Disclaimer: I don't own Pokémon. If I did, Galarian Ponyta would *spoiler* be Fairy Type.

Additional disclaimer: This fanfiction is heavily inspired by "The truth will prevail" by Maydei. Check it out, it's absolutely awesome ^^

Ps: I'm sorry, this is not exactly how I planed this out. So, yeah. Apologies in advance.


Too Little Colours To Describe The World

Chapter 4

Tea Green and maybe some Chestnut.


The first thing Touko did after having set foot into Accumula Town was checking out the local PokéCenter. She really wanted a room and her rash action was justified once she found out she'd have to wait for three days to get a room. Accumula Town wasn't a very big city and therefore its PokéCenter was rather small - and there was only one. Having to camp out for another three days wasn't what Touko had hoped for, but she wouldn't complain. After all she had already done so for an entire week and survived. And she had even learned to try and sweep the floor before setting up a tent.

Bless the first night she had spent outside.

During the three days of being room-less, Touko decided she'd look around the city (for no reason other than smugly greeting her former classmates) and search for a trainer willing to battle her. She had already got a second Pokémon (kind of at least) and she had already some experience battling wild Pokémon (wild Lillipup's that was) and thus, now it was time for a real trainer battle. Something to show her the ropes before she moved on and challenged the first gym. And a battle before she took on Cheren and beat him into the ground because Arceus knew she had to get some experience in. But no matter how long she looked, she simply couldn't find any other trainers. Not even someone that was way out of her league (rumors said one could sometimes convince veteran trainers to battle one with their weaker Pokémon if you just begged long enough.) But no. Not a single trainer soul was to be found lingering around. Most had already started their journey earlier or they had simply skipped Accumula Town.

Touko planned to stay half a week before making her way to Striaton City. Trainers were supposed to take roughly three weeks to gain their first badge (provided they took on the Trio gym first) and Touko had already spent one week on Route One. She planned on training on Route 2 for a bit before actually taking on the real traveling, so she'd even have enough time to have her first ever stay in a PokéCenter right here.

It was exciting, to say the least.

The distance from Accumula Town to Striaton City was roughly 30 kilometer and it took some time to get there. The official league website advised to plan a week for this distance, simply because at this point Pokémon (and trainers, for some reason) where still rather weak and one had to be careful. After all, no one wanted to overdo things this early. After one week, Touko would have three more days to get ready before taking on the gym. She should be able to win after a second try. One first battle to scout what was going on and then a second one to actually win.

So much in theory. Now all she had to do was adhere to her plans.

It all started with her calling Cheren and Bianca and asking if they were still around. Bianca wasn't and she didn't necessarily want to backtrack as she was afraid her parents might find her. Luckily, Bianca's mother had ensured her Trainer ID stayed activated so no living out in the woods was necessary, but who knew what would happen if Bianca's dad caught up to her.

Cheren, however, had been willing to come back. In four days that was. He hadn't specified why it would take him this long, but Touko wasn't one to complain about that. At least he wanted to meet up with her although she was lagging behind. Touko greatly appreciated the effort.

So for now she stayed in Accumula Town. At first she had trained on Route 1, feeling too intimidated by Route 2 (obviously because of the strong trainers. Not because she missed her mom or anything. That'd be ridiculous) until she had finally allowed herself to move on.

It was her third day in Accumula Town and her second day on Route 2 when things got a bit more interesting (not that it was ever not interesting - it was her journey after all!). She had dared to enter the Route on the second day already, but just during the evening and now - now she planned on actually training instead of just quickly scouting the area.

So, without further ado, Touko started training with Ollie and Lil. Lillipup. She started training her Lillipup. Not Lil. She had not given her a nickname.

Everything had gone according to plan so far. Her team had made great progress (although Ollie some more, because Touko was too scared to train Lil, Arceus dammit!).
Ollie had learned Water Sport and Touko's Lillipup had figured out how to put that nose of hers to good use. Sadly, Odor Sleuth was going to be rather useless throughout Touko's journey (although she had to admit, the Dog Pokémon looked rather cute when sniffing around and exploring her surroundings) - but it was something. It made Touko feel less guilty about the fact that Lillipup didn't get as much attention as Ollie did. After all, she grew stronger too, right?

