Becoming a Master

by Little Miss Firebright

Three hundred years ago, Indigo's world burned to ashes. In his last battle he fought the evil trying to destroy everything he loved, and lost. All Indigo wanted was to die. As if it were that easy. Cursed and exiled to the future, the only way to return to his time was to learn the meaning of strength. As if that wasn't cryptic enough, he had to do so as a Lucario. Stupid destiny.

38. The Star of Celadon

Chapter 38: A Star of Celadon

~o~

Author's Note:

A new arc! As you know, this is a rewrite of my first (sucky) attempts at fanfiction. There are a few short arcs before the rewrite gets caught up with the original, with one additional story arc before the end. The rewrite is longer than the original, since I know what I'm doing now, but I've stayed true to my own original plotlines.

And this arc. This obnoxious arc, was so hard for me to fix, because the original was trash. I'm talking physically painful for me to read, much less rewrite, and I can only plead my very young age at the time of writing and my lack of experience as a defense. It took me longer than I originally planned to work out a usable storyboard for this section.

But I got it done, kept the original plotlines, and fought with it until it ended up one of the most entertaining sections of the story. It's good! Took ages, but I really had fun! Don't ask about the first draft, but this is actually worth reading.

The Celadon Arc starts now! Nowhere near as dark and bloody as some previous sections, but it's a lot of fun! I really like this one, and at three chapters, it's an easy read.

Author's rant over. With no further ado, enjoy the story! :D

~o~

Disclaimer: Writing music may seem like a good idea, but trying to piece together a paragraph while belting Fall Out Boy is tricky at best, because WE COULD BE IMMORTALS ~ IMMORTALS~

~o~

The Pokémon Center was quiet in the early morning light. The usually busy lobby was empty, save for a pretty rookie trainer and her Lucario. The girl laughed, talking over the phone with a good friend, while her partner languished in a corner, content with the world.

It had been a good two months. The babies, the hard headed Jasper and the mischievous Avery, had grown well, making excellent progress in their respective training regimes. Mr. Fin, the aptly named massive killer Gyarados, was much less murderous than usual, as a result of Violet's pun-therapy. Indigo himself had grown considerably more skilled, pushing his Aura abilities to staggering new heights under Violet's tutelage. His new abilities were more potent than they had ever been before, granting him power he'd never imagined. Only now did he realize what heights a Lucario could reach, with the proper teacher.

Things were going so well, in fact, that he was starting to lose focus on his main quest. He rarely had nightmares, and some days he didn't think of his past life at all. It simply wasn't relevant. Indigo was content with the world, and so happy with his new life he barely thought of his dark past at all. He might have turned his back on his quest entirely, if it weren't for the twin ties which bound him to his path. No amount of happiness could make him forget Riza, or the dark smile of-

But it was best not to think of him.

Still, his happiness could not be denied. Indigo leaned back in his comfortable chair, while Violet spoke with Kylie Knight across the lobby, just far enough away that her conversation was white noise. He was making excellent progress towards 'Strength', and surely 'Kindness' would follow quickly with Violet's influence.

The Lucario was so lost in his own thoughts, he didn't notice the man with orange eyes calmly sit across from him. "Hello, Indigo," Karo Asuna greeted smoothly, crossing his long legs.

Saying Indigo was so shocked he nearly had a heart attack would be an understatement. The evil man had barely finished speaking before Indigo sprang forward, a shining corona of Aura flames burning around his spiked paws. He slammed Karo against the wall, even as his brain began to process that something was wrong, his aura was different…

The blond man giggled uncontrollably, his face sagging like hot wax, until a Ditto was in his place, utterly helpless with high pitched laughter. Indigo's rage did not decrease as his enemy changed, his scarlet eyes narrowing into slits.

Because it was the Ditto, the worst Pokémon Indigo had ever met. The Ditto, who had almost killed him roughly five times, and nearly gotten Violet killed in Cerulean Cave as well, albeit accidently. The childish, immature, brain dead creature who had nearly ruined the career of a Gym Leader with a prank.

