Nero awoke slowly with an ever-increasing grogginess; his mind drew blanks as he attempted to recall last night's events. Whilst he stretched his mind drifted until it struck him; the job, he Eevee, the Gengar, and all his money gone! His mind began to panic, all my money, my savings, gone! Arceus Damnit! He was fully awake now as his mind spun about, leaping from one point to the next as to how he would rebuild the monetary stability that he had created for himself these pasts few years. He sighed as he realized what he must do—a long-ass sigh.
Nero's exhale of acceptance was answered by a lethargic grumble from beside him, despite being deepened by the sounds of sleep it was still a cute, high-pitched grumble that brought a smile to Nero's once panicked face. The Eevee, that was once still in her unconsciousness, was now squirming as she searched for the warmth that ran away from her grasp. She nuzzled into Nero's side and let out a little mumble of content as the embrace of another heeded her requests. Nero never wanted to leave this position, but he must in order to gain some form of footing upon this new day.
"Wake up," he stated.
"Hmmph, leave me alone dad," The answer was confusing, to say the least. He nudged the Eevee's side hoping to awake her and allow her to embrace the new day. "I get it. I get it. I'm getting up." With that she opened her eyes; a bright, brazen red that burned with ambition. "Wait? Who in Arceus are you?!"
"Oh no," Nero whispered under his breath, "I'm Nero and you?"
"Where's mom and dad? What'd you do? Where am I?!"
"I don't know, I didn't do nothing, and you're in Spearpoint."
Her eyes widened, "But, but… We were just playing hide-and-seek a few minutes ago, wha—what happened?" Her once strong-willed eyes threatened to break and let forth a waterfall of grief-filled tears.
"Now, umm, I found you yesterday alone, passed out, and hungry. I felt bad so I took pity on you and stayed with you as you slept," Nero said, dancing his way around the whole truth.
Even that was too much because soon thereafter her eyes burst into thousands of droplets that flowed through the creases of the pebbled alley. "Mom. Dad. Why? Where? How? I—I don't understand." Gripped by sadness and grief, she ran; bolted down the alley and into the bright morning that shone through the entrance to this darkened corner of the city.
"Stop!" Nero yelled as he soon followed, albeit much slower due to his recent injury. Nero exited and soon found himself in a humongous crowd of all different Pokémon, all hustling and bustling as they commuted to their different jobs and activities. He weaved his way through, following the trail of tears that were left behind. The Eevee was small and nimble as she quickly outran Nero and made progress on escaping reality and the truth. Nero gave up on avoiding others and just barreled through them all, a stream of "watch it's" and "hey's" following in his wake. The dust kicked up by everyone assaulted his eyes and mouth, caked his tongue and crusted his eyelids. He was tempted to give in and stop the chase, but this Eevee, he felt like he needed to help her; to console her.
He finally found her, she was sitting alone and bawling her eyes out into a luxurious fountain, must be town square. Tons of mons were staring at the odd sight of an Umbreon attempting to comfort a shiny Eevee. She wept out of loneliness, fear, and a slight feeling of abandonment. Her mom and dad; gone, her home; gone, and her sanity; slowly dwindling. Her tears dripped into the fountain below her like a cliff breaking apart into a raging sea below. They had already stained her fur and were now staining the once pure spring of the water beneath her.
Nero slowly approached her and rested his front paw upon her shoulder. "Umm, I'm not too good at making mons happy, but I just want to let you know that I'm here for you. I can listen and I feel like it's now my responsibility to look after you and to protect you. Who knows we could always find your parents?"
"They're gone, I know that."
"No, you don't."
"Yes, I do, there gone, dead, and never to be seen again!" Her waterworks doubled in speed and dribbled down her like rain along the leaves of great oaks. Nero's heart was tugged as he saw her cry, a symbol of the lowest of lows a Pokémon could ever be at—a symbol that reminded him too much of himself and his past. He hugged her. Her tears matted his own fur down as they both sat there hoping for this whole thing to blow over.
"Don't worry, I'll make sure that you'll never be alone again."
"I don't even know you, who you are, or what you are."
"I'm Nero, like I said. I'm a regular looking Umbreon with a troubled past, there you go, now you know me."
"I still don't know what you are."
"Ohhhh… I'm uhhh… not a good Pokémon." He stated with a disappointed tone.
"Well, at least you're honest, and besides, I haven't seen anything that tells me you're bad. In fact, I feel like you're quite nice," She mumbled into his shoulder.