It was a challenge though. Especially because Ollie wasn't too happy with Lil being in her ball for most of the day. They had become quite close friends throughout the short period of time they had spent together and her Lilipup seemed to grow sadder and sadder everytime Touko recalled it.

It shattered the young trainer's heart. Why was training a Pokémon so emotionally taxing?!

It was a situation like this when a familiar ringtone ripped her away from dark and hopeless thoughts and Touko had rushed to pick up her VisoCaster. The girl had welcomed her mother's call and had eagerly pressed "accept". She was met with a red face and a panting Celine.

"Hey, Touko...Heh...heh...Where are…are you?" "Uh...", the brunette replied, visibly confused,"Route 2. I'm currently training...Why? Wh...What are you doing?!" Touko frowned, not quite getting the full picture until she figured out why her mum was panting. "Mom, are you jogging to Accumula Town?", she inquired, sounding annoyed. Why did her mom have to show up, it was like, what, two days since they had last seen each other? Come one, she wasn't a baby!

But really, she was glad Celine was checking up on her. Though she'd obviously never say that out loud.

"Don't move! I'm there in a second!", was the only answer Touko got before her mother hung up and left her daughter alone to contemplate what to do next. She didn't contemplate for long because Touko decided it was noon already and they could all use a break. She thought about starting her lunch now, but then she realized (maybe she was hoping for too much) that he mom might bring food.

So she decided to wait.

Her mother showed up shortly after, maybe ten minutes or so, still panting and her face looking like a cheri berry.

It was hilarious.

Sadly, her mom didn't bring any lunch but instead something Touko most definitely didn't want to see ever again in the entirety of her life. "You forgot these", her mum stated before sitting down next to her daughter in the grass and houlding out a plastic bag containing a certain piece of clothing Touko despised. Her old trainers. God, why did he mum notice those things laying around?

"You should take them along, Touko", her mother added, guessing her daughter's thoughts (which wasn't difficult as her expression immediately darkened upon recognizing the dreaded package),"They'll come in quite helpful on your journey, believe me!" Of course they would come in handy. Touko already knew that. It didn't mean she wanted to wear them though.

If Touko had known what spending more time with her mom meant, she would have probably taken those stupid trainers and ran away with them. But Touko was, deep down, kind of scared with all that was ahead and decided to use this time without raising any annoying questions like "Oh, so you do miss me?" and other dangerous ideas her mother might get. Sadly, her mother got dangerous thoughts nonetheless. It all started with a simple question. "Oh, by the way, did you already call your dad?" For a few moments Touko resorted to staring at her nails. Then she glanced at Ollie, idly playing in the grass before clapping her hands and exclaiming loudly (and with a rather high-pitched voice):"Lets have lunch!" Without hesitating another second Touko reached for her suitcase, pulling out some food. "What do you want?", she asked, without as much as glancing at her mother sitting next to her, an unsurprised expression on her face.

She should have known. There was no way her daughter would ever voluntarily call her dad. To Touko what he did was wrong. Simply put and there was no way he had any right to "abandon" her the way he had done.

In Touko's mind that was.

Her mother had her own interpretation.

Ollie's ears perked up once she heard the magical world "food". Her trainer wasn't really sending out any signals connecting to lunchtime, but the Oshawott had accompanied the girl for long enough to have picked up some words. The most important ones that was. And food was definitely an important one.

Also, there was this nice woman from earlier that had fed Ollie some berries, so how could she not come closer?

Quickly the Water-Pokémon shuffled to her trainer, her big eyes begging for some berries, her hands neatly folded and her lip trembling. Touko snorted seeing her starter like this (it had almost become somewhat of a routine by now) and conjured a (Pokémon friendly) chocolate bar. An elderly woman had gifted it to her once she had seen Touko camp out in the area of her house. She had even invited the girl inside for tea, but although such gestures were common especially when it came to new trainers, Touko had been crept out a bit too much by that.

There were a bunch of real-life horror stories on the internet that told the tale of less fortunate souls that had never left such houses ever again.

"What do you want to eat, mum?", Touko repeated as her mother had failed to answer the first time. "Oh, don't worry about me. I already ate before lunch", Celine finally replied, after starring at her daughter for way too long and thinking of a way to make her dial her father's number. Touko frowned. "Isn't it bad to eat just before going jogging?", she asked innocently and finally looked at her mother, a package filled with two sandwiches in her hand and a package of Pokémon food in the other.

