Hey all! I hope you're ready for chapter 73! This is another chapter I've been itching to write and get out. Let's see if our boys are able to get out of this mess with the evil team. Did the regeneration of the fossil succeed with all this commotion! Let's find out!
This chapter was beta read by my regular beta reader Killer Squids. You can find their work on AO3 here ( /users/Killer_Squids). They can also be found on tumblr under the name crow-forest. They have done a wonderful job with betaing for me so if you have time please give there page a look.
Any Artwork you may see associated with this fic (on AO3, or Tumblr) has all been created by my good friend SlothyClaws. That is their instagram also have a website ( .com). They do commissions and their commissions are open to anyone that is interested. Go and give their page a look if you are interested.
Chapter 73, I choose you!
An Old Rival
Just as quickly as the sirens had started, they stopped and the halls were filled with light once more. Yamaguchi and Tsukishima looked around in confusion. Was the mess over? Should they go back to the regeneration room?
Just then, they heard someone running down the hall. "Are you two okay?" Professor Mizoguchi gasped upon seeing them. Following him was Kunimi "The halls are filled with evil grunts! You shouldn't have run off like that," he scolded, looking at Tsukishima.
Tsukki gave a small shrug. He wasn't sorry.
"Oh, no!" Yamaguchi gasped in sudden realization, catching both their attention. "We need to help Kindaichi! He was captured by some of the grunts!"
"What direction?" Professor Mizoguchi asked.
"The bathrooms. They had him outside the men's bathrooms," Yamaguchi urgently replied.
"You two head back to the regeneration room," Professor Mizoguchi instructed. "Kunimi, you come with me!"
"Do you guys need help!?" Yamaguchi asked, feeling bad to just go back.
"No, you two go back! We will take care of this," Professor Mizoguchi quickly replied.
Yamaguchi looked to Tsukki only to see him shrug.
"I-If you say so," Yamaguchi replied, and the next thing he knew Professor Mizoguchi and Kunimi were already rounding the corner.
"Let them handle it," Tsukishima sighed. He didn't seem bothered by the evil team now that he had Yamaguchi by his side.
The research lab was now wild with noise. As they made their way back to the fossil regeneration room they did their best to stay out of the way while still being vigilant. Many people in white coats rushed around the halls, and before long the two were quickly guided back to the fossil regeneration room by a random anxious researcher.
As they entered the room Professor Irihata greeted them with a smile. "Good to see you two are safe." He didn't seem too bothered by the ruckus. It almost looked like he hadn't even moved from his chair.
"I-It would seem an evil team broke into the research facility," Yamaguchi replied as he scooped a very upset Eevee into his arms. He gave her a reassuring pat on the head as he did so. "I think they're after the meteorite…" he added, taking a seat.
Tsukishima silently sat next to Yamaguchi. He sat stiff and rigid, perhaps a bit on edge from the event.
"I did tell them we needed to up security with that evil team at large," Professor Irihata hummed with a nod. "Now, what was the name of this team again…?"
Yamaguchi gave a bit of a start at the question. It never occurred to him that the team would go by a name but now that he thought about it most teams did have a name. He had run into them so many times by now but still had no clue what they called themselves.
"Do they have a team name?" Tsukishima asked, also looking very interested.
"Yeah, I recall hearing it but I just can't remember," Professor Irihata replied. He looked as if he was struggling to recall the name. "It was something like Team Snake…"
"Snake?" Yamaguchi echoed. That would explain the masks.
"No, that's not it," Professor Irihata grumbled to himself. "I just can't remember right now. I'm sure if you look in the recent news it will have the name listed there."
"Oh, right," Yamaguchi nodded, feeling a bit dumb to have never thought of it himself.
"It doesn't matter what they call themselves. It's not like we are going to see them again," Tsukishima growled from beside Yamaguchi. He looked dead serious about it.
"Well, I'm sure normal trainers like yourselves don't have to worry about this team bothering you too much," Professor Irihata laughed. "They seem to be after the big stuff after all."
"Yeah, right," Yamaguchi replied, forcing himself to laugh along. After every encounter he had with them, he couldn't help but feel like this wasn't completely true.