"Well, uhm, you now know about me, could you tell me a bit about yourself?"
"I'm Luceta, but you can call me Lucy, that's what mom and dad used to call me anyways." The tears slowly dissipated as she smiled, assumedly reminiscing of old memories.
"Well, we're starting to get stares, soo..." whilst Nero talked, he retreated from their embrace and recuperated himself. Lucy attempted to chase after his receding paws and reunite their hug. "Sorry, but we can't sit here all day hugging."
"Hmph, fine," she grumbled, "where do you live by the way?"
"About that, I kinda don't have a place to live, I normally just travel from place to place. Why do you think we woke up in an alley?"
"Oh, sorry, I guess we can just get a room at a hotel," she said whilst smiling, hope every apparent in her spirit.
"Yeah, sure, for now though, I'm hungry and most likely you are too."
"Yeah, I could eat a whole Mudsdale."
"Don't worry, I know a really good place around here. Just follow me."
"Okay," after their brief conversation about food, Nero and Luceta embraced the new day and ignored the odd stares many mons were giving them.
As Nero escorted the innocent Eevee to the farthest and cheapest restaurant, he scoped out surrounding Pokémon for ignorance and Poké. He settled on a very distracted Glameow, who was too busy admiring a smaller fountain that accented the central one to be aware of the shiny Eevee and suspicious Umbreon approaching her from behind. As Nero walked silently behind the Glameow he slowed himself, he hadn't done this is a while and he was feeling quite rusty. Well, here goes nothing, he mentally prepped himself, before he deftly crept his claw into her purse. He looped his claw through the weak fabric of a pouch and coerced it away from its irresponsible owner. He smiled to himself as he finally achieved the sizable sac of Poké, and stowed it away into his maw, gripping it like he would grip a small kit or pup.
Arceus, I hated doing that, but what can I do? He ignored his mental reassurance of past—and present—misgivings and persevered on to a small bar that he knew of; "The Dry Delcatty". It was an old and cheap tavern that he had visited and used in the past as a refuge for whenever he might've gotten caught or whenever someone wanted him dead. He sighed through the cloth sac that occupied his mouth. He gestured for Luceta to follow as he pushed open the door, the tell-tale sound of that bell brought back memories of less-favourable times.
As he approached the bar, the Purrloin spoke out, "Hey Nero, how ya doing?"
He set the pouch on the counter and spoke, "Just fine, do you think I could have an oran berry salad, anddd..." he stopped himself for he never asked what Lucy wanted. "What do you want Lucy?"
"What do they have?"
"Look for yourself," he said whilst gesturing to the small pamphlet that presented all their different dishes in a terribly unorganized manner.
It took a while before Lucy made up here mind, mainly because her eyes grew lost in the sea of different platters. "I'll have nanab pancakes if that's okay."
"And nanab pancakes for the cutie, got it," the waitress said whilst she wrote the orders down. "And, name of the order."
"Nero, and could you tell Violet I'm back."
"You got it, Nero," the waitress said with a wink before she left to report their order.
"Come on Lucy, let's go find a place to sit. That booth over there looks good," Nero said as he gestured towards a booth in the corner.
"Huh, fine," Lucy responded with a huff.
As they sat, Nero asked, "What's the matter?"
"I just don't feel very happy, and I saw you take that Glameow's money."
"Sorry, but how else was I gonna pay for this?"
"I know—I know, but still, stealing? I just don't know how to feel about that."
"I don't know where you were raised, but from where I'm from you had to be independent. As far as I'm concerned that Glameow was gonna lose her money eventually, at least it's going to a good cause rather than some deadbeat using it to get their next fix on rare candies." Luceta was speechless, her eyes wide with shock at such a straight-forward answer.
"I—" She was cut off by the new, lovely smelling food that was gracefully laid down before them. The wispy steam crept around them before finding shelter in their nostrils where they elicited salivation to fill Nero and Lucy's mouths.
"Here you go, and Violet said that dessert is on her," the Purrloin said with a sly, almost coy smile. Fuck, Nero thought as memories of Violet's 'desserts' filled his mind. He spaced out as his thoughts drifted into a most-ribald territory. Thoughts assaulted his mind; thoughts of his virginity being stolen by Violet and from then on, her corruption of him with nymphomania and the disturbing society underneath his paws.
"Hey. Nero? You still there?"
