Max contently helps himself to two more licks of his cherry snow cone before adjusting his glasses. "It's business; think of this as a down payment for good information." He reasons.
'I'm being shaken down by an eight-year-old…How lame…' Brendan mentally sighs.
Save for Max, Brendan does feel a moment of peace knowing Mudkip and his sisters are happy and asleep but moreover, feels his heart skip knowing the maid next to Max is also smiling.
The young woman, possibly between the age of eighteen to twenty-one, though holding a refined atmosphere most people in her field posses, stands out (at least to Brendan) due to her silky black hair styled into a French braid, her eye-pleasingly soft skin and her tender brown eyes stand remarkably due to the beauty mark below her left eye.
These were all the boy needs to have a true moment of peace…
"Brendan, beat-up that big girl okay?" Sally requests.
"Wh-What's with that all of the sudden?!" Brendan blurts.
"…Brendan and that Nya-nyan girl are fighting?" Suzie, awake from the outburst, questions groggily.
Though groggy himself, if his partner has a plan to overcome such a tough guardian, Mudkip will play whatever role necessary to play with his friend again.
"No! No one is fighting anyone here!" Brendan snaps. "Stuff like that doesn't solve anything, you know that! Why would bother asking something so petty Sal…"
Brendan calms down when Sally burst into tears. Sally's usually the resilient one of the two, so this situation… Well, whatever, Brendan can't help but feel annoyed when Suzie, now on the verge of tears herself rushes over to comfort her sister.
It's always like this…
Everyone jumps forward without as care in the world and expect me to join without being told a thing. Just expected to play "my role" whatever that is… Yeah, I'm used to it at this point, but…!
"I know you're a reasonable guy Brendan but asking those two about anything is next to impossible." Max comments to Brendan's surprise.
As lame as it is to say, it really is rare moments like these that make Brendan feel as if there's something watching him from afar when placing this mixed bag of people in his life. Oddly, despite how much they bug him, "friends" is always the first thing he thinks of when seeing them…
"I see, but be careful how you talk, they're still my sisters you know…" Brendan sighs to Max's relief.
The young woman doesn't pay the Wurmple on her shoulder any mind and turns to Brendan with a smile.
"Master Maxwell grew lonely when all his playmates ran off." She chuckles. "He became very concerned when no one returned."
"That's not it at all Lien and you know it!" Max snaps at his maid. "Today was waste of time! I mean, first Brendan is all depressed about the fight he had with that crazy girl and Laurel gets all drama queen in there saying she'll bring that psycho here even if she has to drag her! And to make things worse," he continues. "Watching those trainers was such a joke! Things are gonna be a whole lot different when I become a trainer I'll say that." Max sighs but turns to Brendan matter-of-factly. "Brendan, I know you mean well, but you gotta stop hanging out with her! Don't you have enough to deal with without her coming between everyone?"
After that liner, Lien bops Max's head.
"You can't force anyone to choose like that! Brendan's at a point in his life where he likes to be with his friends but also wants the company of well…" the young woman considers this before getting embarrassed herself. "Y-you'll understand when you get older, young master."
"It-It's not like that! I'm only her tutor! But…" Brendan hides his blush and hastily turns to Max. "S-so what about that important information? You're always a big help when it comes to watching my sisters so anything you know is good."
Brendan gives Max a strained look when he extends his free hand asks for five poke dollars before doing anything.
"I told you, the snow cone was down payment. And while I'd normally just give you information, it's centering around someone I really don't care for. That's how the Maxwell family runs its information line. So, five poke please."
He hesitates, but Brendan relinquishes the money with a heavy sigh. Now, with his conditions met, Max adjusts his glasses and begins his report.
--
(Flashback)
…Y'see, a few days after that girl appeared Suzie and Sally got into a really nasty argument and since Suzie had a point, Sally got really mad and ran through the North Gate. I was worried since that aggressive Pokemon was still around then too but…
Since Suzie claimed she didn't care what would follow, Max alone called out for Sally in front of Route 101's entrance.
"Hehe, are you still doing that? Pokemon here are too weak to be a threat to anyone, nya."May voiced from behind.
"Aha! Nya-nyan Girl!" Suzie greeted happily.
"Ah? Please don't call me that…" May sweatdropped.
"Doing what you want, typical." Max voiced. Without turning to the older girl, he moved to a new topic. "In any case, since you don't care about the rules around here, do you mind gettin' Sally? She and Suzie got into a really silly fight and-"
"Leave her alone!" Suzie interfered sharply. "You too Boss, mind your business, okay! Sally's always like this when she doesn't get her way! She shows off how far she run and always can get the best hiding spots because she's athe-ath- just because she can!" What sounded like praise only turned to sorrow as Suzie showed a tearful face. "It's not fair… I want to too…SALLY IS SO MEAN!"
Max remained silent as Suzie cried. It was hard to watch, but he had no skill in this field. That truth made him all the more vulnerable to impatience when May stared at him.
"Why are lookin' at me for?! You never heard of sibling rivalry?" he snapped. "Geez, I bet in some sad alternate world you probably have to deal with that."
The eight-year-old expected more of an idiot's logic but instead heard: "What I am in another life doesn't really bother me, but the me here doesn't have any brothers or sisters so I really don't get this…"
Max turned to the older girl shocked; even her disposition held an atmosphere that one would've said felt reflective and reliable.
Now self-conscious, a figurative pair of pink cat-like ears and tail appeared on May and frizzed up when she realized her position.
"Ah sorry! I was just trying to say something like how my mom would. I think it sounds pretty good!" she laughed to Max's exasperation. "But, I really don't get this… I don't really remember much of my life but, I think…it's the hardest to fight with family…So… because it's really hard to do, I think I'll help this time, nya."
