Hi all. Thanks for checking out my story. There is a TW/CW for violence, mentions of rape, SA, mentions of abuse and torture, domestic violence, drugs, and body dysmorphia. I am keeping this story at a "T" rating as none of these are explicitly described; they will either be mentioned in passing or occur in the actual plot without graphic details. My reason for the rating is that these themes will be described in a similar manner as they are in The Perks of Being a Wallflower, The Book Thief, Thirteen Reasons Why, Go Ask Alice, and other YA novels that explore such themes. If appropriate, the rating will be changed.
Background: A couple of years ago, there was a story on this site that was basically a prequel to the events happening in Gen IV. That story is gone. My story is not meant to be a continuation or second part of that story; rather it is a sequel to the events of Gen IV. I will be making occasional nods towards that story as it explained the events behind Gen IV (especially Platinum) very well.
Plot: 13 years after the events of Platinum, the Sinnoh region is experiencing a change. Members of Team Galactic have integrated into general society while the next generation nearly forgets about their parents' fears of the world almost being destroyed. Celeste Astra, the daughter of Champion Cynthia, wishes to lead a normal life. But when an underground world starts spilling over, and the skies turn a dark purple, land starts floating, and gravity stops working, Celeste sets out to return the world to order.
A cool wind blew from route 210, giving Celeste and her Froslass a break from the harsh sun. The girl- soon to be independent college freshman- glanced one more time at the shrine centering her mother's home village. How exciting it will be to finally live in a city. Although she spent a fair amount of time between the small Celestic Town and the larger League, she was ecstatic to leave her mother's shadow, to live without the watchful eyes (or glares, in some cases) of strangers, to study what she wants to study, to capture whichever Pokemon she wants to capture, to not be asked about how she plans to follow her mother's footsteps... to be a regular 18-year-old, not Champion Cynthia Astra's daughter and possible successor.
"Grandma wants to see you," her mother interrupted her thoughts.
Great-grandmother. The town elder's condition did not appear to be improving and Cynthia was worried that she would soon succumb to her illness.
Aunt Celina was at the foot of the sick woman's bed. Her face was pale from all the sleepless nights spent caring for the old woman. Cynthia nudged her daughter forward- "Grandma can't see or hear as well, speak up" she whispered.
"Grandma, it's me. Celeste," the girl reached out to put her hand over the old woman's hands. They were cold- in the back, Froslass shuddered knowing what will likely happen soon.
"Celeste. My sweet child. I cannot believe it, you are about to start college. Oh gods, how proud I am of you!" her great-grandmother exclaimed. Celeste couldn't smile. A month ago her great-grandfather succumbed to his Alzheimer's. Since his death, the old woman lost her usual sass and spent most of her time indoors, looking through old photographs and reminiscing the past. Celeste was excited to listen to another one of her stories.
"So did you choose your college? Oh, I remember. Your mother mentioned you picking Canalave City. Number one in Sinnoh; ranked seventh globally. I'm not surprised that you'd want to follow your mother's footsteps. It is a great university. It is also where your mother met your father."
So that's what grandma wanted. Cynthia rolled her eyes, "Grandma, Celeste is heading to college. We should be focusing on her accomplishments."
"Oh come on, Cynthia. I'm on my deathbed and you still won't tell me?"
"I told you. Celeste's father is gone."
"Gone, not dead."
"He's probably dead by now."
"Celeste, you can tell me," the old woman turned to her grand-granddaughter, "Who is this handsome gentleman that your mother wants to hide from the world?"
"At least you still have your sense of humor," Cynthia said wryly.
"Oh please, don't tell me that you'd have a child with a man that is not handsome."
"Grandma, I told you. It is best that Celeste doesn't know. Even Celina has no clue."
"It's true," Aunt Celina piped up.
"I suppose if the gods permit, I will meet him in the afterlife. But are you not worried? You were able to protect Celeste for now. The press and the paparazzi are vicious."
"So what? Why would my child's father interest them so much? Who cares what they think?" Cynthia scoffed.
"You are naïve. You are the most powerful woman in Sinnoh and the world. The influence that you have is great. But that brings enemies. You know that people talk; there are rumors with bastard children that I don't even want to get into."
"What rumors? You mean those superstitions? I'm surprised that you out of all people believe in them."
