AN: Hello again! Took me longer than I wanted to get this chapter out, but school ramped up pretty fast so I haven't had as much time. Also with Monster Hunter Rise releasing on the 26th, a lot of my time over the last 5 days has been dedicated to the grind! If you have a Switch and are interested in Monster Hunter in any way, I highly recommend it!

Anyway, as always comments and criticism is appreciated! And I hope you enjoy!

Disclaimer: I am not affiliated with Nintendo in any way. I do not claim ownership over Pokémon or Nintendo, but I do own my OC's. All characters and entities are fictional and any resemblance to real people/entities is purely coincidental.

Chapter 1: Crashing Down

"God dammit, Elise! Get your ass out of bed!"

Mhmm?

"Elise! You better be awake!"

Noooo, don't wanna, bed is warm.

Sounds of agitated footsteps and a string of muffled curses came closer and closer, until abruptly ending with the door to the small and dimly lit room bursting open.

"ELISE!"

Huh?! Who the f- Her heart beat out of her chest as she looked over with wide eyes to the pissed off woman in the doorway.

"I'm not paying another fuckin' fine this year, you hear me?! So get up and get ready to go or so help me God I'll drag you there!"

SLAM

Now awake, the young woman still wrapped in her blankets signed in exasperation. Great. Great start to today. Good job. Yep. Groaning in frustration as she unbound herself from the bedding, she swung her legs over the edge of the bed and shuddered as her feet came to rest on the cold floor.

"Here we go, I guess."

Fighting with the zipper of her sweater, Elise begrudgingly made her way downstairs with haste, her rapid footfalls echoing down into the living room. Landing at the base of the stairs and turning swiftly, she made her way to the entryway.

"Y'know, you could just not be late? I know right, it's a crazy thought! Actually getting up and caring about what you're doing for once!"

Oh my god, dude.

Still digging through the entryway closet in search of her shoes, Elise shot back, "Malcolm, could you just, I don't know, not be a douche? Hm? How's that?"

The smirk never left the young man's face as he laughed, "Yeah I may be a douche but at least I know what day of the week it is. Like come on, you look like crap." Having found her footwear, she stood and struggled with her laces. Turning to face him, she sent a soft glare.

"Since when is that anything new? It's not exactly a party we're going to. Grrrr-oh for fuck sakes, can you just?" Sighing in defeat, she tilted her head back as if to plead for help, which of course worked.

"Here, pass 'em over." Giggling lightly with triumph she handed the footwear to him, as he sat down to focus on the horribly knotted laces. Elise sauntered towards the kitchen, opening the fridge in hopes of something to salvage for breakfast. Nothing, nothing, oh dang leftover sausages! Score! Hey wait, what the fuck?!

"Dude! This milk is so expired! I thought you cleaned out the fridge!"

Malcolm made his way over, the successfully unknotted shoes in tow. Setting them on the floor, he rested his hands on the top of the kitchen chair, leaning slightly.

"Why'd you have to be difficult today Ellie? You know it's hard on her too."

"Yo, did you not hear me? The milk's gone dude. It's legit rank. Here smell it-"

Malcolm straightened his back away from the carton and sighed as she held it towards his face. With a shrug, she plopped the soured milk container on the counter and placed her breakfast in the microwave, the whir of the machine travelled around the room.

"Elise. I'm serious."

Her head fell with a huff as she turned and leaned back against the counter. Morning sunlight poured through the kitchen window, painting the small kitchen in a golden glow. The smell of the previous night's Tauros sausages started to fill the space. Shaking her head, she met his gaze. He looks worried. Why?

"What do you want me to say? I don't have an answer for you. She isn't even here, not that she gives a shit though."

"She isn't here 'cause she took Elliot to school. Like you were supposed to this morning."

Oh.

"Mom tries okay. I know she's made mistakes, but at least she's trying." Malcolm's face was stern, yet soft as he spoke. This bothered her. Fire lit up her eyes, her frustration sparking.