Max and Suzie stood silenced by the oddity of a new girl. However, through logic, Max scoffed.
"I almost would've took you seriously there if you didn't say: you don't remember much. Stop trying to sound cool when you should've said: You don't want to remember." Max deciphered to which May called him ill-mannered. "I still don't trust you. I'm only giving someone like you a chance because someone actually respectable Brendan and Laurel say I should." He shrugged.
"That's okay, I don't think highly of your type either." May grinned. "But I promised that Ecruteak maid to be nice to you no matter how hard it is. And it's the worst of things to ignore a fellow Johto born in need, nya."
"Wha- When did you meet Lien, huh? Sneaking on someone else's property?! Hey! I'm talking to you!"
Not like I wasn't surprised, but that girl just did what she wanted at that point. We did see Sally much later in the day.
Since Sally doesn't want to talk about what happened, the best source would be that girl, and I hardly see her around these days…
Within the half-way marker of Route 101, an isolated Sally sat away from the grass path as she stroked the body of a wild Wurmple. The worm Pokemon, though bewildered at this, felt no danger and stared at the oddity skeptically.
It looked over to the left when it noticed the tiny human did so to watch an older human stare at the grassy areas as if expecting something.
"Nya-nyan Girlie?" Sally voiced innocently which resulted in the reappearance of that figurative pair of pink cat-like ears and tail on May.
"You too? Come on, please don't call me that! It's weird!" May whined.
"But it's funny to see peoples faces! And," Sally continued. "I'll get noticed faster if I say what bugs them."
Lines used in a way that made May blink twice.
(Later)
Even after she listened to Sally's story, May held a blank look.
"It's not hard, nya." Sally scoffed. She quickly apologized when May turned to her. "See, getting you mad always gets attention the fastest! That's the only trick I have against Suzie! She can't do much and she's always getting sick but everyone, even my stupid brother, gives her more attention because of that!"
As she aimed for attention, she kept pulling the annoyed Wurmple back to her every time it tried to leave. As she wanted May's sympathy, Sally shifted her topic: "Suzie's such a crybaby, too! Remember how much she always cried when you were with her? She's always like that, always whining and crying… No fun at all and that's boring, boring right?"
"…Sorry, I still don't get it…" May answered. "I don't have any brothers and sisters and I never had to think about these kinds of things 'til now. But I think that's really hard for you two…" Sally remained quiet as she watched the older girl struggle with herself. "…Because there's more of you, you always have to fight for attention. But, you're upset because your sister is sick and gets noticed more because everyone worries for her. But, she's jealous too…"
Sally pulled in and gripped Wurmple twice more before the older girl's words said something her attention grabbed! Far more interesting than the worm Pokemon that did something silly like getting its tail curled up.
May however, was in a void. Her expression distanced as her soul wrapped itself in clashing morals; a slash of resolve only her mother could conjure within a gale she couldn't control herself wasn't anything new to her at this point…
"…She hates feeling helpless and wants to do what you can but it's impossible for her. So she fights with you because she wants that…" May rambled. "…You two really want to play together to very end, that's why you're forcing that guy to play when he doesn't want to be near you, like how you want to play with her but she can't go as far as you want… Both will attack and you get upset… That's why I think it's hard…"
…It was just, a resolve that wasn't hers and that started bother her…
Now freed for real, Wurmple turned back to the humans. The worm Pokemon curled and uncurled its tail just to emphasize the nearly unnoticeable dual spikes before it continued along its way.
"…If no one wants to play with me…then will you?" Sally asked sadly.
That answer needed no outsiders as May weakly turned to the six-year-old and smiled.
Completely overjoyed, Sally attempted a tackle hug only to be surprised when May stood up without warning.
Sally didn't get any of this but that didn't stop her from clinging to the older girl when a very angry looking Poochyena leaped out from the grass path. Unlike the rest of its species in the area, the scars on this bite Pokemon proved that it bit off more it can chew quite a few times and its fur that remained bristled showed it's still needed another reminder.
And it proved that when it lunged at Wurmple.
Due to the bite Pokemon's already exhausted state and its own unusually high level for such an area, Wurmple was able to hold its own. Sally watched in horror as the two Pokemon snapped, swiped, physically collided and rolled about.
"This is a fight between Pokemon fighting on nothing but instinct. It's a lot scarier than a refined fight between human raised ones, nya." May voiced.
Sally turned to the older girl who apparently felt a lot better considering how sick she looked before. But, she must be upset about this fight too, she was shivering!
"Of all them…I hate barking ones the most…" May voiced shakily, turning to the face faulted Sally with a toothed grin. "Unless they're put in their place, they always get the most blood-thirsty."
Sally blinked blankly at the weird older girl's easygoing behavior. Things weren't made any easier when she voiced: "It had to be a barking one of all things…This is bad…" Sally didn't get the point behind all the muttering, but she received her answer when she saw it for herself:
Nearing their respective limits, the two combatants stood opposite each other.
Licking its front left paw yet refusing to accept anything from one it deemed lower, the Poochyena bared its fangs at the fatigued Wurmple, placing all its bets on one final desperate charge forward.
Wurmple readied for the attack by curling its tail-
That wouldn't curl! Wurmple was spent! That tiny human not only stopped it from having a meal but that fanged brute really did a number on it… The worm Pokemon dreaded to think what kind of monster that beast was like if it wasn't tired. But instead of having time to wonder about this, it was sent tumbling from the bite Pokemon's Tackle.
Poochyena gave a victorious howl as its defeated foe struggled to move before succumbing to the pain.
Had this been Suzie, she would've already been crying like no tomorrow… No, Suzie wouldn't even be here from the start. That was the difference between them; the soft-skinned Suzie and the tough-skinned-
"Ah! Stop calling me Nya-nyan already! My name is May got that?!" the older girl snapped after another appearance of the figurative pair of pink cat-like ears and tail due to Sally's attention-get tactics.