"Oh, I do not," great-grandmother scowled, "but you have to think about Celeste. You have many enemies, Cynthia. Some are pathetic enough to try to get to you by attacking your daughter. They will make up lies and rumors. Do you know what some tabloids are printing right now? That you got to where you are by prostituting yourself. Ha! Prostituting! And that is why you have a child that you hide from the world. Imagine stooping so low. But they are vultures. I have a bad feeling about letting Celeste go."
Celeste's great grandmother was a woman of science, contrasting most old Sinnohans who strict superstitions. But she was right. There is no way to explain that the most famous woman in all of Sinnoh all of a sudden had a daughter. Cynthia was lucky. While pregnant, she didn't show as much as most women. There was no morning sickness, cramps, or fatigue. Even though she also is not superstitious, she found her pregnancy to be a gift from the fates. It happened at the worst moment in her career- she just beat the eight gym in Sunyshore City and was preparing to take on Victory Road- yet the lack of all the worst symptoms of pregnancy made her feel like she should have the baby... She did not know how to explain it. She knew that she wouldn't see the baby's father for a while and she was set on becoming the new Champion. But she just had this feeling. The older Sinnohans tended to be quite conservative and judgmental- Celeste's father knew this firsthand- but younger Sinnohans supported women's choice much more. But the decision was ultimately up to her. And, in her last trimester, she did a task deemed impossible: finished her thesis, beat the retiring Champion, and became the first female Champion and a role model to young girls everywhere.
Fortunately, as Celeste grew, it was obvious that she was her mother's child. Like a small clone, Celeste had the same blonde hair, height, nose, and mouth. It was only Celeste's eyes that could betray her mother's secret. They were unique and Cynthia's grandmother could swear that she saw them before, but could not possibly pinpoint on who.
"Is it Lucian?" She would guess, "No... Lucian's eyes are purple. Perhaps that young gentleman Riley? Did you even see him when you were pregnant? Maybe it's Volkner. Now he would make an amazing husband. Gods, please just tell me that it's not Rowan..."
And just like that she would never guess. Celeste never asked her mother. She already set her mind.
"Celeste will be fine," Cynthia told her grandmother firmly, "And even if I told you who her father is, what would that change? The media would still attack her."
"Yes, but it would satisfy my curiosity."
"Grandma!"
"Fine. Celina, how are the baby preparations going?"
Celina, now married and pregnant, was planning to take over her grandmother's research position in the tiny Celestic Town.
"Everything is well. I'm due at the Fall Solstice. Thankfully Patrick won't have to travel then. He can help around the village in preparing for the Festival of Time," Celina responded. Her husband is also a researcher, although he does much more field work while Celina decided to stay confined to the lab.
"How fortunate. It truly is a blessing to have a child be born during that time. May Dialga bring her many great gifts," the old woman sighed, "Oh you girls are so fortunate. I still remember your mother when she was living her best life and all the adventures that she went on after meeting your father. How unfortunate that they died so young. I am sure that they are so proud of you."
The room fell silent once again. Cynthia was 15 and Celina was 12 when the tragedy struck. While studying Psyduck over Route 210's canyon, their mother lost her footing. Given how foggy the area is, their father's attempt at help resulted in both of their deaths. Celeste heard many stories about her grandparents and thought about how lucky she was to meet them through her great-grandmother.
The ferry to Canalave was quick. Celeste spent the entire ride looking out the window, admiring the waters and flocks of Wingull and Pelippers. Froslass blew cold wind onto the flying Pokemon, scaring them away while Cynthia scolded her. Finally, they made it to the city and headed straight for Celeste's dorm.
"Are you sure about this? We can definitely afford a room just for you," Cynthia asked.
"Mom, I want the full college experience. Living on my own would be just lame," Celeste opened a package, taking out her bedsheets.
"I know but, as much as I hate to admit it, grandma is right. You need to be careful around here. You don't know anyone or their intentions. Promise me that you'll be careful."
Celeste rolled her eyes, "I promise."
"This is serious," Cynthia pursed her lips and glanced at Froslass, "I know that you love Froslass but... maybe consider getting a pseudo-legendary. I just... don't want you to get hurt. You know what happens on these college campuses. Drugs, binge drinking, rape."
"Mom, I'm going to be careful. Also, I've had Froslass since she was a Snorunt. She's an amazing partner and a great friend. Aren't you the one who told me that what is most important is the connection you make with your Pokemon, and not who they are?"