"Wha—yeah, I'm still here. Sorry, just spaced out," he said, then reassured her with a forced smile. Violet's gonna kill me.
Both Nero and Luceta devoured their respective dishes, leaving not a single speck or morsel free from their desperate stomachs. The oran berries amongst Nero's salad exploded within his mouth and helped him wolf down the less tasteful leaves. He glanced at Lucy to see her smiling as she destroyed the once beautifully prepared pancakes. She seemed to only eat the pancakes if she had a nanab berry in reach of her jaws. He beckoned to their assigned waitress; the Purrloin and asked if they could have a couple of drinks. Of course, she obliged and asked what drinks.
"Two waters please." She left and soon returned with three drinks; two waters and a frothing mug of what he could only assume was beer.
"Here you go, two waters and a special gift from Violet; a scrumptious beer made from the juiciest of sitrus berries." She smirked and glanced at Nero when she said the word juiciest.
"I hate you," he mouthed at her as the annoying Purrloin walked away.
During this whole endeavor Luceta was in her own little world of pancakes, nanab berries, and sugar. Nero just nosed the cup of water to her; which she didn't even acknowledge for she was too enraptured by her food. He sighed as he eyed the mug, fuck it, he thought before gulping down a mouthful of the surprisingly sweet drink. He shook off the shivers that you get after drinking a sweet, yet bitter drink and continued enjoying his first meal in what felt like forever. He noticed Lucy drinking some of her water, most likely to thwart the sugar running rampant in her body. As Nero finished his salad and water, he reached for another sip of that beer but found nothing. He checked and there was Lucy chugging the beer.
"Lucy?! What the hell?!"
"What?" *Burp* "it tastes good."
"You're not supposed to be drinking that," Nero argued as he yanked the mug back from her, there was only a quarter left.
"Why not, mom and dad let me have tons of those. I've already been through a hangover if that's what you're worried about."
"Dear Arceus, it's not legal for someone your age to be drinking that."
"Hey, I'm fourteen. Mom and dad said that was old enough."
"Firstly, it's not and secondly, you look seventeen; one year too young."
"Huh?" Her eyes widened, "do you know where the bathroom is?"
"Yeah, why?" he said whilst pointing to an area behind the counter.
"I just have to go," she said as she bolted off towards the doors Nero pointed out.
Nero drank the remnants of the beer and let out an ahh of contentedness. He quickly finished the rest of the water to suppress the oncoming thirst from the alcohol. As Lucy approached back Nero noticed something was off, she was wide-eyed and rapidly breathing as if she was in a panic. "Woah, Lucy? You okay?" Her eyes wept newly formed tears as she sat across from him.
"How'd you find me again?"
"In an alley, alone and malnourished, why?"
"Quit lying, I knew I wasn't in an alley. If I was, I would've been covered in mud, but it was only dirt, so where did you really find me?"
"Shit, fine. I found you in a catacomb beneath Spearpoint, you were possessed by a Gengar, so I got rid of him, I assume you were stolen from your parents by him. Arceus knows what he did to you. But the past is the past, we need to just keep looking forwards and hope."
"Hope? HOPE?! Fuck you! I was the one alone for years, and you tell me to hope? I can't just hope. You know that?"
"We need to hope, meaning that you're no longer alone, you got me, and we can hope and work together to find your parents." Nero shifted over to her side of the booth and sat there, hoping that his presence would console her into feeling accompanied and appreciated. He sighed, she reminded him of himself; alone and confused, he wanted—no he must help her, so she didn't have to face the cruelty of the world like him. Lucy rested her head against Nero's shoulder as she dampened his fur once more.
"Here's your desser—oh, uhh never mind," the Purrloin waitress said as she slowly backed away after receiving a glare from Nero.
"Sorry Lucy, but we can't stay here all day."
"I know, ten more seconds."
"Fine." Those ten seconds felt like a brief infinity as her grip grew stronger and her eyes grew wetter. The tears flowed and washed not only her fur, but also her thoughts from harbouring any unhappy doubts. Nero realized something right then and there; Lucy loved him. How? He didn't know, but she loved him. Time would only tell what that love will evolve into. Didn't take long for time though because right after they departed, Lucy embrace him and met his lips in an odd, yet comforting kiss that felt unreciprocated for he was taken off guard. Nero's eyes widened, what the hell? No, this is wrong, she's still mentally fourteen. He tried escaping, but her grip was strong, and he didn't want to hurt her by forcing it. He shook his head and escaped their sloppy meeting of lips. "What are you doing?"