"You," he ground out furiously, his voice low. Violet hadn't heard, her conversation continuing unabated, and he intended to keep it that way. Ditto giggled, unable to answer and barely able to breathe, due to its hilarious prank of making Indigo think his serial killer nightmare had returned for revenge. Apparently, Ditto had been watching TV again, and learned new faces.

Violet turned, still talking on the phone across the large lobby, and Indigo disappeared into the shadows, carrying the Ditto along with him. He brought the helplessly giggling creature into a darkened room, after verifying it was the one he wanted with Aura vision. He dropped the laughing goo onto a metal table unceremoniously, furious anger making sparks of pure aura crackle across his fur.

"Give me a reason to let you live," Indigo deadpanned, crossing his arms under the spike in his chest. Ditto continued laughing, barely able to keep itself solid with its mirth. "No, I am going to kill you," Indigo snarled, his heart still pounding with adrenaline from the shock of seeing Karo's face. "What are you doing here?"

Ditto's giggles tapered off and it transformed into a young boy Indigo had never seen. "You should have seen Stupid Warrior's face," the boy snickered, barely avoiding descending into full on laughter again. "Isn't it obvious? Ditto is here to be friends! Ditto is terribly sorry for all Ditto did last time we met, and promises to behave! Ditto wishes to join the Great One, and is willing to make the horrible sacrifice of tolerating you!"

"Never," Indigo replied instantly, narrowing his eyes further. Such a thought was unacceptable.

"Think about it!" Ditto insisted, pouting mulishly. "Ditto is strong! The Great One needs Ditto! We can do so much as friends instead of mortal enemies and eternal rivals!"

Indigo's first instinct was always to disagree with anything and everything Ditto said. He forced himself to fight back his first reaction of disputing every word of that sentence, and truly considered the matter.

And he knew the Ditto was right.

Violet needed strong Pokémon. The Ditto had pranked some of the most powerful Pokémon in Cerulean Cave, and survived time and time again. It was clever, and creative, and most unfortunately, strong. Strong enough to take on Indigo, and absolutely strong enough to be a valuable asset, and maybe…just maybe…a trusted ally in the future, if they could set aside their differences and fight as friends.

Indigo's response was completely sincere. "I would rather die," he said frankly, and shot a Dark Pulse from his paws point blank, shooting the Ditto into the large metal box on the far wall. He shut the door calmly, twisting the lock mechanism until it snapped into place, and walked away.

All Pokémon Centers had a containment unit for out of control Pokémon, designed to be able to imprison virtually anything safely. He had chosen that room for that exact reason. He was sure the Ditto would escape, one way or another, but it would take a considerable amount of time.

Indigo heard banging from the safe, and a muted explosion. He paced back to the lobby serenely.

"Indigo!" Violet called out as he entered, smiling crookedly. Her phone call was apparently finished. "Where did you run off to?"

"Just a stroll," Indigo said blandly as he padded to her side. He changed the subject. "What did Kylie ask for?"

Violet's forehead creased, and she bit her lip. "Well, there's this boy having trouble training. He's the youngest brother of one of Kylie's best friends, and she was wondering if I could coach him a little. Apparently he's…really, really bad, and he happens to be in Celadon for the next week or so. Should we go meet him now, or wait until this afternoon? We can make it to the city in a few more hours."

"No time like the present," Indigo said seriously, hoping she couldn't hear the muted clanging coming determinedly from the hallway. "After all, there's nothing interesting in the Pokémon Center. Let's go right away."

~o~

"I-I quit!" a sandy haired boy wailed, covering his head with his arms. His Pichu mirrored the pose, pulling his long ears over his eyes.

Violet's glare was as dry as sand. "Piper, you can't quit every time you don't know what move to use," she sighed, kneading the bridge of her nose wearily. This was getting old. "If you don't at least try, your Pichu will never have any confidence!"