Cynthia took a moment to carefully think through her next sentence, "Yes, but these college campuses just keep getting more dangerous. Creepy frat guys would immediately leave me alone as soon as they saw Garchomp. I am just not sure if Froslass would have the same effect. Especially since she has so many weaknesses."
Froslass, clearly offended, growled but Celeste responded coolly, "You're just upset because she would easily beat your Garchomp. Seriously mom. I'm going to be fine."
Cynthia smiled, "Ok. Just remember, if anything happens, call me immediately. Here, let's finish unpacking before your roommate arrives."
By 21:00, Cynthia had already left and Celeste was sitting on her bed, going over her syllabi. Froslass paced back and forth, clearly upset by the earlier interaction.
"Don't worry about what she said," Celeste tried to calm her down, "She's just worried about me because this is my first time so far away from her. She doesn't actually believe that you're weak," she paused, "Just one thing. If creepy frat guys come anywhere near me, promise to freeze them."
Froslass shook her head excitedly and flew around the ceiling. Celeste thought for a moment. It wasn't like her mother to talk about Pokemon like that, but she could understand some of her worriers. She released the rest of her party from their Pokeballs: Infernape, Gardevoir, and Umbreon. Sure, her party was small, but, contrary to basically everyone's wishes, she had no desire to follow her mother's footsteps. Although she signed up as an undeclared major, secretly she knew that she wanted to do engineering. She always had an interest in machines and design and... space. Sinnoh is considered an advanced nation, yet there was little space exploration, unlike Hoenn that had its own space center. But Celeste was determined. She signed up for the 101 classes for aerospace engineering majors, and just one biology class focusing on Pokemon care. That way, she can still show her mom that she is making some effort to focus on battling.
Celeste lied down and stared at the ceiling. She wondered how she will tell her mom about her actual plans. The two have always been close and she did not want to disappoint. But she never enjoyed battling. She considered research, just like her aunt and great-grandmother, but after getting attacked by a swarm of Weedles in Eterna Forest (and once more in her aunt's lab), she decided that she prefers a nice, calm activity that she can do in her room. She always had an affinity for working with her hands; while growing up, she collected scraps of metals and other materials to make small robots and machines. Sure, jobs in machinery don't pay as much as Pokemon-related jobs (and definitely do not hold as much prestige), but Celeste could not see herself doing anything else. She hated battling and subjecting her Pokemon to the pain and damage that goes along with it.
But she couldn't tell her mom. Not directly at least. Cynthia's eyes would always shine when she talked about Celeste's future.
"Professor Rowan gave Celeste his Chimchar yesterday! She is just six and already has two Pokemon!" she told guests at the prestigious Ribbon Syndicate. Guests would ooh and ahh, but Celeste did not understand why. Of course she already has Pokemon; her mom is the Champion! It would be strange if she didn't have any.
"So Celeste, what are your plans for the future?" a year later a guest asked her.
"I dunno," Celeste murmured, clutching her Snorunt tightly, "I'm seven."
"What an absolutely adorable young lady!" an older woman with a fur coat pinched Celeste's cheek, "I am sure that you will do great things!"
The sentence made Celeste's stomach turn. Thankfully, Aunt Celina came to the rescue, "Of course she will! And we are all very proud of her! But she seems a little tired, perhaps we should let her rest before the dinner?"
These charity events were all the same: her mother (or another important adult) would make a speech and talk with a bunch of important adults. Aunt Celina and her boyfriend at the time would speak with other important adults. And grandma and grandpa spoke with important adults as well.
But Celeste was never left alone. She followed either her mom, her aunt, or her great-grandparents. She wasn't allowed to be by herself. "They'll ask too many questions," her mother warned her. And at the time Celeste didn't know why that was an issue- her grandma always asks her a lot of questions, and her mother was okay with this. But the people at the Syndicate were different. Although they smiled and held all these charitable events for those less fortunate, there was something cold in their eyes.
"Oh." And now, all of a sudden, laying on her college bunk bed, Celeste realized what those adults really wanted to know.
But before she could wonder some more about her childhood questions, the door opened suddenly and loudly.
"Hi! O-M-G, you must be Celeste!" a young blonde with a deep tan came in, "Hi! I'm Jessica, your roommate!"
Froslass glanced with distaste. Celeste smiled and got up from her bed to greet her new roommate. She can finally put her worries aside and be a regular 18-year old.
Please let me know what you think!