Before any more could be said on the matter, the door to the room opened and Kunimi strode back in. He was alone and that worried Yamaguchi.
"W-Where's Kindaichi?" Yamaguchi asked before Kunimi could even do anything.
"He's fine. We were able to save him," Kunimi confirmed, not bothering to take a seat. "He was a bit beaten up so he's been taken to the hospital. I was sent here to make sure you two made it back safely."
"We're fine," Tsukishima replied shortly.
Kunimi glanced at Tsukishima for only a moment. "Well, it looks like your tour is over. We have to put the place on lockdown and check over everything. Make sure nothing was taken."
"Oh, that's such a shame," Professor Irihata frowned. "I really wanted to show this lad here a few of our recently regenerated ancient Pokemon," he seemed genuinely sad.
For a moment Tsukishima showed interest in what the old man had said.
"Well it can't be helped," Kunimi frowned.
"Well if that's the case there isn't much we can do," Professor Irihata shrugged. He then turned to Tsukishima and Yamaguchi. "You two still have half a tour promised to you so come back any time. There is a lot more around here I'd like to show you."
"If we are ever in the area we will be sure to let you know," Yamaguchi replied, a bit disappointed that the tour was over.
"Fossil enthusiasts are always welcome," Professor Irihata smiled. "But before I forget I should give you the regenerated fossil," he said, digging into his lab coat pocket. He pulled out the dusk ball Tsukishima had given, passing it to Tsukishima.
Tsukishima took the ball from the professor. He looked like he was at a loss of words as he examined it. There was a shine of wonder in his eyes that Yamaguchi hadn't seen in years.
"Did it really work?" Yamaguchi asked.
"Why don't you release it and give it a look?" Professor Irihata grinned. He seemed excited for Tsukishima.
Tsukishima hesitated for a moment. He felt almost scared. To have one of your childhood dreams come true was an overwhelming thing to face. Nonetheless he gave a nod and pushed the button on the ball. The ball grew in his hand to normal size and after clearing his throat Tsukishima said "Come on out."
With that the ball clicked open, releasing the Pokemon inside. In a puff of dark smoke a small Tyrunt appeared in the center of the room. It gave a confused grumble as it looked around.
Tsukishima looked like he was in love. He approached the Dinosaur Pokemon slowly. The Tyrunt didn't seem afraid of him. Tsukishima reached out his hand and slowly the Tyrunt stretched out to sniff it. One, two, three sniffs and the next thing everyone knew the Tyrunt had leapt into Tsukishima's arms.
"Aw, Tsukki, it loves you already," Yamaguchi cooed.
Tsukishima held the Tyrunt in his arms. It took everything in him to keep up his stony facade and not to melt in joy to be holding the baby dino.
"Yeah, he's a pretty friendly fellow," Professor Irihata laughed. "He shouldn't give you too much trouble but do remember that fossil Pokemon can be a bit more feral at times. Call me anytime if you have any questions about raising him."
"Oh, Tsukki, he is so cute," Yamaguchi said as he leaned over Tsukki to get a look at the Tyrunt.
The small Tyrunt gave a happy growl before leaping from Tsukki's arms into Yamaguchi's. Yamaguchi released a joyful sound as he hugged Tyrunt. Tyrunt seemed to enjoy this.
"He's so sweet," Yamaguchi sighed, hugging it tighter.
The Tyrunt then struggled from Yamaguchi's arms to the floor where it then proceeded to harass Kunimi for a hug. Kunimi nudged it away with his leg, not wanting to touch the thing. This didn't settle well with Tsukishima. How dare that asshole kick his precious Tyrunt?
"I should escort you two out of here," Kunimi grumbled, taking a step back from the overly friendly Tyrunt.
"Well, it was great meeting you two," Professor Irihata sighed. "Like I said, give me a call if you have any trouble, and I take it you've done your research on ancient pokemon diet?"
"Of course I have," Tsukishima said, scooping up Tyrunt. He shot Kunimi a glare as he did so.
"And I'd advise only letting him out of his ball if you're going to keep an eye on him until he has matured a bit," Professor Irihata. "He seems happy now, but it's hard at first for regenerated pokemon to accumulate."