"That's not important right now!" the six-year-old argued. "You're a lot bigger than me, so please help that Wurmple! My teacher said you should always help someone hurt and Laurel said you should never abandon your friends! But Nya-nyan Girlie is WAAAY cooler than they are so set a good example, okay?"
As if considering the six-year-old's words, May glanced at the savage Poochyena and shuddered. And the Wurm-thing? Almost getting poisoned didn't sound very friendly.
"You jinxed it stupid Nya-nyan! The least you could do is help it!" Sally growled when May said she'd rather not get involved. "I don't get you at all! You can jump from really far places but you're scared of a little Pokemon?! That's not cool at all! How's this any different from mines and Suzie's problem? That's not fair!! Why should it matter whose in trouble or if you like them or not, in the end all living things have souls so everyone is worth helping!!"
Pretty large words coming from a little kid. Still, there was something in it that May couldn't shake…
"All living things…have souls?" she repeated blankly.
Sally nodded tearfully. "My stupid brother taught me that. He's pretty useless but what he said has to make sense since even he has his moments."
Sally felt really stupid for having to resort to one of her brother's lame ideals, but she was desperate! And things are worse now that the Poochyena never left the area; instead, it approached its felled foe to "claim its prize" as most villains in her mom's soaps would say.
The six-year-old turned to the older girl to see she wasn't having a hero's turn around, but just stood there and struggled to make sense out of her idiotic brother's logic.
Is this how the Chief felt? Had this been any other time, she would've laughed like crazy, but this time… she's just asked for something as simple as helping a Wurmple, not buying her a Ponyta, so why was that weird girl being…
"YOU STUPID, STUPID NYA-NYAN I'M ASKING YOU TO HELP-me…"
As she screamed at the older girl with teary eyes shut tight, the only thing that canceled out Sally's voice was the whimpering made from Poochyena.
Because of that eye-opener the six-year-old could only show shock when realizing the older girl who once stood in front of her now stood over the felled Wurmple and equally shocked Poochyena who struggled to stand.
"All living things have souls so… we all exist. But what your soul says is right doesn't feel right with mine…" May voiced before snapping back to reality.
Noticing the bite Pokemon wasn't too far away made the thirteen-year-old stumble to her rear. Poochyena wasn't interested in the human anyway, that thing was crazy! It just grabbed the nip of its neck in the middle of a lunge and tossed it.
Someone could've gotten seriously hurt messing around like that!!
Not caring how much vulnerability it sensed from that human, Poochyena found its second wind and fled to Oldale.
May couldn't care if that thing ran to the Sevii Islands; she still couldn't get over whatever happened, nonetheless the realization that she actually touched it! Her hurried attempt to remove its scent from her hand with soil ended abruptly when Sally tackle hugged her and oddly enough, called her "Sis".
"I'm sorry I ever doubted you, you're SO awesome!" Sally gushed. "I'm not sure how you did it, but I'm sure it was cool! Even when she made it cry, Sis went ahead and put on the act for that bully because everyone knows Poochyena always run away when they get hit even once! Chief told me that and so did my stupid but brother." She rambled. "But getting bit by one still hurts, my daddy knows that best!"
Turned to stone was what could best describe May's state that moment. Her body completely hardened with both eyes looking like straight lines and her mouth a thin rectangle, she was utterly humiliated to think so highly of something like that…
Barking one or not…
She turned back to normal when Sally voiced: "But this Wurmple got really messed up… Even if it is a wild Pokemon, we can't just leave it like this…"
"…Because every living thing has a soul you wanna save it even if it's wild, nya?" May voiced before grinning. "If you wanna make it feel better really fast, take it to my Mom! When I'm sick I get better really fast when she watches me. Oh," she added. "The key to know you're at my house is that it's purple!"
Sally nodded blankly, but even if she really gave it thought, she still had nothing to lose. Pokemon Centers are where Pokemon are supposed to be healed, but they take a while to get better and Laurel once complained about slow-service and being understaffed, whatever that means, but is sounded bad. Moreover, she needed a heal fast and since that older girl is beyond what would be deemed "normal" she'd just take her word for it.
"Sis, you're not coming with me? It'd be easier if you showed me."
"…That poor excuse for a barking one is pain but it's still a barking one." May reasoned eventually. "Barking ones are just as bad as monster types when it comes to territory. It'll be back and cause more trouble. Besides," she huffed. "Even if I don't wanna do this, and I DON'T, I can't back down even if it is a barking one because I'd be going against a promise! It's not becoming to make a little kid cry, nya."
"Wha?! You stupid Nya-nyan I'm not a baby! What kind of person has their whole house purple anyway?"
"Also! Also…this is my home too, and all I want is live quietly with Mom…"
She's already weird but she's doing it on purpose now. Sis is making that face my stupid brother gets when he's trying to be cool. Laurel-sis said: "He places his grief on his shoulders and selfishly acts as if no one can understand it or help him."
Because I'm little, no one thinks me or Suzie get it but that's not fair! Sis and my stupid brother are making sad faces! Not sad like crying, but sad like how someone older will get because they don't want to cry.
But still, there's a difference between my stupid brother and Sis…
Kidding! He's stupid and pretty useless, but like Sis whose always seems to be weird, he can be really cool when he's ready! Really!
(End Flashback)
--
Like her sister and Mudkip, Sally naps peacefully as Brendan considers Max's story.
"I really see little problem with the situation." Lien states. "She's still in her insecure stages; she'll come around when she's ready. Or perhaps," she reconsiders. "I'm being a bit biased out of my own reservations…"
Lien's expression darkens as she strokes the sweatdropping Wurmple. Muttering something about consideration and feeling nice to be noticed even if it's a simple hello.