"The moves are too scary!" Piper whined, looking at her with pleading eyes the same shade as his tan hair. He was unremarkable in every way, from his bland appearance to his personality. He had the kind of voice no one really listened to, and a too thin figure no one would look twice at. And he barely spoke at all, unless he was afraid for his life. Which was usually. "That Magical Leaf could've killed me and Ramen!"

Ramen the Pichu nodded furiously in agreement, his eyes equally huge. Avery folded her arms disdainfully, the shining rainbow leaves falling harmlessly to the ground as the match was stopped again. She let out another deep sigh, as if annoyed she was being asked to fight this weakling. She had gotten much stronger in the past months, and had developed some justified arrogance to go along with it.

Violet was going to regret asking this. "How?"

Piper looked up at her earnestly, as if describing a life changing trauma. "My big brother used to prank me with his Pokémon all the time! Magical Leaf could've given me a terrible papercut! And worse of all, he'd hide all the normal band aids so I'd have to use the pink Skitty ones!"

His brother again. Violet sighed. "Look, I know you come from a family of…well, overachievers." A famous fashion designer mother, a movie star oldest sister, and a prodigy older brother, for starters. "But that's no reason to hold yourself back! I'm sure you can be just as popular or as talented as…"

"Roy," Piper reminded her helpfully.

"Roy," Violet finished. "But to be as great as him, you've gotta try."

"Oh, I don't want to be as great as him," Piper insisted earnestly. "I never want to be popular! I hate the spotlight! I just want to live my life eating delicious foods with Ramen!" His Pichu nodded furiously at his side. "My sister worries too much. I'm sure I'll never have to defend myself as long as I live as boring a life as possible!"

Indigo fought back laughter with a cough, his shoulders shaking. He found the entire situation hilarious, and had yet to be helpful. Violet tried again. "Wouldn't you like it if Ramen evolved? He wouldn't shock you by accident so much as a Pikachu."

Piper gasped with indignation. "Ramen is fine the way he is! Isn't that right, Ramen?" His Pichu hopped in his arms in agreement, rubbing his cheeks against his beige sweater. Sparks flew. "Ow!" Piper complained, holding the sparking Pichu away from him with both hands. "Ramen, that hurt!" Tears filled the Pichu's eyes, and lightning surged from his pink cheek pouches. "Owwww, Ramen, that really hurt!" Piper cried out, his tepid voice making the sentiment more wimpy than a believable cry of pain. "Bad Ramen!"

Violet returned Avery. Battle technique would have to come later. "Let's start with a reasonable goal," she suggested, pulling out her Pokétch. "Evolving Ramen. Then we can work on some battle skills. This should be easy, since Pichu evolve when they feel a strong friendship with their trainer. I have an app for that, so let's just scan Ramen, and…" she broke off mid-sentence, her forehead creasing as she read the Pokétch's screen. "Oh. Piper, your Ramen already has a perfect friendship bond."

"We spend every day together after all! We've had a perfect bond for years now!" Piper said proudly. "But for some reason Ramen has never even started evolving!"

Her lilac eyes were suspicious when she looked at him. "There is one more requirement," Violet said slowly. But if they'd already had a perfect bond for years, surely it couldn't be… "Piper, has Ramen gained a level since you got him?"

"Nope!" Piper said, beaming proudly as if this were a great achievement. "We've never accomplished anything of significant value!" Again with the pride. Indigo's smothered laughter was only growing stronger.

Of course, 'levels' were only a gauge of a Pokémon's strength based off a percentage of their total potential, usually measured with machinery like Pokétchs or at any Pokémon Center, so the physical experience required could vary…but that was just sad.

"Oh, I can't stay for much longer," Piper realized, looking crestfallen. "My brother is meeting me in Emerald View Park in an hour. I'm supposed to deliver some evolutionary stones to him."

Violet sighed. "How about this. I'll deliver the stones, if you stay here and battle wild Pokémon until Ramen gains one level. There shouldn't be anything strong or 'scary' in this area, I promise."