"Oh that's bullshit and you know it! She is only doing this now because of her new boy-toy. She doesn't care about us Malcolm!" She's standing fully now, arms crossed as she picks at the skin around her fingers, her leg bouncing slightly. Malcolm's eyebrows furrow, his temper rising slowly as well.

"First off, what makes you think you can talk about her like that? She's stepped up to the plate! She's helping Elliot with school and not to mention she's here! She's home more, Elise! That warrants some courtesy at the least! Secondly, I've met Allan, he's a nice guy. I'm sure if you actually took the time to get to know him you'd change your tune."

"It's just for fucking SHOW Malcolm! Do you not remember every time she's got a new guy she starts 'trying' and 'cares about us'? Yes I know I didn't take Elliot to school today and that's on me, but just because she did doesn't mean you can forget about the past dude! Also Allan is a fucking creep, okay!"

They're both yelling now. Tempers flaring, both stepping on the unspoken broken glass that has surrounded them for years.

"She is our MOTHER Elise! Does that mean nothing to you? We can't even imagine the sacrifices she's made for us! Give her a chance! Allan isn't a creep and who cares about however many guys she's dated?! Losing Dad was hard on her, let her have this."

"Losing Dad was hard on HER?! HA! That's funny 'cause I remember her leaving to fuck the first asshole to come along a week after Dad died! A WEEK! She never loved him, you know that. You are just denying the fact she mistreated him and us for years just so you can make yourself feel normal. Valerie may be our mother, but she isn't my mom!"

DING!

The whirring of the microwave was replaced by a cold silence. Turning and pulling out her plate, she set it on the counter. She doesn't feel like eating anymore. She spun to face him. His face was stone as he spoke.

"I hope you get chosen today. It'll teach you some respect." Her gaze was cold as ice, blue eyes sharp as steel.

"I may just volunteer then. Anything to get me out of this shit-show." She stormed past him, grabbing her shoes by the table and going for the entryway. Malcolm spun to face the exit, his face painted with regret.

"Elise-"

She slammed the door.

"Now approaching Grovehill Station, District 4 West. Now approaching Grovehill Station, Dis-"

Elise's head shot up as the notice for her final stop rang throughout the train in a robotic voice. Brushing non existent dust off her black jeans, she stood and slowly made her way to the nearest exit. Looking out the train doors, she raised her right hand up, grasping the handlebar above her. She exhaled slowly, and brought her left hand up to the space in front of her. I'm shaking again. Fuck. New year, same shit. Closing her fist against her chest, she exhaled softly. This morning was a disaster. Like for fuck sakes Elise, you could've at least taken Elliot to school. Man, I really messed that up. I'll make it up to him later, or try to. And Malcolm THE NERVE ON THAT GUY LIKE-

The grunt of annoyance from the man behind her pulled Elise from her thoughts for her to notice she was blocking the now open train door. Laughing sheepishly, and delivering a quiet apology she hastily flew from the magnet train and made a beeline for the station exit. The 'ceremony' was at 10am, and it was... 9:40 thank God!

Pushing through the station doors, she soaked in the view as the summer sun blazed high in the sky, beating down on the bustling area as people converged on the nearby parks. Gardeners tended to the long expanses of green, college students lazed about in groups studying, even some families were set up for early picnics. Lucky bastards. Choosing to turn her head away, she focused her eyes forward. She didn't have their luxury. Well, not yet at least. After today, 2 more years of this shit and I'm done. Then I can just sit around and be content I guess.

Lost in thought, the next 10 minutes of walking flew by as when she snapped back to reality she had arrived at her destination, Evermoor Stadium. Looking around her, she saw a few stragglers who also didn't care enough to show up with time to spare. Malcolm must've gotten the earlier train, oh well. After leaving the apartment, she avoided the train station like the plague, getting on the last train available that would get her here on time without repercussions. Closing in on the entrance, she stopped in her tracks as there was a young boy blocking the door. Less than a second after she saw his face, she knew. Shit. "Hey kid, first time?"

His face stained from fresh tears rose up to face her, his nose sniffling and breathing shaky. Nodding his head, he quickly wiped his nose on his sleeve.

"Y-yeah. I just don't kn-know where to go and... I'm scared."