"Lien aside, Brendan…" Max sighs, completely ignoring what he doesn't (want to) understand. "Everything seems to come back to that girl. She's really starting to be a bother. And even if Lien can be a flake she's got a point! Let's just ignore her back. Laurel's gonna be snippy about it, but whatever!"
"Hah, an old-fashioned small-town shun, I always wanted to get in on one of those…" Brendan smiles weakly before falling downcast. "Well, it's more like I couldn't get into them. I've already been dodging her a lot lately and I feel pretty rotten for it. But I… Really don't think I can deal with someone like her anymore…"
"…Well, I guess that IS pretty harsh since you're the type who lets girls walk all over you and all." Max reconsiders. Not giving it any more thought, the boy shrugs. "Today was such a waste. Guess I'll hit the trainer battle simulator at the arcade to make it all feel a little worthwhile…"
Before he can begin his goodbyes and catch a high score, Max focuses on gripping the cell phone Lien tosses his way.
"Master Maxwell, please live up to your duties as a man and let Lady Windsprite in on the situation. You were the one who asked to borrow Wurmple to keep a silk trace on the girls if you've forgotten." she reminds in a sing-song voice.
Max frowns, but satisfies Lien as he gets to it while walking off.
"You really shouldn't worry them, nothing good ever comes from hiding your heart." Lien voices softly.
"…They shouldn't be. I have a lot to think about but as long as I'm not taking it out on anyone, I'm not paying them any mind." Brendan replies.
"That's a mature but immature way of looking at things." Lien says to his surprise. As she has the higher ground, Lien decides to further surprise her younger friend by handing him a CD she pulls from her apron pocket. "Sorry for not handing it back sooner but I really got into it." She chuckles sheepishly before pulling out a CD written in Johto characters. "See, I don't pirate all my favorite music! The songs are in Johto tongue, but rock is rock right?"
Brendan blinks twice, but catches himself fast enough to happily accept Lien's item loan.
As much as Lien wants to tell the boy about the band, Max's call has her rushing off instead. She does however; stop short in her run to turn back to Brendan reassuringly.
"Maybe listening might change you a bit…" Lien smiles before running off to catch up to her young master.
This leaves a calmer Brendan to shortly realize that despite their time together; he doesn't know that odd girl's name… He's heard it once or twice before…
"Brendan…" Sally mutters half-asleep. "About beating up Big Girl, I lied. What I really want is for you to make her my big sister!"
--
(A bit later: LittleRoot)
With the day's main event becoming nothing more than lost time, Brendan and his sisters' return home. Suzie is fairly easy to please, just give her a piggyback along the way and she'll pretty much be under control. Mudkip on the other hand simply has no interest in walking. So, to not be near Brendan the idiot, the mud fish hitches a ride on Sally's head.
Though she isn't into the baby treatment, Sally gives her brother the privilege of holding her hand. But even if he has innate luck going for him, that still doesn't protect him from her wrath.
"Why?! Stupid Brendan, why can't you make her my sister? Give me three good reasons why you can't!" Sally argues for the fifteenth time.
"Well, one: she already has a family, two: I'm underage and three: It's not going to happen, ever!" Brendan counters for the fifteenth time.
Sally and Mudkip give Brendan dirty looks. Before the child can give her I'm gonna run away and join the circus argument, it is Suzie who stops the conflict.
"How pretty, purple…" she notes groggily.
Looks of determination and curiosity were on Mudkip and Sally's faces as they too notice the Hiromi family household.
"Then I'll just ask Sis myself!" Sally claims as she begins her harsh (if not meaningless) struggle of dragging her brother towards the home.
"H-hey! If you know all this then why are you bothering?" Brendan questions.
Sally stops struggling to reply: "Do you really have to ask?" When Brendan justifies his position he receives death glares from both the girl and the mud fish…
"STUPID!!" is one of the less colorful words Sally yells at the top of her lungs. Her actions startle the many puffy-tailed stray zigzag Pokemon, better classified as Zigzagoon, from their happy positions and back to various hiding spots within the Hiromi yard.
One of the smaller Zigzagoon got so startled that it, out of confusion, briefly plays dead before wildly surprising its foes by taking it upon itself to climb towards an open window in the upper levels of the home.
That'll show 'em…
Little do they know that it climbs up to this place a lot, it has a friend that can't leave it after all, the least it can do is pop in every so often to play. And sometimes, the woman that's currently out like a log brings snacks… Like that plate of crackers over there… Score!!
The only thing stopping the tiniest of tiny raccoon Pokemon from rewarding itself with a nice victory meal is the sudden roar of millions of humans. It stops spazzing out and notices the noise is just from those illuminating boxes humans enjoy so much; something in it about two half dressed human men pounding the crap out of each other… Doesn't look very real…
Its playmate Torchic seems really into it though…
The Zigzagoon then remembers that her human (not the snack giving woman right there, a smaller one it hasn't met) tends put that thing on to keep Torchic busy. She's no fun to play with until those silly programs end… Oh well, onto those snack, Torchic won't mind if it helps itself to a few crackers…
Sableye doesn't either, but that doesn't stop the darkness Pokemon from crawling out from under May's bed to give another new face a warm "hello". Zigzagoon's cries of horror gain Torchic's attention, or is it the toppling her over and cower from behind thing…
None of that matters to the chick Pokemon who simply chirps uneasily at her new-to-her-and-May-but-has-been-here-longer housemate.
"Hmm? The little one has a friend over even when I'm sleeping? How naughty." Mrs. Hiromi jokes groggily. "Sabbie-hun, did you have a nice nap as well?"