She had ditched the Human-Pokémon Instant Noddles. The payoff, if there was any, simply wasn't worth the horrendous taste.

"Oh, well, it was more like a late breakfast. You know, now that I don't have overly excited daughters running around the house at 8am I can finally sleep in again..." Celine grinned as she saw a blush forming on Touko's face and she even chuckled. Being self-employed and finally having kicked out your only child sure had its perks. She almost leaned back, letting her head rest in the grass (after all, she had just jogged roughly five kilometer), but then a simply motion of her daughter made her stop.

Touko grabbed a second Poké , Celine remembered. She had already caught a Lillipup.

"Is she hurt?", Celine asked curiously, prying eyes starring at the Pokéball. Touko simply shrugged and continued to unpack everyone's lunch."No. Why?" Immediately her mother sat up upright again, this time a more worried expression on her face. "Then why isn't she out and about like Oshawott?"

It was this question that made Touko freeze once more and slowly, her gaze fell to the second Pokéball, warm to the touch. A bad consciousness made its way into her thoughts.

Maybe she should have just called her dad.

"Letting your Pokémon out of their Pokéball is a great way to strengthen your bond, Professor Elm has shown that beautifully in his years of research. And if one Pokémon is allowed to spend their time outside, so should every other member of the team too", Celine continued, oblivious of her daughter's evident discomfort,"Or else the inequality will lead to plenty of discontent within your team. And trust me, you'll want to prevent infighting. It's the..." "I know", Touko interrupted her rudely. For a second she simply stared at the Pokéball before realizing her mother wasn't going to let got of this topic this easily. So she resorted to tossing the Pokéball onto the ground which revealed a super excited Lillipup. It hadn't even fully materialized and it already started to jump around, causing chaos all over Touko's totally sorted bag.

"Yay, is it play time again? I love play time, I love it, I love it!"

Ollie, who had by now finished her chocolate bar, smiled happily upon seeing her friend and let out some chattering, before sending out the message, that no, this was not playtime. It was food time. Even better, Lil decided. "Everytime is playtime! Everytime! I'm so happy trainer let me out again, I'm soooooo happy! We're going to have so much fun, it's going to be amazing! Yay, yay, yay!" The Puppy Pokémon twirled around before settling down in front of Touko and happily awaiting her food. Touko let out a sigh once she gazed into those endlessly loyal eyes. Why? Why did he need to be so overly attached to her? Why?

But there was no helping it, so she opened up the package revealing some dry food (she knew every nature's preferred type of food by heart) and watched her Pokémon use Odor sleuth for some unknown reason. Pokémon could be so confusing. Not that she hadn't read about them using their attacks for, well, other things than battling, but it still was kind of weird.

Anyway.

"Touko, why don't you let her play outside with Ollie? The two seem to..." "Mom, you don't get it!", Touko hissed, whirling around anger clearly visible in her eyes. "It's….You know my plans! You know what will happen to her!" And then she turned back. Why did her mum need to be so obnoxious. Arceus, she hated this! She had had enough trouble with this all on her own, why did her mother ne...

A soft hand on her shoulder made her tense posture relax a bit as she starred at her sandwich noticing a shy Ollie and a bit less shy Lil at the edge of her field of vision. They seemed to be unsure what to do and they both had stopped eating. Could they help their trainer? But then again that other woman seemed to do just fine...So it was probably ok!

"Touko", a soft voice murmured as Celine tried to make her daughter turn around, to no avail though. "You're trying to be the perfect trainer. And you can't. You've only started traveling a week ago!" Her mother chuckled and slightly shook her shoulder. "I'm not..." "Yes you are. I told you those shows you've watched aren't good for you. That's not what being a real trainer looks like and you know it."

Touko sighed and closed her eyes. Why did her mom have to be so clever? For a second she glanced at her team and then she mustered the best smile she could to make them eat again. Just because she was sad it didn't mean they had to be sad. Her Pokémon seemed to be content with this, although Ollie seemed to be a bit reluctant at first. In fact, her starter had only turned away once she had taken a bite from her sandwich.

"I have to let her go eventually", Touko whispered as soon as she was sure her Pokémon couldn't hear her anymore. Or rather, they were too busy scattering their food all across the green grass and then finding it and then eating it.

She'd have to teach them some table manners at some point. They weren't animals after all.