"You and me both. What's your name buddy?"

"R-Reggie. What's your na-name?"

Bending down slightly, she brought her sleeve forward, wiping away his tears. "Well Reggie, I'm Elise. Want me to walk with you? It can be really confusing the first time- wait actually, where're your parents?"

Reggie shook his head in response. That's fucked. Least thing his parents could do is bring him inside. "Okay, well, just come with me and I'll help you. Sound good?

Nodding, he clasped onto her sleeve and the two entered the air conditioned lobby.

"ID card please." Passing her identification to the irritated woman behind the counter, Elise crossed her arms waiting for further instruction. She looks so done with today. Hell, if I had her job I'd hate it too. Having swiped Elise's card into her computer and studying the screen briefly, the attendant turned her attention back to Elise. "Please confirm your name, age and district."

"Elise Vale, 17, District 6" Nodding briefly, the woman turned back to her computer. Once she entered the info confirming Elise was present for the following ceremony, she slid the ID card through the opening in the plexiglass barrier.

"You only got a few more years of this kid. I hope you make it through." Uh, thanks? Pocketing her card, Elise turned her attention to Reggie; who still had an iron grip on her sweater sleeve and was completely zoned out. Talk about a Stantler in headlights. Fuck man. Yanking her arm forward was enough to pull Reggie's attention back to her.

"Okay, give your ID card to this nice lady and we'll be all set." Elise couldn't contain her surprise when Reggie, who was slightly calmed down compared to earlier, began to panic.

"Uh, I don't have one of those. Am I in trouble? What do I do!?" Kneeling to meet his eye level, she patted him on his shoulder lightly. He doesn't have an ID card? How the hell did his parents manage that?

"Hey don't worry it's cool. She can input your attendance manually." Elise turned her gaze up to the lady who now wore a sympathetic look. "Right?"

"Of course, what's your name, age and district sweetie?" Reggie took a deep breath to compose himself and stepped closer to the counter.

"Uh, Reggie Wilson. Wilson with one L. I'm 13. I live in District 1."

Elise had a hard time keeping her mouth from falling open. He's a rich kid, but has no ID and his parent's dropped him off to fend for himself. What the hell. Reggie looked more uncomfortable than when he first walked in, not sure if what he said was what the lady needed.

"First time then? I'm sorry to hear that Reggie." After filling in the few bits of info and swiping a blank card, she handed it to Reggie. "This card is a temporary ID that will be suffice for today, but as soon as the event is over, tell your parents they have to take you to get a permanent one. Understand?"

Reggie nodded affirmatively, and carefully pocketed his ID. Turning to Elise, he grabbed her sleeve again, signaling he was ready to continue. Walking in silence, they made their way deeper into the building.

It only took a few minutes for the duo to arrive at a set of heavy duty doors, leading out onto the grassy field of the stadium. The prior silence was replaced by the muffled sounds of people, as the vast majority of this year's candidates had already arrived. Without stopping, Elise pushed through the door.

Once her eyes adjusted to the blinding sun, she took in the usual scene. A sea of thousands of kids and teenagers were scattered about, waiting for the ceremony to start. Most of them stood in groups talking and laughing. Some just quietly huddled together with those they knew from school, and a few were sitting against the walls of the stadium; head down, trying to block out the world.

Two attendants walked up to the pair, neither looked thrilled to be there. One of the men stepped forward slightly, gesturing directions with his hands.

"15 and below to the left side, 16 and above to the right. You don't have much time before it starts so get a move on."

Reggie whipped his head up to meet Elise's eyes. If he was scared before, now he was terrified. Before he could get a chance to object, she took hold of his hand.

"Don't worry. There will be other kids over there, you'll be fine. Just go. I'll try to find you afterwards, sound good?" Holding her other hand up in a fist, Reggie gingerly returned the fist bump and followed the second attendant to his designated area. He'll be fine. I hope he finds some friends from his school to stand with. Sighing deeply, Elise strode over to the right side of the field. Once she entered the mass of other teens, she scanned through the faces around her. I know he's here. Where the fuck is he? Elise jumped as she felt a light tap on her shoulder, spinning around to see none other than Malcolm. She crossed her arms, leaning to one side. Malcolm didn't look impressed. Great.