Though not making any gestures, a few red X-shaped veins appear on Sableye's fully solid body. Mrs. Hiromi is oblivious to her partner's feelings and smiles brightly. Sally's raging storm of words however…
"Oh my, that's…quite a mouth for someone so small. And you're talking like that to your senior no less? Shall I wash your mouth out with soap?" Mrs. Hiromi greets. "It's good to see you again, my May's tutor."
He feels tense, but determination from afar is far from Brendan's atmosphere. Mudkip on the other hand…
"Ah! Sis' current family. Hey, can we adopt Sis for ourselves?" Sally asks directly.
"No way." Mrs. Hiromi answers just as directly. "But how you like to be adopted by me instead? I'm pretty sure I have more ground than you in the legal department anyway." She offers after seeing Sally's disappointment.
Brendan watches Sally in as exasperation when she actually considers the offer. He won't admit it, but his sister being herself helps put him at ease. And not a moment too soon, Suzie gripping onto him tightly while sniffling into his back is only a sign of an imminent breakdown.
"No, you can't! Sally isn't yours! Sally won't leave us, she loves us more!!" Suzie yells, surprising both her siblings.
Oblivious to the family drama, Mrs. Hiromi only blinks at the realization of there being two Sallys…
--
(A bit later)
"Ahaha, they're twins you say? I feel utterly embarrassed now!" Mrs. Hiromi laughs sheepishly.
Though everyone is feeling pretty is lighthearted, Sally takes it upon herself to step behind Suzie and push her forward.
"See, we're different. This is Suzie, she's a little taller 'cuz she's older." Sally explains.
"N-not by much!" Suzie gasps before hiding her embarrassment. "I don't feel like the older one…"
"Does it matter? You're BOTH adorable!" Mrs. Hiromi gushes. The woman bends down to better examine them. "You're cute, very cute! And you know what they say about cute girls when they get older?"
It's undetermined if either twin knows where the woman is getting at, but both blush all the same.
Chance! With the woman focusing on the girls, Mudkip launches his infiltration--only to be recalled back to his Poke Ball by an expressionless Brendan. The mud fish struggles within its prison but the boy seems to have a better grip today.
"My, you seem to have better aim today." Mrs. Hiromi notes. "But thank you for that, I don't think I'd be as willing to clean up a mess like that again."
The fact she chooses to smile at him only makes Brendan feel worse.
"Hey I'm kidding, I'm not mad about that at all, seriously." The woman reassures when Brendan attempts an apology. "But as a mother, I'm not the most pleased about how you're picking on my May." She voices to his surprise. "I know you're a busy tutor but she's really down in the dumps lately and a little push from someone she trusts never hurts…" she huffs giving Brendan some relief before she voices: "Also, you're staring too much. It's really weird…"
Brendan blinks blankly at this before the realization of what the woman has on again grabs his attention.
Mrs. Hiromi sweatdrops at this. "Riiight… Almost forgot you're into to these kinda things…" she states as she watches the boy peculiarly. "But you're obsession for these restricting things really are unhealthy. I feel like you're trying to see right through me!"
Brendan ignores the woman's remark and his sisters disapproving looks to continue studying every aspect of the outfit. It really is appealing, that's why the boy mumbles: "It's absolutely beautiful, calling anything so well crafted restricting is just so…narrow-minded. They should be hung for it…" loud enough for Mrs. Hiromi to give him a piercing glare only obtainable through her medium-mode.
'For some reason I think I saw my life flash before my eyes…' Brendan mentally shudders after an unsettling feeling that warns him to shut-up and turn away.
"Umm May's tutor… Where are you looking at? I made this myself so they aren't THAT restricting." Mrs. Hiromi invites. She quickly gives him a cheerful smile when he hesitantly turns her way. "Actually, I made these things to show-off to May why they're so ridiculous looking. She shares your weird tastes though…"
"…That doesn't really-"
"Wha! Did you really make that all by yourself?" Sally intercepts.
"Mm. It took a long time for me to make with the limited amount of supplies I had on me. I think May took my disappearance to make them and some snacks the wrong way though…" Mrs. Hiromi responds before brightening at the realization that her daughter's worrying points are also her cute points.
"Brendan--" Suzie begins before gathering the courage to gesture at her dress. "Brendan likes to make to clothes too! He made me this."
"H-hey Suzie that's too much!" Brendan snaps.
Sally nods. "Yup, It took him a really long time, but Brendan made me this shirt before making Suzie's dress. And you see that thing on his head and those silly pants? He made those too."
"Y-you too?! Si-Silly!?"
"When we rip our clothes or dollies we like to ask him more than Mommy!" Suzie giggles.
"Sh-she's joking, seriously!"
"Yeah, she makes it worse." Sally chuckles. "But it takes him forever to make his stuff. So he has ways to go until he's at your level, right?"
"Now that's just baseless! You both know getting strong silk takes a Wurmples touch and Laurel's can only make those so fast… Half-decent sewing materials aren't easy to come by around these parts either…" Brendan argues before realizing what he says.
As Brendan places his hands over his mouth Suzie and Sally share a fit of giggles. Can today get any better, he wonders before Mrs. Hiromi softly grasps his hands and pulls them away from their current location.
Brendan watches the woman silently as she curiously inspects his hands. She has a very delicate feel, he notes. In fact being so close to woman is…
"You're quite a delicate person, aren't you?" Mrs. Hiromi comments warmly. "Perhaps too much for this kind of world. See, you're soft hands don't like it when you tense yourself up like that."
"I-I don't know about that b-but…"
"Brendan's blushing!" Suzie giggles. "He's turning as red as a tomato!" Sally laughs.
Brendan watches the twins in exasperation but snaps back to attention when Mrs. Hiromi addresses him.