"We'll make sure to take good care of him," Yamaguchi replied as he gave Tyrunt's chin an affectionate scratch.
Tyrunt seemed to enjoy this as he gave a small purr.
With that the two bid their final goodbye to Professor Irihata. With Eevee in Yamaguchi's arms and Tyrunt back in his ball the two trainers followed Kunimi out of the research facility. The place was still a mess and as they exited the building it looked as if even the main public museum had been cleared out. Once at the exit, Kunimi barely bid the two farewell. Yamaguchi felt a bit awkward about it but Tsukki didn't seem to care.
Yamaguchi felt horrible for their tour to have ended so early. He couldn't help feel like it was somehow his fault this happened. He knew the team wasn't after him but why did they always run into each other. Was it really coincidence?
"Shall we head to the aquarium or do you want to take a rest?" Tsukishima asked. "We are a bit early."
"I-I'm fine to go to the aquarium," Yamaguchi sighed. They had made plans in the late afternoon to meet up with the others at the aquarium. If he was being honest he was exhausted but he really wanted the others to see Tyrunt. "I'll message Sugawara now and let him know we are heading over."
"If you say so," Tsukishima skeptically replied. He could tell Yamaguchi was tired. "Don't push yourself."
"And you don't push yourself, Tsukki," Yamaguchi playfully replied as he bumped shoulders with his boyfriend.
Tsukishima blushed but did well to keep his normal expression otherwise.
Yamaguchi quickly sent a text to Sugawara letting him know they'd arrive early. The walk to the Aquarium was slow. Yamaguchi felt bad about the tour being cut short. He and Tsukki hadn't even seen the normal part of the fossil museum. Somehow, he just felt like it was his fault.
"I know you're overthinking again," Tsukishima grumbled, side-eyeing Yamaguchi as they walked.
Yamaguchi gave a small start. He couldn't hide anything from Tsukki even if he tried. "I-Its nothing," he replied, knowing it'd get rejected.
And Yamaguchi was correct in thinking that. "You know there is no use in lying to me," Tsukisima called him out, his tone harsh but the way he took Yamaguchi's hand was soft and comforting.
Yamaguchi gave Tsukki's hand a squeeze before casing his gaze down. Just vocalizing the guilt made him feel stupid.
"I know you're upset but none of the stuff at the fossil research center was your fault," Tsukishima guessed correctly. Of course he did.
"This just keeps happening, Tsukki," Yamaguchi sighed, looking at Tsukki with worry in his eyes. It's like he and this evil team were on the same path or something.
"I know it seems like you've run into this evil team way too many times but if you think about it logically, we only ever encounter them when Iwaizumi is involved," Tsukishima replied. He seemed angry for some reason but Yamaguchi could tell that the anger was not targeted at himself.
"Yeah, I know," Yamaguchi nodded, though his eyes held uncertainty and worry.
"As long as we steer clear of Iwaizumi and his stupid research we should be fine," Tsukishima said with a final nod and he meant it. The next time he and Yamaguchi ran into Iwaizumi or his research, they'd just go somewhere else. "It's his fault after all. Whatever he's doing this team wants, and he needs to stop involving other people."
Yamaguchi couldn't help but crack a smile at how frustrated Tsukki was over Iwaizumi. It was honestly sweet and amusing. "And if we steer clear of Iwaizumi we'll probably steer clear of Oikawa."
"Oh man, that guy is so annoying," Tsukishima groaned. While Iwaizumi was a nice guy, Oikawa was one of Tsukishima's least favorite types of people.
Yamaguchi released a giggle. Feeling a bit better he stepped closer to Tsukki as they walked. He tightened his hold on Tsukki's hand as his nerves let up. "Thanks, Tsukki," He gently said.
"You always overthink," Tsukishima replied.
"Yeah, I am," Yamaguchi agreed. "That's why I have you."
Tsukishima felt his heart do a crazy flip as Yamaguchi planted a kiss on his cheek. It was so soft and so gentle, but it burned him up inside. It took everything in him not to break his composure. When he glanced to the side he saw an amused smirk on Yamaguchi's lips. Did this boy know just how much power he had over his heart?