"You made it on time. Good."

"Obviously. I'm not a dumbass, dude." Malcolm's expression remained hard for only a moment longer before softening. He rubbed the back of his neck as he wore a remorseful look.

"Hey, so, about this morning. I'm sorry for what I said I-" Elise straightened up and quickly stuck a hand up, silencing him.

"It's fine. I'm sorry too. But I do not want to have this conversation right now. Save it 'till we get home." Malcolm debated it for a second before nodding. His arms now relaxed at his sides, he shuffled briefly in place.

"So, are we cool?"

"Yeah, I guess. We're cool." she huffed. Turning to face the stage at the far end of the field, she grimaced. "I just want to get this shit over with. I'm starving." Malcolm, moving to stand next to her, chuckled lightly.

"Y'know if you hadn't had left your breakfast on the counter, you wouldn't have had this problem." Elise shot back a slight glare at the remark, "Sorry! Sorry!" he laughed sheepishly.

A few minutes later, their attention was brought forward as numerous people began to ascend the steps on either side of the stage. Elise recognized an older pot belly man to be the Mayor, Emerson Cott. Next to him was Adira Beloff, Evermoor's Gym Leader, a tall and lithe older woman with shoulder length gray hair. She's been here every year and still scares the shit out of me. Talk about an intimidating person. Elise watched as they moved to the center of the stage and four trainers flanked them, spreading out on the stage behind the two officials.

Emerson made his way to the podium at the front of the stage, tapping the microphone to get the attention of the crowded field. The chatter amongst the attending youth died down almost immediately, allowing the mayor to clear his throat and begin his speech.

"Hello everyone! Thank you all for coming. I know here is the last place any of you want to be today, so I will make this quick. For those of you who don't know me already, I am Mayor Emerson Cott. And for those who get chosen today, I want to thank you for sacrificing your civilian lives for the greater good of the City-State of Evermoor and our way of life. May your careers as Pokémon Trainers be successful and fulfilling. Thank you." He paused briefly before continuing. "Next, I would like to ask Gym Leader Adira Beloff to come forward to conduct the remainder of the ceremony." Emerson quickly shuffled his way back to the middle of the stage, as the woman moved to take his place at the podium.

At first, she said nothing, spending a few moments just looking out over the sea of anxious and terrified faces. Taking a breath, she began.

"Hello ladies and gentlemen. As told by Mr. Mayor, I am our Gym Leader. As such, I oversee all trainer activity in Evermoor, so for those of you who get chosen, I'm your new boss. Now, the Union Hall Trainer Committee and I came to the decision that there will be 9 of you drafted this year. When your name is called, you are to make your way to the stage and come up the stairs on your respective side. You are to do so efficiently and quietly." Elise couldn't help but shake her head. Yep, she's still as fun as before. I'd hate to have her for a boss, to hell with that! Beloff continued "Before we start pulling names, are there any volunteers that wish to come forward?" Her question was met with deafening silence. Not a single person was willing to sacrifice themselves for this. It wasn't worth it. "No volunteers? Alright. We will now begin the selection process." Beloff pulled out a tablet from her coat, setting it down on the podium. Two large screens on either side of the stage came to life, displaying the interface on the Gym Leader's device. Beloff selected the button for randomized selection, and names began to flash in quick succession, the names illegible until it stopped. Elise's breath caught in her throat as she waited. The wait of the first name was always the most anxiety inducing. It stopped.

"Number 1, Noah Spray! Noah Spray, make your way to the stage." It only took a moment, but a young man separated from the right side and walked to the stage. His face was calm, but his eyes showed his sadness. Arriving on stage, Noah stood silently behind the Gym Leader. Elise shuffled in place, peeking over at her brother she saw his face was screwed up in worry. He was afraid he would get picked, that was astonishingly clear. This is the last time you have to do this Malcolm. You'll be fine. Pulling her focus away from her brother, she watched the names start to go by. Here we go.