"If materials are all you need to make these lovely items then I have more than enough to share." Mrs. Hiromi smiles, pulling the boy's hands closer to her. "But is it possible for you to make something for my May as well? You know, something durable but streamline and frames her countless appeal points enough to make her want to wear it like it was her own skin? I know it's hard, but I'm sure you can capture a few points and be able to frame it from there!"
"…We-well…If I get her measurements and opinions I guess I could-"
"Not guess, MUST! This will be a project to revolutionize the world!" Mrs. Hiromi proclaims with a fire in her eyes.
'Eh… Revolutionize whose world…?' Brendan, Suzie and Sally all wonder at the same time.
"Besides," Mrs. Hiromi continues with a new found vigor. "I'm still interested in negotiating a two-for-one deal with these sweeties you have here."
Though totally from left field, Brendan readies a reply only to stop before even beginning when the strong, yet slender arm of Mrs. Birch wraps around his neck.
"Sorry to disappoint you, but this one along with those two belong to me." Mrs. Birch replies.
"Eh? You guys are Gillian's kids? No wonder why you're all so interesting. Now I feel even more embarrassed." Mrs. Hiromi smiles with a light blush.
"Hey, what's with you? This is the part where the rival is supposed to be on edge as tensions boil." Mrs. Birch sighs. The woman slaps her forehead with her free hand when Mrs. Hiromi chooses to maintain her sunny disposition. "God, you really are something else… Everything has just been turned upside down since you came here; even those bothersome little creatures started moving their territory closer and closer to town. How do I know you aren't some occult chick who's placed everyone under spell, huh?"
Hearing that, Mrs. Hiromi's expression weakens.
"Occult chick, eh? Well that beats the heck out of enchantress… still it's been quite some time since I heard that…It feels cold…" Mrs. Hiromi briefly flashes a cold glance, not caring who catches it before closing her eyes and wriggles about. "That's so mean of you to say Gil! How cruel, that was really uncalled for!"
"QUIT PLAYING AROUND YOU!!" Mrs. Birch shouts before startling her children by coughing violently. She ignores their concern and continues with Mrs. Hiromi. "Instead of trying to looking worried for me why not throw your weight around instead? I didn't walk all this way to be chummy with you."
Mrs. Hiromi blinks blankly at the comment until paling at the memory of what really has to be done today… Something that only furthers Mrs. Birch's frustration.
"Ii-it's not that I forgot about today Gil, I've…just got a lot on my mind…I never had any intention on backing out." Mrs. Hiromi reasons sheepishly. "I'm pretty sure you must want me to change out of this ridiculous looking outfit first so please--"
"Yes, I will enter, thank you." Mrs. Birch replies when walking past Mrs. Hiromi and into the Hiromi household. "Hn? The outfit? I didn't notice it. I think it suits you though. Very weird." She adds for reasons of her own.
"That's so cruel Gil! It's not like I dress like this on purpose, geez!" Mrs. Hiromi whines. Though initially going to follow and complain more to the older woman, she turns to the trio. "Well, if you like, you're all more than welcome to come in. Just no more comments about this restricting thing. And no stares okay?"
Suzie and Sally happily accept the woman's offer while Brendan declines. Feeling it be best to make sure that he and Mudkip stay as far away from that house as possible (and because he wants to listen to Lien's CD immediately), going home is the best option.
Normally, Mrs. Hiromi would try to convince the leaving party to stay for while but this time she understands where the boy is coming from. This why the woman asks for his patience as she hurries inside to retrieve Torchic who routinely remains upstairs, leaving her Zigzagoon playmate with the amusing (but not to the Zigzagoon) Sabbie the Sableye.
Only Mudkip, who successfully escapes his spherical prison, shows elation at Torchic's appearance.
"My, my so you're the reason what this little guy practically ravaged my living room. How cute!" Mrs. Hiromi teases Torchic before handing her to the hesitant Brendan. "I want you to have her…But just for this afternoon! Go to that planetarium and have fun. It'll be good for all of you."
Brendan is taken aback by the request, but nevertheless the woman's brazen actions help him over come hesitation and give a sad smile.
"…That sounds nice but…It can't be helped, Torchic is…"
"Sick of being cooped up in the house all day! She should stretch her legs; she's a child after all. A Pokemon! I love my daughter but that doesn't mean I'll agree with all her methods to life."
"W-well, that must be hard but," Brendan uneasily shifts his eyes away from the woman. "This is something between you and you're daughter. I'd rather not get caught in the middle, sorry."
Unable to take anymore of this kid's…bull, Mudkip races past Mrs. Hiromi only to gain the momentum it needs to race back and surprise her, Torchic and the Birch females by successfully colliding into Brendan's stomach at such a force it's enough to knock the wind out of him and send him sliding back.
Mudkip feels a twinge of guilt at just how far back the boy tumbles but enough! That's why the mud fish marches over and chews his partner out the only way he can.
"Ngh! Wh-what the hell is your problem…?" is all the mud fish gets when the boy eventually sits up to hold his stomach and cringe more. Mudkip actually wants to hit him again, harder this time too, but instead continues to scold.
It isn't until Torchic, guilty for the situation, wriggles free from Mrs. Hiromi's grip to playfully tug Mudkip's fin-like tail is when the bold mud fish cools down. With that done, the chick Pokemon of peace quickly races behind Brendan and gives him a friendly nudge.
His stomach still hurts but it really does feel nice to have Torchic lighten the mood like old times…
"No, this isn't your fault, Mudkip and I just have a lot of partnership issues we need to work out." Brendan replies calmly when Mrs. Hiromi checks if he's alright. "I'm okay, these sort of things are common experiences for trainers. I'm not that weak, so don't worry Suzie, Sally, Mom…" he assures his family.
While the twins show their respective concern, Mrs. Birch mutters something bitterly about being last.