"You don't have to", her mother responded sincerely. Touko's head shot up and then she half turned, facing her mom, a confused expression on her face. "Whad?", she asked, her mouth still full from her second bite,"Bud whads widsh my blansh…? Again, her mother simply chuckled before she responded:"You don't have to do as you planned out. I just wanted to make sure you knew what you were getting into. Also, you spent most of your time "planning" watching "educational" youtube videos and shows. Don't think I didn't notice!" Immediately Touko's head turned red, a panicking expression on her face, and now she fully turned, almost spitting the last bits of her sandwich out.
"I DIDN'T..." "Don't lie, Touko, we both know it's true", her mother simply deadpanned. Touko's blush intensified and her eyes fell to the floor as she took another bite before mumbling a simple "Maybe I did watsh shoooome videosh dhadsh weren'd neshesharry...". But she put a great emphasis on "shome".

Her mum simply laughed and ruffled her hair.

"You see! It's fine. You don't need to do anything according to plan. It's not like you ever did that in the first place…" Again, Celine laughed. Then she pointed at the scattered items laying all around and ordered:"But we better clean this up now, or else someone may mistaken it for stray items..."

Hastily Touko agreed, snatching the items on the floor and aimlessly putting the back into her bag. How long would it take her, Celine wondered, until she figured out keeping everything neat and tidy would be rather helpful during her journey? Probably a year, counting her pride and therefore unwillingness to do so.

The two woman sat in silence for quite some time before Touko started hesitating, shooting occasional glances at her mom.

It was only when she accidentally dropped the potion in her hands that her mother noticed.

"Huh? Is everything ok?", she asked, wise eyes scanning her daughter's posture. She was biting her lips again. It took her daughter quite some time to built the courage to finally speak. "Mu...Mum, did you...Did you ever let go of one of your Pokémon? As in, did you ever say good bye to one because…" She glanced at Lil who was idly sitting in the grass, enjoying the sun on her full belly. She looked back at her nails painted black. "Because you needed a new team? To...". The girl gulped before continuing:"To make place for some else?" Just now she dared to look at her mother who was smiling an understanding smile. She took her daughters hand and tried to look into her eyes, but it didn't work. Touko refused to meet hers.

"No, Touko. I never had to. I didn't have any elaborate plans or a PokéDex to fill." Touko blushed. Oh. Yeah. The PokéDex. "I just caught the Pokémon I wanted to be in my party. But, I know someone who definitely..." Immediately Touko ripped her hands from her mother's grip and jumped up, an annoyed expression on her face. "I'm not going to call him!", she exclaimed loudly, earning glances from some other pedestrians walking around.

Not from her team though, they were to busy starring at a butterfly sitting on a flower in front of them.

"Touko, you promised!", her mother responded, her voice sounding demanding,"He's still your father!" Celine got up too and looked at her daughter disapprovingly. She saw the stubborn pride in Touko's eyes and readied herself for another needless discussion. "I don't...", she started, before stopping and noticing her mother's ordering stance. "Fine! I'll do it! Happy?!" Her mother didn't even as much as smile. Instead she handed her daughter her bag, sensing this little meetup of theirs was over. "I'll call him this evening, Touko, and you better had had a chat with him until then, or I'm going to find any school in Unova that still accepts students. And you know I'd do it." The brunette simply huffed and snatched her satchel, before turning her back on her mother and walking towards her team. "Whatever", she hissed,"But I've got to train now." And then, her voice just a tad bit softer, she added: "See you, mom!" She even glanced back over her shoulder and presented her mom something of a smile.

"Hey guys! Lunch is over! It's time for training!" Immediately, both Pokémon stood to attention and excitedly watcher her trainer (though, really, Ollie was only excited because of Furball). "Playtime? More playtime? I looooove playtime!", the Lillipup exclaimed loudly (to any Pokémon that was) and she ran to her trainer, jumping around her feet.

Touko just had to smile watching the scene unfold, as Ollie trotted behind her newly found friend.

"Lets go, guys!", she whispered and made her way deeper into the Route, hoping she wouldn't encounter any trainers anytime soon. By now she had decided she wanted her first battle to be against Cheren. Or maybe Bianca. Screw that she might lose. As long as it wasn't just some random trainer running around the Route.