"You're so nice, how could I not love you?"
"You're too young though."
"I'm seventeen, you said it yourself."
"You're still mentally fourteen though."
"My parents said I was pretty mature though and besides; I don't think my thoughts would change if I was forty; I would still love you."
"But still, I'm twenty-five, that's what, eight years? It just doesn't feel right."
"Fine, but promise you'll tell me if you change your mind."
"I promise, just let me go," that felt too easy, Nero thought as he escaped her grasp and that awkward scenario, she seemed way too pleased with herself now, I don't think she was ever sad, Arceus and I thought she was innocent. "Let's just get a move on, I need to meet an old friend."
As Nero made his way to the back room that he knew held Violet he felt increasingly uncomfortable of the Eevee nuzzling up to his side. He didn't know which one scared him more; Lucy or Violet. He brushed her off as he swiftly strode towards the back where he would normally meet Violet. It was a dark oak door with a frosted window that prevented clear sight into the room, it always reminded him of a detective's office. He knocked upon the door that would undoubtably lead him down a spiral of chaos that followed his visits with Violet, he also knew this was going to be worse because he was asking for something.
"Come in," a seductive and sultry tone responded. He entered with Lucy following in tow, way too close for his comfort. "Awww, who's the cutie?"
"Lucy, Violet; Violet, Lucy."
They exchanged "Hi's" before Violet got down to business, "What brings you back Nero? I thought you were done with this line of work?"
"Issues have arisen and I'm gonna need a few things."
"Oh Nero, you know it won't be for free."
"There was hope, but fine, what do you want? Sorry, but nothing sexual, I can't right now."
"Aw, you're no fun, fine, I got a job, a big job. What do you think about the mayor? It's the only job I'm offering you, anything else would be a waste of your 'expertise.'"
"What he finally doesn't need you mons no more?"
"More like he isn't paying us enough, and besides, the power vacuum will be so profitable."
"Fine, but I want two cloaks and a pouch, now; not after. Lucy here attracts a lot of attention."
"Hey!" Lucy piped in.
"Done, and do you need a place to stay? This job's difficult and sore muscles won't help."
"Yes, please, you're too kind Violet."
"Just get it done, and you don't have to see me unkind."
"It will be done tomorrow, thank you."
"mmh hhm, now leave before I rape you," and with that Nero and Lucy escaped Violet's room of terror.
"What the hell's the matter with her?" Lucy questioned.
"Shh, keep your voice down, she'll flip if she hears you say that," Nero quickly shushed her. "I don't know anyways, just know that she's powerful, so don't get on her bad side." Lucy huffed at the lack of information she was provided.
"And what was that talk of the mayor and a job, and all that?"
"Let's just say that Violet's gang of thugs work in 'removals' of key figures."
"What?! Nero, seriously, murd—"
Nero hastily covered her mouth before she could finish her outburst, "I said shush. I don't enjoy it, but what else can I do, let you starve? Let's just get somewhere more private to discuss this." Lucy quieted down and just followed Nero, as he seemed like he knew what he was doing, like he's done this millions of times. He approached the waitress from before, "Hey June, Violet promised us a room, do you have a key for us?"
"Oh, yeah, sorry Nero. Here you are," she apologized before placing a rope with a key on it around Nero's neck. "And sorry, for this, I know you always hated this. I'm always here if you need me, 'kay?"
"Thanks," he said before heading up the stairs and unlocking the door with the same number as the key. It was small, just one single bed, one window behind said bed with black curtains, a small, red rug, and two hooks beside the door presumably for clothes. Lucy ran in and laid on the bed, Nero followed suit.
"Arceus, I'm so tired," Lucy commented, "How are you?"
"A little anxious about tomorrow, the mayor's a real prick, but murder is still murder. I hate this," Nero vented before small sheds of tears attempted freedom from his resilient eye sockets. Lucy was confused, he was so stalwart before when she was bursting and breaking down, yet now here he is, letting loose his emotions. Surprisingly she wasn't disturbed or felt the need to reassure him because deep down she knew that these tears were his coping method, avoiding them would just prevent him from calming himself down. She rested as Nero slowly began to calm down from his sudden revealing of vulnerability. They both soon let sleep consume them, tears still dampening the fur underneath their eyes. Who knows if Cresselia or Darkrai would visit their minds that nap, but one thing was certain; Arceus was frowning down upon Nero.