She thought he would argue, but Piper's sandy eyes lit up like the sun. "You'd really do that? My brother is terrible!" Violet nodded in affirmation, and Piper beamed from ear to ear. "We'll work hard, I promise!" he swore, looking as though he might actually have enough determination to manage. "C'mon Ramen, let's go fight that Pidgey! Oh no, maybe the next Pidgey, that one looks angry…"

Indigo finally joined her. His laughter had stopped, but mirth still shone in his scarlet vulpine eyes. "Shall we go? A break could be helpful." Violet sighed. She wondered how the youngest brother of the famous movie star, Ruby Stryker, could resemble a human potato so strongly.

"Sure. At least Piper seems motivated now. I have to wonder, how bad can this Roy really be?" Violet thought out loud, as she slung her bag over her shoulder and prepared to head out.

~o~

Emerald View Park was a quiet little slice of flower heaven, tucked away between the many boardwalks and babbling rivers which flowed through the City of Nature. Bellossom dozed in the deep green grass, Roselia tended to gorgeous flower gardens, and a few pink Deerling wandered the park. As Violet watched, a Meganium breathed on a yellowing bush, and it blossomed with auburn flowers, revitalizing the leaves to a rich green in seconds.

Best of all were the towering wisteria trees lining the winding pathway, grown over decades until they were cascading willows of purple blossoms. Perfumed tendrils swayed in the breeze, and a light rain of pale petals carpeted the grass in soft color. Violet stood beneath one of the serene wisteria, holding Roy's package carefully. Indigo appeared to be napping in the grass, though his ears twitched at every sound.

Violet breathed in deep, enjoying the heady aroma of the park. It was no wonder Celadon City was the most populated city in Kanto – she felt more alive just by walking down the streets. Despite the population, the huge number of Grass type Pokémon made pollution virtually nonexistent. Meganium especially released a scent which could calm even the most powerful aggression, and relieved tension. The pale green Pokémon arched her long neck to take a berry from her trainer, releasing another wave of perfume from the elegant flower adorning her collar.

But despite the rich perfume of the Meganium, one person in the park was clearly upset. The pretty girl had hair like corn silk, falling in a sheet to her elbows. Her deep blue dress was tied at the waist with a looped white belt, and grey leggings hugged her calves. Her brown eyes looked torn. As Violet watched, she let out a deep sigh.

Resisting the calming effects of a Meganium wasn't easy. Violet wondered what on earth could be bothering her. Somehow, she looked familiar, though she couldn't place it…a movie perhaps? Or a commercial?

She was on the edge of going to ask what was wrong when a Staraptor swooped from the sky, blowing the grass flat with his powerful wings. She shielded her eyes as a rain of wisteria petals soared around her, catching in her long black hair. That was when she saw him.

Roy Stryker leapt down from Staraptor's back in a flurry of petals and sunshine, sweeping back his flawless hair with a self-assured smile, as though he knew people were watching. His trainer's clothes were obviously designer, with a unique scarlet jacket in leather sporting perfect black accents. He straightened with an easy arrogance, scanning the park with a look which quickly changed to confusion.

He spotted the package in Violet's arms, and his eyes flared with understanding. Maybe this wasn't the first time Piper had wimped out on his chores…

Roy had taken only a few steps towards her when the blonde girl rose to her feet. "Roy!" she exclaimed, intercepting his path. Her brown eyes were utterly crestfallen. She was an actress; Violet recognized her voice. Amber Blakely. "Why didn't you call me? I thought we had a special connection after our dinner under the stars…"

Roy blinked, stepping back slightly at her fervor. He opened his mouth to speak, but another woman beat him to the punch, her voice rising in a veritable shriek. "You lying, two rate hack! Roy loves me!"

The newcomer slid off her Skarmory's back, apparently after following Roy's Staraptor. Her black hair was tied in cute spiked pigtails, and her gothic dress was rumpled. Violet's eyes widened, thrown for a loop by the dramatic situation. She stared.