"Leave your Lillipup out of its ball!", her mom called after her, before putting her hands back on her lips as she watched her daughter apart. A quick wave and a "Yeah, yeah" was the only reaction she got, but Celine didn't see the colors of any Pokéball taken out of a bag, so she probably did as she had been ordered to do.

Celine sighed before turning around as well. It was only now she noticed the bag of trainers still laying in the grass. That sneaky, little…She picked the bag from the floor and turned around, a smile appearing on her face. Touko seemed to be fine. That was the most important part.

.o.O.o.

Touko starred at her VisoCaster. The sun was already setting. She let a sigh out and shoved it away, using her feet, starring to the Silhouette of Accumula Town in the distance. They were quite far away, but really, there was no reason to stay close. She was going to camp out anyway.

Arceus, Touko missed her bed.

Ollie was sitting next to her, starring at her paws. Furball was back in her ball and the small Water-Pokémon already missed her. She reminded her a bit of Fireball and that familiarity made things easier. The past few days had been stressful.

The Oshawott glanced at her trainer, wondering what the girl was up to now. She was constantly sending out a feeling of discomfort and it started to affect her. Ollie wondered why that was. And what had that strange device to do with it.

"You know...", the girl started, saying something in a language Ollie did not understand. Her ears perked up nonetheless. "You...I really don't want to talk to..." Touko looked aside, watching her starter who, in return, was watching her.

Another sigh escaped her lips and she fixed her gaze onto the faraway city once more. They were so far away from everything, it physically hurt.

Touko shoved the VisoCaster a bit farther away.

There was no point of talking to her starter. Ollie didn't understand her. After all, she couldn't understand Pokémon. A throaty laugh erupted from Touko's aching chest as she bitterly contemplated the truth of that statement.

Arceus, she was getting way to melancholic. She should probably really just call her dad. Though it would hardly cheer her up.

It took Touko five minutes until she had finally mustered the courage to pick up her VisoCaster, a move carefully observed by her ever so loyal starter.

They'd make a good team. Maybe not yet, but at some point they'd make a great team, Touko knew it. And she didn't need her stupid dad's encouragement to know that.

The VisoCaster rung for two minutes or so before it was finally picked up. At first the man on the other side of the screen seemed to be rather annoyed, but upon seeing his daughter, his face lit up. "Touko!" She didn't dare to meet his eyes, her gaze fixed on a loose branch laying on the ground. "Hi, dad", she murmured with as much enthusiasm as she could muster. Her gaze graced Lil who had sat down, her tail whacking and again, using Odor Sleuth. What was their trainer doing?

"How are you? It's been some time since we last talked? How's everything going?" Her father had sat down, Touko could tell from the way his image shook and his eyes shone with serious curiosity. His voice...it sounded so happy when seeing her and her seemed to genuinely care about her.

This hurt so much more than anything.

"It's...going", she responded, biting her lip. Then she added, her voice sounding a bit less...well, less of whatever emotion she was feeling:"How's everything...well, wherever you are? Any new badges? Any new regions?"

She really didn't care. She didn't even care where exactly her father was. All that mattered was that he wasn't here.

"Oh, nothing all too interesting. I'm back in Kan...Hey, were are you? Is that Route One? Heaven forbids, you actually left your room for once?", he responded, a chuckle accompanying his voice. His question wasn't met with no answer. He frowned. "Is everything ok? It just...Look, I didn't mean to insult you or a..." "I'm on Route 2", Touko finally interrupted, her eyes still not meeting his. She swallowed and desperately tried not to bite her lips. Lil started getting agitated again (the feelings trainer was sending out...it felt so...so sad…) and Ollie had gotten up, wondering if there was anything she could do. Whenever she felt sad her trainer would hug her, but she...she didn't feel all too comfortable doing that.

Tears started burning in the brunette's eyes.

"Route 2? Oh my, what...oh." His smile faltered at once. He stopped looking at the camera. Both stayed silent for some time. "Look, Touko, sweetie, you...", he grasped, before giving up and trying to make eye contact.

He knew he wouldn't get it. But her felt like he owned it.

"I'm sorry. I...I really am. I didn't mean to...But hey! Good job! You already made it to Route 2 in what? Two days?" "I left over a week ago." Touko didn't look up. If she had, she would have seen her father's hopeful look crush beneath her words. They fell silent once more. She shouldn't have called him, Touko realized. "It's...Really, I'm sorry, sweetheart, it's just...I..."