The rest of the walk was a bit more comfortable. The two held hands as they strode up the stairs to the aquarium. They got their tickets and once inside, Yamaguchi released Tsukki's hand when he saw a take with several fish in it. He rushed forward to hold Eevee up so she could see.
Eevee gave a happy trill. "Aren't they pretty?" Yamaguchi replied as if to agree with her trill.
As Tsukishima watched his sweet boyfriend he couldn't help but smile at how cute Yamaguchi could be. With a light swagger to his step but came up beside his boyfriend to enjoy the view of the Lumineon, Finneon, and Luvdisc. While Tsukishima really wasn't into that type of thing he always found anything pretty enjoyable if he was to do it with Yamaguchi.
The two trainers milled around the entry of the aquarium until their friends arrived. If they wandered too far into the building it would make it even harder for them to meet up. Tsukki didn't seem to care much if they met up but Yamaguchi didn't want to be rude.
It wasn't long before Yamaguchi got a text from Sugawara announcing they were nearby, and before he could send a reply he heard said trainer calling their names.
"Tsukishima! Yamaguchi!" Sugawara called, sounding like a mother trying to get the attention of her children.
Tsukishima frowned and Yamaguchi blushed as they both turned around. From behind them, they saw Bokuto and Kuroo rushing towards them with Sugawara and Akaashi not far behind.
"Are you two okay? Did you get hurt?" Sugawara cried as he pushed past Bokuto and Kuroo, almost knocking them to the floor. When he got to them he grabbed Yamaguchi by the shoulders as he examined him closely.
"We heard something went down at the fossil research lab," Kuroo said as he came up beside Sugawara. He sent Tsukishima a concerned look only to receive a glare from Tsukishima.
"Y-Yeah, we're fine," Yamaguchi stuttered as he motioned to Sugawara that he was fine.
Sugawara couldn't help but fuss like a mother would but backed off. He didn't even try to look over Tsukishima.
"What exactly happened?" Bokuto asked, looking more excited than concerned.
"I-It was that evil team," Yamaguchi mumbled in reply, feeling a bit embarrassed to have run into them again.
"What? Them again!?" Sugawara snapped, looking as if he was ready to fight here and now. "Did they hurt you?"
"Arceus, we're fine," Tsukishima replied in exasperation. "They were after something in the lab so we didn't really run into much trouble ourselves," he half lied.
"Those guys really seem to be all over the place now," Akaashi hummed. "What could they be up to?"
A long silence passed between the group as they all considered the question. No one had an idea of what they could possibly be up to.
"It doesn't really matter because it doesn't really concern us!" Tsukishima stubbornly declared. He knew this conversation would only make Yamaguchi worry.
"Yeah, and if they bug me or any of you guys I'll just beat them into the ground!" Bokuto cheered, sounding almost like he'd enjoy a run-in with them.
Yamaguchi did his best to laugh at Bokuto's enthusiasm but he found it hard to laugh after having run into this team so many times. It really made him paranoid and he'd like to get it in his head that he had nothing to do with the team.
Perhaps it was because the topic made Yamaguchi nervous or perhaps it was because Tsukishima looked annoyed to be talking about the evil team, Sugawara suddenly changed gears. "I hear this aquarium has an amazing Vaporeon show on the top floor. Maybe we can catch the next one."
"Oh right, and I'd love the see the Sharpedo tank!" Bokuto said with the excitement of a kid.
"Well, if we stand around here for too long we might not have enough time to see everything we want," Akaashi pointed out calmly.
Yamaguchi was relieved that their focus was now on something else. He could tell that Tsukki also looked ready to move on to the aquarium and leave the excitement of today behind. The two quietly took hands as they followed after Bokuto and Kuroo.
The group found the aquarium to be quite enjoyable. The shows available on the top floor seemed almost magical and definitely gave Yamaguchi some ideas for his next showcase with Brionne. They visited several tanks filled with various types of Pokemon from all over the world. The Corsola tank reminded Yamaguchi so much of home. Tsukishima seemed quite partial to a tank that held a few Tirtouga that had been donated by the fossil research center years ago.
The group traversed across the large aquarium for over 2 hours before they agreed to stop for a bit to rest. They had come across the largest tank of the whole aquarium. It reached three stories high and held so many water Pokemon in it that Yamaguchi lost count. There were benches placed a bit away from the glass so that guests could sit and take a rest while enjoying the view of the water Pokemon.