"Oh!" Amber said, inhaling sharply. Her nostrils flared. "He loves you? A semiprofessional chef with a passable online presence? There are Magikarp more famous than you – prettier too! Tell me - has Kylie Knight ever showcased you?"

"Ex-cuse me," the quiet trainer of the Meganium cut in, giving both women a derisive once over. "I couldn't help but overhear, and I'm afraid you're being terribly rude. Roy Stryker is far out of either of your leagues. You're clearly making him uncomfortable." Her auburn hair was gorgeous, and she wore a traditional kimono.

Roy opened his mouth to speak again, but was broken off again, by the gothic idol.

"Nobody asked you," she sneered, looking down her nose at the bystander. "You're probably one of his obsessed fangirls. Pathetic. Did you come here today hoping to see him? Maybe steal a strand of his hair?"

"I just happened to be in the area," the elegant trainer sniffed. "I wouldn't resort to such desperate measures as stalking. Please, take your accusations elsewhere."

Violet had no words. Indigo had given up on pretending to nap, staring between the warring girls with interest. She stared, wondering if she ought to simply give Roy the package and escape, before the situation escalated further.

Before she had a chance, the situation escalated.

"We're live on location, with Roy Stryker, Kimi Carly and Amber Blakely! We received an anonymous tip that an interesting situation was bound to happen today, and folks, it looks like they were right! Roy, is it true that you've been secretly dating both these women?" The journalist, a middle aged reporter from a second rate tabloid, thrust a microphone into Roy's face expectantly.

Roy finally spoke, looking bewildered at the onslaught. "Now girls, you know I never made either of you any promises…"

"Oh, I can't take this!" Amber wailed. "Roy, you must choose, or tell me why you won't!" The gothic girl nodded at her side, for once in agreement.

"Excuse me!" Violet cut in, temporarily silencing the drama. Her cheeks were burning with second hand embarrassment. She walked firmly up to Roy Stryker, and handed him the package without ceremony. "From your brother," she said, determined to escape the situation.

She turned away. "Wait," Roy said anxiously, catching her arm.

He spun her around and kissed her.

Violet froze, her amethyst eyes wide with shock. His mouth moved against hers in unfamiliar ways, his hands were in her hair, and her brain turned off.

When he pulled away, she was left staring in stunned horror, completely unable to speak. The camera never stopped rolling.

Roy slung his arm around her shoulder with familiarity, looking directly into the lens. "I'm sorry, but as you can see, my heart belongs to another! My darling girlfriend and I have been keeping it quiet, but I just can't keep it from the world any longer! I regret to inform all of you that I am taken…and therefore cannot be serious with any of you."

He blew a kiss into the camera, and swung himself back over his Staraptor's neck. "Au revoir, ladies! And Vivi, my love, don't forget about our steamy date later tonight!" Roy winked meaningfully at her, and was gone as Staraptor soared into the sky.

Violet stared ahead with a blank look in her eyes, as if carved from glass. Indigo stared with wide eyes behind her, shocked beyond words, though with a touch of growing anger…

Kimi Carly turned to Violet, her mauve eyes strangely flat. She broke the stunned silence. "She can't go on a date if her legs are broken."

"Oh, how could you?" Amber said, stricken tears filling her eyes. "When? When did you steal away my dear Roy? How?" Her tears rolled down her cheeks in earnest, and an Ultra ball was in her hand in an instant. With a cry of rage, the spurned actress released a scaled Feraligatr, which snapped at the shell shocked Violet…

Indigo broke out of his shock, pulling Violet clear from the devastating blow. Feraligatr's jaws closed where her arm had been, and Kimi's Skarmory reared up in preparation of a fight…

"We might need to leave," Indigo said, but Violet didn't respond, her brain still turned off.

Her Lucario cursed as the Meganium's trainer rose as well, her lips pressed into a white line. "Wait!" the tabloid journalist called out, her eyes bright. "Say a few words for the camera! How long have you and Roy Stryker been seeing each other? Did you tell him to lead on other women on purpose? Has this situation satisfied your craving for drama?"