Lil, ever curious, decided she had enough of sitting around and aimlessly using Odor Sleuth on this thing. So instead she climbed Touko's unguarded lap and examined it (she couldn't let it hurt her trainer after all!), wondering if she could lick her trainer's sad face happy again. But she didn't. Instead she stared at the screen, being met with an equally sad face. This one lit up though when he saw the Normal-type Pokémon. "Oh, hey, is that a Lilipup? It's cu..." His daughter didn't react. From her expression and movement, she was probably aimlessly pulling out grass. He bit his lip. "I'm really sorry. It's just, you know..."A fleeting smile blinked across his face and then his guilty conscience was gone again. There was this sparkle in his eyes that told her how much he loved this life he had found for himself.

"I'm taking on Blue again and, you know, I'm in the midst of constant training. He..." He couldn't help but chuckle. "That dude, man, I tell you, he's one heck of a brick wall. No wonder he was champ once and...hey..." He missed seeing his daughter's eyes. He remembered how they had sparkled when she had still been younger. Whenever he had made his way back home into their welcoming arms.

Time had passed. She had grown up. He didn't get to see that sparkle all too often anymore.

But he knew he had no one to blame than himself.

"Touko, I promise I'll make it up to you, ok? How about we go out, grab some ice cream and have a training session once I'm back?" His eyes lit up at the porspect. He'd love to see her battle. She would be amazing. Her mother had been amazing and if she had continued her travels, he was sure she'd be better than even he was.

Lilipup wriggled out of Touko's lap again, carefully setting her paws into the grass. That man was weird. He didn't talk at all. But somehow, he still managed to make trainer sad and didn't sit well with Furball, so she decided to dislike him. Just like her trainer did.

"And when are you going to come back?", Touko suddenly asked, her voice poisonous and bitter. And her eyes filled with scary determination. His throat fell dry. Again, silence filed their minds, except this time his daughter actually looked at him. He didn't dare to ask for more.

"Good luck on your gym battle."

It was Touko who broke the silence. Her voice had lost all its edge and instead...It sounded so flat. And lifeless. And her eyes had wandered away once more.

"Yeah. Thanks", he murmured, not looking at her either. "Good...Have fun on your journey." He dared to chuckle, before adding:"It's not like you need luck with that determination of yours..." She didn't react. His smile fell. He let out a deep breath, wondering how many times Celine had threatened her until she had finally called him.

At least twice, he assumed. He expected her to call him any minute now to check up on whether Touko had actually called or tried to get out of it.

"Hey, heads up, sweetie", he said, desperatly trying to make her feel better again:"This journey will be the best time of your life. And don't ever forget…"

"I love you."

.o.O.o.

They had trained for quite a bit now. Ollie had gotten a bit stronger and Lillipup had done some catching up. But it was only when Touko decided to exclusively train Ollie's Tackle and being called "Lil" instead of Lillipup, that Furball realized she wasn't going to go back into the ball for quite some time.

Her face lit up and she almost bit her trainer in excitement (that was a good sign, wasn't it?) as she loudly exclaimed:"I don't have to go back! I don't have to go back! I can stay outside!" And then, when she had calmed down and sat in front of the girl, looking up at her with those big shiny eyes of her, she murmured considerably quieter:
"I love you, trainer."

"I love you, Touko."

.o.O.o.

The first city N ever visited was Striaton Town. And he hated it. Their hotel was close to the gym, a place N loathed and there were just so many people here, it was way too crowded. At least no one paid him any attention. it was something, N guessed.

Ghetsis was giving a speech at the moment. It wasn't anything fancy, nothing big, just a small little thing. They had called upon the local members to assemble and stand behind him in orderly lines while he gave the speech, in front of a few, curious onlookers. While they could have afforded a more impressive scenery, they had decided against it. They wanted to appear humble and down-to-earth and approachable after all, his father had said. N wondered why Ghetsis was of the opinion they weren't approachable, but he hadn't mentioned any concern. He hadn't minded him deciding they shouldn't directly tell everyone about their…unique hierarchy immediately either. And that maybe, he should take over the post of Team Plasma's leader in the eyes of the public for the time being. Again, N was fine with that and had signed the written order accordingly, without hesitating. His father knew more of the world than he did after all.