"Number 2, Emma Golding! Emma Golding, make-" Beloff was cut off and everyone's attention was drawn to a screech on the right side. A shorter young woman with long blonde hair had sunk to the ground, refusing to move.

"This is BULLSHIT! I don't give a shit if your stupid ass program chose me, roll it again!" Beloff rolled her eyes and motioned to two of the trainers, who made their way off the stage and toward Emma. Each of them grabbed one of her arms and 'walked' her to the stage. That didn't stop her cursing tirade however. "Get your fucking hands off me! My parents will sue your ass! This is rigged!" Holy shit, entitled much? Definitely District 1. Once the trainers had her up onto the stage, Emma stomped her foot and crossed her arms defiantly. Before she could say anything more, one glare from the Gym Leader shut her up for good. Elise couldn't help but laugh at the girls defiance, it was funny but wouldn't get her anywhere.

"Number 3, Thompson Morr! Thompson Morr, make your way to the stage!" Wait, do I know him? A young black man exited the right side, walking swiftly and quietly to the stage. His face showed he was on the brink of breaking down, but still hanging on. Oh my god it's Tommy. I haven't seen him in years. That's so fucked up. Elise turned to Malcolm, only to see he was looking back at her. Leaning in, he started to whisper.

"I feel so bad for him. Last I heard Tommy's family wasn't doing so well. Damn shame." Elise didn't have time to think about Tommy before the next name was called.

"Number 4, Will Jones! Will Jones make your way to the stage." With a whoop and pumping his fist in the air, a tall and stocky man sprinted to the stage, smiling from ear to ear. If he's so happy why didn't he just volunteer. Like what the he-. Her thoughts got cut off and she froze. She hadn't been listening, but she caught the end of the last name. Entire body shaking, she slowly looked up at the screens.

"I repeat, Elise Vale! Make your way to the stage, now!"

Elise Vale.

Elise. Me.

Fuck, that's me.

Paralyzed by fear, Malcolm stepped into her view. He stared into her eyes, his own eyes starting to tear up. Gripping her arms tightly, he pulled her into a brief but strong embrace.

"It's okay. You'll be okay. You can do this, just like Dad." Pulling away, he saw the terror upon her face. She started to sputter.

"But you and Elliot! I can't-" He brought a finger up to his lips to quiet her down.

"We will be fine. Call us when you can, now go. Before they make you." Elise, whipped around, to see the pair of trainers who hauled Emma to the stage earlier standing nearby. Separating from Malcolm, she slowly passed the trainers who then followed her to the stage. Reaching the stairs, she looked up the steps, and back to the crowd. They all had the same face she had worn moments earlier, anxious relief. Malcolm's head was down, unable to watch anymore. Elise ascended the steps and stopped next to the excited guy. Looking down at the other chosen, her eyes locked with Tommy's. After a reassuring nod, he turned back to facing the crowd.

This sucks so bad. What the fuck...

"Number 6, Ethan Miller! Ethan Miller, make your way to the stage." A boy from the left side. He's so young. Youngest so far this year. Elise saw it only for a moment in her peripheral vision, but a couple of the assisting trainers gave each other worried looks. Wonder what that's about.

"Number 7, Reed Parker! Reed Parker, make your way to the stage!" A young man from the right side. As he made it to the top of the steps, his eyes met Elise's as he took his place. He isn't afraid. Not cocky, just... confident. Huh...

"Number 8-" Beloff's sentence was for the second time cut short as a proclamation came from the crowd.

"I volunteer! I volunteer!" A young woman with flowing copper hair ran forward, climbing the stairs and making her way to the Gym Leader, who just looked at her with minimal shock.

"Certainly. What's your name?"

"Lakynn. Lakynn Briar." Beloff nodded, and motioned for the young lady to join the rest of us behind her. Lakynn quickly strode over to the rich blonde girl, who only rolled her eyes as Lakynn approached.

"Number 8 is the volunteer, Lakynn Briar. Okay now, the final draw." Elise couldn't see the screens behind her, so she waited with baited breath as the final name was announced.

"Number 9, Reggie Wilson! Reggie Wilson, make your way to the stage."

...

What?