"Well, I guess I can understand your feelings but… I really don't want any kind of confrontation with your daughter over it. I'm not really good that kind of stuff." Brendan admits. "More like, I'm pretty useless in stuff like that…"
"Hmm… May is pretty territorial when it comes to things she's fond of…" Mrs. Hiromi agrees before throwing all concern to wind with a smile. "But if that's the case, then she'll just have to join you when she gets back. The real question is: Are you going to keep hesitating or will you finalize that shaky link you created on your own."
When Brendan tries to contemplate those words he winces from more stomach pains. Mrs. Hiromi offers him a hand at this point. "Look, all I'm saying is that you kids put way too much on your shoulders these days. I mean, it's not like your decision will affect millions." She sighs. "Just live your life and enjoy your youth. Make as many friends as you can and live everyday riding the storm that links all. I want this for May as much as I want it for anyone she considers a close friend." Mrs. Hiromi gives Brendan a sincere smile. "So, can we share the same cause, just this once?"
Walking directly into danger, rushing in head on… That's the kind of life I wanted to avoid the most. Even if I'm a trainer, someone like me won't benefit from that kind of action. I've plotted out my movements pretty carefully and even if I get a few problems the results are still pretty good.
But, it really does feel unsatisfying. Is this really okay? At some points, I thought she hated me but…She doesn't even know me like Laurel and the others that pretty presumptuous-- Grr… I know this but…!
Still hesitant, still second-guessing, yet in the end, Brendan rejects the hand reaching out to him replying: "It's okay…I can…stand on my own…" while struggling to pick himself up. Earning him the grin and smiles of his mother and sisters.
It takes him some time, but eventually the white-haired boy stands and, after some more cringing, eventually turns to the direction of the main gate asking Torchic and Mudkip to accompany him to the planetarium. Torchic hesitates and turns to Mrs. Hiromi who playfully gives her a shooing gesture.
May is going to join them later anyway so this will be okay right? Torchic figures as she hurries after Brendan. Whereas Mudkip hesitates briefly before remembering his partner is the type to never let things get to him even when he should and tags along with a bit of relief.
Mrs. Hiromi watches the trio walk off until no longer in sight and gives a content sigh. She turns to Mrs. Birch quizzically when the woman claps mockingly.
"Bravo, good show, but you laid it on a bit too thick. You all but seduced him and that idiot son of mine still put on the act for a nice set curves. He's at that age after all…" Mrs. Birch scoffs, ignoring Sally's questions about what seduce means.
"Ah? But I only kept going because I thought Gil was okay with this too." Mrs. Hiromi pouts.
"I wanted to see what kind of decision he makes as man. I'm not interested in all the sub-drama that followed."
"You make me sound as if I'm some kind temptress."
"I won't give you that kind of credit. You're just an oddly dressed brat that has ways to go as a semi-decent parent."
Mrs. Hiromi considers this before giving a dot-eyed expression. "Does that make you my big sis?"
"ABSOLUTELY NO--" Mrs. Birch coughs blood before she could finish.
As Suzie and Sally are too small to catch their mother the moment she falls into a daze, they count their luck that Mrs. Hiromi covers that. And at lightening speed, one might add.
"There, there it's going to be alright. Your ultra sexy little sister will relive your soul's woes and lift it anew." Mrs. Hiromi chuckles.
"…Bullshit! I grew up a spoiled only child; don't distort my view of the world."
"Oh, in that case," Mrs. Hiromi grins. "Consider me an autumn loving enchantress who wishes to atone for her sins through her lovely child of wind." The woman closes her eyes for a more genuine smile. "But I'll do my part as well!"
As much as Mrs. Birch wants a say, she finds herself silent instead. Hah… she must really be out of it, she figures.
--
(A bit later: Petalburg Planetarium)
The powerful cry of a mighty Pokemon echoes within stars and space-themed setting of Petalburg Planetarium's newest exhibit making the crowd outside the viewing glass go wild with anticipation.
Brendan has no interest in any of that. Atop the peak of the planetarium, Stargazers Corner, Brendan watches Petalburg City in deep thought. He can't stop thinking about Mrs. Hiromi's outfit, it really suits her! And something like that is restricting? A strong blush overtakes Brendan when envisioning Mrs. Hiromi wearing the outfit while standing within an elegant breeze. His face reddens when imagining how Lien would appear with it, getting redder as the young woman adjusts it to her settings.
But snaps back to reality falling backwards when thinking of May.
Wincing a bit from his earlier punishment, Brendan hastily sits up when Torchic and Mudkip stand over him quizzically.
I-I'm too tense! I need to calm down! It's not like my chances of getting through this alive is that low! I was the one avoiding her after all! That's right; I can't really keep up with this even if I wanted to… Especially when she…
Brendan sits quietly until rubbing his chin in deep thought.
…Something streamline, huh? Lien can look good in anything but I can't say the same about that girl. I…never really bothered looking at her like that so her standout points are…It feels a bit tricky when it comes to her.
Though initially aiming for a pad and pen, Brendan pulls out the CD Lien loans him from his top right pocket instead and heaves a heavy sigh.
"What I really wanted to do was listen to Lien's CD and try to think things through a bit…" sighing once more, Brendan turns to the chick and mud fish Pokemon with a small smile. "Well, at least you guys are happy, right? I'll work things out so you two can play together everyday."
Torchic chirps gratefully, Mudkip looks away.
"Well, it can't be helped… that guy was a lost cause from the get go…" Brendan sighs.
The sudden roar of a thunderous alarm slashes through the current atmosphere.
"Attention people of Petalburg City: We will now be holding our Trainers Aptitude Event." A generic female voice announces on a loud speaker. "We will be releasing plenty of nocturne dance exhibit Zubats for trainers unable to attend today's event within our facilities to get a chance in the fun by catching these illustrious Pokemon and learning a bit about our universe as they do-"
"Wh-what?! C-can they even do something like that?" Brendan questions. "Petalburg is full of civilians and most of the trainers around here are just starting out! Tch! Wh-what the hell they are they thinking?"