So now he was standing in a crowd, listening to his father's speech and tried his best to not look suspiciously. He wasn't sure if it was his awkwardness around humans or the colour of his hair (everyone seemed to take great interest in it for some reason), but people kept starring at him. Never for too long, though, really, it was more like a few glances. And, it wasn't that many people either, if he was truthful (something he had to be under all circumstances after all he was the hero of truth). But still. He felt terrible. It were moments like these in which he wished his sisters would be standing next to him, encouraging him to speak to someone. So far he hadn't done so. He had thought about talking to two girls (from the looks they were best friends, their behaviour and looks didn't make them out to be sisters and the age difference was too small for them to be mother and daughter), as he had noticed them starring at him for longer than the average person. But he had shyed away from their gaze and had instead decided to hide in the shade of a tree.

He could feel the judging gazes from all the passerbys on his back.

What were they thinking, he wondered? Were they laughing at him? Were they already secretly calling the police?

N didn't know why, but Ghetsis had said he had to be careful around any police officer. And that he shouldn't tell anyone, especially not law enforcement, about his occupation.

Well, if his father said so, he'd abide his order.

Another order, well, request, after all N was now King, was for him to stay and listen to the speeches Ghetsis was giving. He didn't mind that either, although after the second one he had started to awkwardly hide beneath the leaves of some tree again. There weren't many people, really, but they already freaked him out. It was just so different from the people in the castle! Plus, Ghetsis warning made him paranoid! "Don't let anyone know!", the sage had warned him before sending him off. But what if they found out, N wondered? Would they do something bad to him? They were humans after all and they could do quite a lot of violent things.

A shiver went done his spine when he remembered just what humans could do. Although, at the very least his father's punishments had never been for nothing. They were supposed to raise him to be the King of his people and of all free Pokémon alike.

It took N some time to calm his nerves (not, that anyone noticed he wasn't calm. Not showing any emotions was the way he had been raised. He was a king after all). He needed to focus all his thoughts on some math problems to assure himself of his safety. And he kept his father's words in mind. The speeches he was giving and Team Plasmas overall position wasn't...It wasn't too extreme. At least not yet. They had to lure the people in, Ghetsis had said.

N wasn't sure if he liked luring people in (why would they have to lure them in? They were right after all!) but then again, his father knew more than he did.

At some point, they took a break. Everyone sat down, N a bit away from them (he wasn't to be associated with them, his father had requested) and stared at the air, before remembering the assignment he had received by Anthea and Concordia.

He was supposed to buy a sandwich. In a certain shop. And he had to take the bus to get there.

Well, if they wanted a sandwich, he'd have to get it. Although he was a king, they were still his sisters. And they had told them siblings were supposed to be nice to each other.

And thus, N got up, stretched and made his way to the bus station. It wasn't too far from here. And he couldn't wait to observe some more humans.

.o.O.o.

The bus ride itself was already taxing. Which was a pity. After all, he liked busses. And trains. And planes. And, of course, ferriswheels. Concordia and Anthea had taken him to the amusement park in Nimbasa City and he had loved it. The precise way machines worked, so easily described with nothing but numbers, was, simply put, mesmerizing.

But while N liked busses, he did not enjoy the close proximity to other humans. He kept being shoved around and everytime someone touched him he couldn't help but flinch as if he had been hit. He...He couldn't stand the feeling. He felt as if everyone was watching them, but it was worse than when the grunts did it. He felt like every single action of his betrayed his true identity and regardless of where he looked he was bombarded with things he didn't understand. Why was no one getting up for the elderly people, why was there a girl obviously wearing punk clothes sitting next to someone wearing a knee long skirt, why did no one talk and why did everyone seem so content with the stretching silence? N didn't know.

It got only worse when he accidentally knocked over someone's bag and tried to apologize but they seemed to get offended because he was apologizing and...N decided he'd better walk.

So he got off at the next bus stop and made his way through the city. He had wanted to ask for directions, but everyone seemed to be so busy and everyone looked so...so aggressive and he didn't know where he was to start and was such a question even appropriate to ask and he should probably stop twirling around, people were starting to stare again and…

"Can I help you? You seem to be lost?", a voice suddenly asked and N almost, almost!, screamed out loud. He twirled around, eyes wide just to be met with a middle aged woman's questioning eyes. He needed a few seconds to calm himself before he tried to remember just what exactly Anathea and Concordia had told him.