Yamaguchi and Tsukishima sat together on one of these benches. Yamaguchi rested his head on Tsukki's shoulder as he watched a school of Wishiwashi swim nervously from one end of the tank to the other end of the tank. Watching the fish relaxed him, allowing him to release some of the tension he had been holding in his shoulders. Tsukishima also slumped where he sat, allowing Yamaguchi to use him as a pillow. He watched the fish swimming around the large tank but didn't really focus hard on any one fish.
Bokuto and Kuroo sat on the bench closest to Tsukki and Yamaguchi's bench that was only about an arm's length away. They were laughing about something on Bokuto's phone. Yamaguchi was far too zoned out to really pick up on what they were saying and Tsukki simply didn't want to get involved. Akaashi and Sugawara had gone off to the restrooms but had left their items with the two loud trainers.
It was when Kuroo and Bokuto's laughter came to an abrupt stop that Yamaguchi lifted his head from Tsukki's shoulder. Rubbing his eyes a bit Yamaguchi looked to his side to see what had caused the two to become so quiet. He saw Kuroo looking at someone across the room and when Yamaguchi followed his gaze he expected to see Sugawara or Akaashi returning but what he saw was someone else.
A tall man with dark hair neatly styled to the left approached them. His face was quite thin and he had slitted eyes that were reminiscent of a snake. He had a smile on his face and for a second he licked his lips only making him look more like a snake. "Well, if it isn't Kuroo!" The man greeted him in a hiss when he was upon them.
Yamaguchi felt his heart do a strange twist as something heavy settled in his stomach. This man and his voice. He couldn't help but feel like he'd seen this trainer before somewhere and for some reason it terrified him.
"Daisho, is that you?" Kuroo laughed, standing up to greet the trainer.
"It's good to know you haven't forgotten about me," Daisho replied, his smile more calculating then friendly.
"How could I ever forget about you," Kuroo replied, sounding almost sarcastic.
An odd tension passed between the two trainers as they shook hands. It looks almost as if they were going to arm wrestle for a moment. All the while, Yamaguchi's eyes were glued to Daisho. He couldn't help but feel like if he looked away from the man for even a second he'd be dead.
Yamaguchi's strange behaviour didn't go unnoticed by Tsukishima. His calculating amber eyes looked from his stiff scared boyfriend to this stranger in front of them. Yamaguchi was normally such a friendly guy. Why was he acting so freaked out?
"Who's this?" Bokuto asked, popping up from his seat.
"Yeah, Kuroo, introduce me to your friends," Daisho hissed.
"Oh, how rude of me," Kuroo replied through a strained smile. "This here is Daisho Suguru, my old rival from back in the day."
"You were a rival of Kuroo's?" Bokuto practically barked. "He's never mentioned you."
Kuroo looked like he wanted to hit Bokuto at that very moment.
"Is that so, Kuroo?" Daisho replied, pretending to be upset when he obviously wasn't.
"Been busy, you know, with league and such," Kuroo replied quickly. "I guess since you were absent from the league I never thought to bring you up in conversation."
"Oh the league," Daisho hummed, with a mix of reminiscence frustration. "Those sure were fun times."
"Yeah, you were never able to beat me in an official battle," Kuroo smiled.
"Thanks for reminding me, Kuroo," Daisho said through a strained smile of his own.
Throughout the whole conversation Yamguchi's eyes stayed fixed on Daisho. He couldn't help but notice Daisho glancing at him every now and then as if he too knew Yamaguchi. This man's face and his voice felt so familiar, but Yamaguchi had never met a single person named Daisho before.
"And who are these two sitting next to you?" Daisho asked, this time putting his full attention on Yamaguchi and Tsukishima.
"Oh, this here is my protege Tsukki," Kuroo introduced, looking proud.
"I am not your protege," Tsukishima snapped.
"It's nice to meet you, Tsukki," Daisho said, sounding a bit fake.
"My name is Tsukishima," Tsukishima corrected.