The Lucario picked up Violet wordlessly, and leapt with Aura enhanced strength, escaping before the pretty little park turned into a war zone.

~o~

Indigo leapt from building to building on the rooftops of Celadon City. The battle scarred Lucario kept his silence, incredulousness about the incident rising higher in his mind. Certainly, a kiss wasn't a huge deal. After the initial shock had worn off, he'd come to the conclusion that while this was potentially problematic, it was by no means the most serious threat they'd dealt with.

Roy Stryker certainly needed a good punch to the face. It simply wasn't life or death.

But Violet was another story. His trainer was young, and he was absolutely sure she was inexperienced with dating. She was a trainer first, devoted and strong. But she wasn't outgoing or frivolous. She was shy and uncertain with strangers, only relaxing in the presence of others after forging a friendship. Roy's actions had thrown a wrench into their normal dynamic, knocking his capable and quick thinking partner out for a loop. Indigo had no idea how Violet was going to react to such a threat.

For instance, her face had gone from shell shocked, to angry, to a crimson red he could see even with her hands covering her features. He hadn't tried speaking to her yet, letting her sort through her feelings, but if this kept up much longer, she might forget how to form words entirely!

Indigo landed heavily on the rooftop garden of an apartment complex. No one else was in sight, the nearest aura several floors down. He set Violet down on the ground carefully, with a brick wall behind her back.

She sat perfectly still, covering her scarlet face with her hands.

Indigo waited. "You're going to have to say something eventually," he pointed out in his rough voice, sitting patiently across from her. "Do we have a battle plan, fearless leader?"

Violet hunched over further, shaking her head from side to side. He couldn't see her eyes, but if she was crying, Roy Stryker was going to pay dearly. "Violet." Still, she would not look at him. Indigo sighed. "Violet, look at me."

Slowly she lowered her hands, looking up at him with an expression near panic. She was not crying, he was relieved to note, though her cheeks were aflame with mortification. "I-Indigo," she said, and broke off, seemingly lost for words. "I…he…"

Indigo patted her head consolingly. "I know," he said sympathetically. "The obnoxious prick needs a good face punching. I shall comfort you. There there."

It worked. Violet laughed, surprising herself. She seemed to regain some composure, taking a shuddering breath. "This is bad," she said, her smile fading. "Oh. This is very bad."

"You worry too much," Indigo said, frowning at her. "I'm sure you can clear things up. You aren't actually dating him after all. The story will fall apart in no time."

But Violet was shaking her head. "The truth isn't going to matter. He confirmed we were dating on camera, to the paparazzi! They barely care about facts on the best of days, and this story was caught on tape! Why, why would he do this? What can he possibly hope to gain?"

"Perhaps he just enjoys stirring up trouble," Indigo pointed out, though the boy's actions were a mystery to him as well. "No one is going to care, Violet."

She stared at him with a deep weariness, as if there were something about the world he wasn't understanding, and took out her Pokétch.

The news had already hit the internet, thanks to the popularity of the idols involved, and the live feed from the paparazzi. Headlines screamed titles like 'Secret Love?' and 'Dating Three Women', interspersed with photographs of Roy's surprise kiss. It had only been an hour, but the story was spreading like wildfire.

Shots of Amber Blakely fleeing the scene in tears were mixed with pictures of the devastation on Kimi Carly's normally dauntless features. Fans of the two famous girls were already out for blood, tearing 'Vivi' apart as if she weren't worthy of life.

Roy's fans were also upset. He apparently had a nearly cult following, due in no small part to his flirtations with his fan base. They had surmised that it was impossible for Roy Stryker to be at fault, since he had never seriously dated anyone, and belonged to everyone. She must have manipulated him somehow. And this 'Vivi' had convinced to hurt two other women, and encouraged him to cheat to hide their own relationship, despite the pain it would cause!

Stories mixed with speculations and outright lies, opinions raged and the few people who questioned the drama were drowned out in a sea of growing hatred.