"We would like to thank the cooperation from the Petalburg Gym and our local law enforcement for this miraculous event." The voice on the intercom continues. "To all civilians: Please find shelter immediately and have faith in our cities talented trainers. I repeat: All citizens do not engage any wild planetarium Pokemon. They are untrained and considered dangerous in hands of the unskilled. Please leave them to local trainers." The voice warns. "All those currently involved in our Duel with the Pokemon from Space event or are visiting our other exhibits please disregard this message, thank you."
"…Even if the Petalburg Gym Leader okayed this, this is just so… completely irresponsible! Did they even try thinking about the cons of all this? And they're so quick to disregard all businesses but their own, how typical…" Brendan growls.
With the sounds of another alarm, the Zubats are out and run amok through town. This annoys Brendan but he turns to the chick and mud fish Pokemon with a sigh.
"We'll just wait up here until everything blows over." He says. When Torchic chirps uneasily Brendan pats her head. "That girl has Pokemon envy but I doubt she'll do anything with Zubats running around." He assures. "Besides, Mudkip's gotten pretty strong compared to when Treeko was with us so don't worry about a thing."
Torchic still has doubts but chirps happily all the same.
About to take Brendan's advice and play a bit more, the chick Pokemon along with Brendan and Mudkip are taken aback by the sudden tremor and the loud sirens that follow.
"A-Attention people of Petalburg City: An error has occurred within our release process that encourages novice trainers to take shelter immediately." The generic female voice broadcasts with a tone discomfort. "I repeat: All novice trainers are to stand down and join civilians for cover. DO NOT engage the wild Pokemon! Will all staffed and volunteer tamers please assemble in the conference room immediately! Thank you."
"Something went wrong? Came sooner than I thought." Brendan shrugs. "In any case…Hmm… Looks like we're really stuck up here…" he sighs.
Brendan attempts to pet a shuddering Torchic only to bite back a curse when heavier rumbling overtakes the area followed by more sirens.
"Attention! This is not a drill: Will all those in mesosphere, thermosphere and exosphere pavilion levels please exit calmly and seek safer ground. I repeat: All those within the mesosphere, thermosphere and exosphere pavilions please descend in an orderly fashion, do not, I repeat, DO NOT engage any Pokemon encountered under any circumstance!" The voice warns. Brendan pales at this. "All those in the lower levels please remain calm, our staff are trained individuals, please take their advice and calmly follow emergency procedures. We are now taking emergency lockdown methods. W-we apologize for any and all inconveniences caused."
"…Th-They're kidding! They screw up and we have to compensate for it? D-damn it, now what…?" Brendan growls. "Exiting sounds pretty messy at this point and I might not be able to watch Torchic amongst all the craziness. The situation sounds pretty bad but my chances might be better here…" Struggling to find the answer, Brendan bites back a curse. "Wh-what should I do… Argh! Need to think fast…!"
Brendan stops mentally pummeling himself when hearing Torchic's shaky chirps. When facing the chick Pokemon he notices her shudders intensify. Even Mudkip acts strangely when giving an intense face. Not at him but…
Mudkip can easily understand if Torchic is feeling this too… His skin is crawling. Something down there… it's not normal…but its scary strong…
As much as Brendan wants to question the two, he instead struggles to keep his balance after a very powerful tremor that leads to the ground having a hole blown through it by an explosion of sparkling light.
With that dying down, many Zubat fly out frantically from their planetarium prison and scatter about. Brendan is quick to grab and shield Torchic from the tiny bat Pokemon while Mudkip growls and threatens the intruders.
Save for the occasional, if not, unintentional wing slap, Brendan's party is unhurt. That is, until one last Zubat frantically races out of the hole only to be swallowed whole by a vicious looking black snake Pokemon with sharp red fangs that jumps out after it.
A sudden danger appears! Indecisiveness got him this far, what will Brendan do now?!
End Chapter 7
--
(Notes)
1. This goes without saying but the flashback scene starts in Max's POV but continues just to show you guys the rest of the situation. I later added Sally's take on the situation for a feeling of balance for the next scene.
2. I've always been fond of the Pokemon Pikachu series manga when it came to the depictions of the Pokemon world. Especially it's implementing of TMs and the Pokemon Center. As much as like Nurse Joy, I liked the Pikachu manga showing a large staff of drool worthy nurses tending to the many number of trainers who visit them. I prefer to set the Hurricane universe similar to that. The Nurse Joys do exist but they're sorta like head nurses: far too busy running the more serious recoveries/managing staff (depends on the location of the center) and the like to be waiting for a trainer's approach like they do in the games and anime. (Assuming those pink-haired nurse sprites ARE Joys)
I do remember Nurse Joy appearing in one chapter of that same manga but I never picked that issue up. Heard her role was no different from her anime counterparts I hear. Something of a cameo.
And because I feel there should be some fun, here's a preview to the next chapter: She disregards her existence yet desperately races to her rescue. What is the story between the feral child of wind and the Pokemon with the human heart? Within a crisis strong resolves are made on both ends while the reluctant boy moving by the motions of life courageously spreads his wings. Next time in Distanced Hurricane Chapter 8a: Lost Wings III -Ruby and Sapphire-.
We haven't lived until we chase a dream.
04/15/08 Update: Well, like I assumed not much work was really needed for Chapter 5-Present. Good thing too, I don't think I would've been pleased if Chapter 6 required structural changes…
With Hurricane V2 update now complete. All that needs to be done is to wrap up the first arc. Chapter 8a and b will do that.