"Pardon me, Tsukishima," Daisho echoed, sounding like he really didn't care. His thin eyes then landed on Yamaguchi. "And you're Yamagucih Tadashi, right?" his smile became almost sinister as he asked this.
Yamaguchi gave a small yelp upon hearing his own name coming out of this man's mouth. He jumped behind Tsukki a bit like a scared mouse causing Tsukki to start. How did Daisho know his name? It horrified him to think that this man knew who he was.
Everyone around looked surprised by Yamaguchi's reaction. Tsukishima leaned forward a bit to get a look at his boyfriend. Kuroo and Bokuto both looked confused. Even Daisho backed off a bit upon seeing Yamaguchi's scared reaction but his smile stayed. He almost looked happy at how scared Yamaguchi was.
It took Yamaguchi a moment to realize what he was doing. It was almost on instinct that he had jumped behind Tsukki. His limbs shook as he tried to collect himself. He readjusted himself to sit upright on the bench but couldn't control the shaking in his hands. He felt the desperate need to run away from Daisho and get as far as he could.
"Geez, for someone who is a showcase contestant you sure are shy," Daisho joked, backing off from Yamaguchi. "Congratulations on the win, Yamaguchi. I saw your performance on TV yesterday."
Yamaguchi's body went cold after hearing that Daisho had seen him on TV. Just the thought of that scared him but it explained why he knew Yamaguchi's name.
"Th-Thank you," Yamaguchi quietly replied, his voice small and shaking.
Yamaguchi's friends all shot him very concerned looks. Kuroo looked like he wanted to give Yamaguchi a hug, Bokuto looked utterly confused, and Tsukishima looked completely lost as to why Yamaguchi was so shaken.
"Well, now, it was good seeing you again, Kuroo," Daisho hummed, turning his attention away from Yamaguchi. "But I must be on my way. I'm a very busy man."
"Right, well I wouldn't want to keep you from your busy schedule," Kuroo replied sounding a bit sarcastic.
"It was nice meeting all of you, Bokuto, Tsukishima," Daisho said looking at the two respectively. His eyes then locked onto Yamaguchi. Yamaguchi gave a small start but stopped himself from jumping behind Tsukki. "See you around, Yamaguchi," he hissed, his sinister smile back. His eyes lingered on Yamaguchi and Yamaguchi shook under his gase. The next thing anyone knew Daisho turned on his heel and headed out of the room without another word.
"Jeese, that guy is a creep," Kuroo sighed once Daisho was out of sigh.
Yamaguchi still shook like a leaf from beside Tsukki. This didn't go unnoticed by anyone.
"You okay?" Bokuto asked, sounding genuinely concerned. "Do you always get this jumpy around new people."
"I-I'm f-fine," Yamaguchi replied, his voice still shaky. He didn't know what else to say. He had never met Daisho before so he had no logical reason to be reacting like he was.
It was only when Tsukki took his hand in his own that Yamaguchi's shaking subsided. "It's all right," Tsukishima's low voice reassured him.
"S-Sorry," Yamaguchi apologised for his strange behavior.
"Hey, no need to be sorry," Kuroo replied with a smile. "I don't blame you for getting spooked. Daisho is a creep."
Yamaguchi gave a small nod. He still felt fear and adrenaline in his arms and legs despite him not showing it anymore. Who was this Daisho? Why did Yamaguchi feel like he knew this man? He could swear he'd seen him somewhere before. His voice sounded so familiar but from where? Yamaguchi also couldn't help but feel like Daisho knew him, that Daisho recognized Yamaguchi from more than just TV. That feeling settled heavily in Yamaguchi's heart as he leaned upon Tsukki's shoulder in an attempt to ground himself back in reality.
Author Note:
Oh my! Who did the gang just meet? Who is this Daisho? Is he someone Yamaguchi knows? Why is our poor Yamaguchi so scared? It's okay, Yamaguchi, Tsukki will protect you!
I hope everyone is taking care. I am getting very close to my moving date so updates for the next few months might be a bit late. By late spring to early summer I should be back to a normal upload schedule. Sorry for the inconvenience.
I want to thank you all so much for the kudos, follows, bookmarks, comments and reviews. I love to hear from you all so please leave a comment or review down below.
Well, that's all for now. See you all next chapter!