Indigo read in silence, the tightness around his eyes the only indicator of his emotions, as strangers threw out the most vile of insults, hidden by their veil of anonymity. Comments had already appeared condemning her as the worst kind of person, thanks to the pain she had apparently caused. Some said she was unworthy, or ugly, or a gold digger. Many used words he refused to even say, and brought a helpless burn of anger to his chest.

Some said Violet should go kill herself. He nearly snarled aloud at that, and could read no more. Indigo stood abruptly, pacing back and forth with barely contained intensity. Aura crackled with agitation across his fur. Violet watched him numbly, until the worst of his anger had passed, and he could speak once more. "They don't know your name," he said, barely keeping his voice even. "The brat called you 'Vivi', not Violet. This won't affect you."

"Someone will recognize me before long," Violet said quietly. "I'm a little surprised they haven't already." Indigo gritted his teeth.

"You didn't do anything wrong. This is ridiculous. Surely others will recognize that?"

"Some will," Violet agreed, sighing deeply as she stood. "But just a minority. Right and wrong won't really matter until the initial drama has worn down a little, and more facts start to come through. That could take a few days, or a few weeks, depending on how Roy chooses to act, and if bigger news comes along in the meantime."

"There's only one thing to do," Indigo said grimly, his voice filled with dark purpose. "We need to destroy the internet."

Violet laughed quietly, though he'd only been half joking.

She stood, as the strength of her will returned in force. "Anything we say will add fuel to the fire. The best thing to do is to refuse to participate in Roy's game entirely. Let's get to the Pokémon Center and then leave town entirely."

~o~

They took side roads and alleyways to reach the back doors of the Pokémon Center unseen, but Indigo stopped her before she could go inside. He stood very still with his eyes closed, aura shimmering faintly in the air around his head, and swore.

Her Lucario opened his eyes. "We can't go in there," he reported, sounding tired. "There is…a threat. I can sense a hostile aura."

Violet blinked. "How do you know it's a threat to us?" she wondered, pursing her lips. "It could be a girl who's upset about something unrelated to Roy. Besides, how could someone have tracked us down so quickly?"

"I would very much like to know that myself," Indigo muttered darkly, with more hostility than Violet would have expected him to show towards a hurt fangirl. "Regardless, we should come back later."

He was being awfully vague. Violet narrowed her eyes, but he kept talking, his tone almost hurried. "Why don't we go to Celadon Gym? You need Erika's badge, and if we leave now we can obtain it before the scandal spreads too widely."

"We can always come back after things die down a little," she pointed out. She already felt tired, and didn't want to run into any more trouble today. She could handle talking to one upset girl, getting her things, and leaving, no matter how much of a 'threat' Indigo thought she was. "Let's go to Vermillion, and battle Lt. Surge. It will only take a few days."

Her Lucario looked sidelong, avoiding her eyes, a hurt expression creeping onto his face. "Yes, a few more days," he murmured reproachfully. "But this is a battle we could take on now. I haven't had a proper battle in far too long. I'm going to get rusty. How will I break my curse if I forget how to fight?"

"It will be fine!" Violet protested immediately, an edge of worried panic in her voice at his reaction. Indigo was not the type to sulk like this. It threw her off guard, and she found herself soothing him on reflex. "You'll still have a good battle against Lt. Surge when we get to Vermillion, and there will be lots of trainers to fight on the way!"

"Weak trainers," her Lucario sighed, unmotivated. "Average trainers. No match for you, and no challenge for me. I need to push myself to new heights, or my dream of returning home may never be realized. I would have thought you'd understand that. But no matter, we can leave now if that is what you wish."

"We'll go to Celadon Gym right now," Violet insisted. "You should have told me before if you felt like this. Let's go, alright?"

She grabbed his wrist, leading him firmly towards the street, away from the troublesome Ditto hiding in the Pokémon Center, and back into the city of bloodthirsty fangirl trainers.

~o~