But he remembered. So that was that.

"Excuse me, Miss! Do you know how I get to this coffee shop?", he asked, his voice way too fast and his heart beating way too fast, handing the woman a piece of paper. She seemed to be rather confused by something and judging from the exact expression on her face it was most likely by him. He didn't understand why though. After all, he had even started with "Excuse me, Miss" (she wasn't wearing a ring, N had noticed that right from the start)! However, she still seemed to be open to helping him, if her posture wasn't a lie (humans were liars after all). A nice smile appeared on her face and she carefully took the paper, examining it for a second before looking at N once more.

"Oh, that's easy!", she said. And then she had proceeded to point at the bus station N had just gotten off. "Just take line 9 to Lenter Street and you'll see it once you get off. It shouldn't take you more than another five to ten minutes!", she added, handing the paper back. N simply starred at the piece of paper. Then a "Oh" left his lips and he cast his eyes to the floor. Confused the woman glanced at him (was everything alright? He did look rather strange with that green hair of his…), before shrugging her shoulder and proceeding to walk away, but then the stranger finally looked up again, a helpless smile on his lips as he asked, his voice way too fast and way too quiet:"I...I don't want to take the bus, do you know how to get there by foot?" There was this spark of hope in his eyes that made her feel uncomfortable, but she didn't show it. Instead she looked into the direction the shop lay in. "I mean, sure, but...why not just take the bus? It's still quiet a bit, but, if you enjoy walking, I guess..."

If N had just not said anything in that moment, he would have gotten his directions. But she had asked a question and questions were meant to be answered.

"Oh, it's just I don't feel comfortable squeezed into a tiny space with no privacy whatsoever and due to my upbringing I have always been quite far removed from any other human beings, therefore intensifying something that may be seen a social anxiety, however I prefer to describe it as "social confusion" as that is what I feel like most of the time, seems to be something I should avoid.."

He had said all of that in less than five seconds.

The woman simply stared at him, visibly confused. By the original dragon, had he offended her? She seemed to be so put off, she had even stepped back, what if his reasoning didn't make sense..."Plus, I always feel a bit violated when my private space is invaded. Be it unintentional or not." He gave her an apologetic half smile, wondering if he had done something wrong as he saw her shift uncomfortably again. She looked around (was there any way to get out of this situation without being too rude?), but then directed her gaze back to him."Ooookay...So...The shop is that way..."She turned again and pointed in a direction, but a rather irritated gaze was fixed on him. "I'm sorry, could you stop starring at me? It is rather rude and as I just pointed out, I have some problems with human interactions", N then proceeded to ask. He didn't see anything wrong with that statement, it was his honest feeling, but the woman seemed to feel even more irritated and her "Sure" was said so late, one could hardly make the connection between his request and her response.

"Anyway. You go that way. Just...follow the street. There's no way to miss it...But, I need to go. It was nice meeting you!"

She then practically shoved the paper back into his hands before basically running away from didn't even answer when he asked if there was anything he could do to repay the favour. But N wasn't bothered by that. Instead he made his way to the coffee shop. He even managed to get the sandwiches, however, well...it didn't go all that well either.

The shop assistant seemed to be rather put off by N's question if he was feeling well. But Concordia and Anthea had told him asking people such things was a nice things to do and, to be fair, he had only asked because the boy behind the counter had looked so devoid of any energy wheresoever. Oh well. Such was life.

When he passed a couple of friend on his way back he was almost send into a panic attack as some of them mentioned he reminded him of that weird guy giving speeches and at the next turn, N stopped to buy himself a hat. He was very fond of hats. In fact, his very first Christmas present had been a hat. The vendor had named a price and N had paid, no questions asked, but that again had irritated the vendor. But what could possibly be wrong with paying? Well, it didn't matter. He had his hat, he had the sandwiches and he had the rest of the day off, so he knew exactly what he was going to do.

.o.O.o.

N had made his way to Route 2. It was a peaceful Route, some trees, some grass, some bushes. Little to no humans (except some obnoxious trainers, but they were all newbies so they weren't as bold when it came to battling yet, Ghetsis had told him). N took his time strolling through nature, enjoying the silence and, most importantly, the absence of stares. It was refreshing. All those encounters had drained him mentally and he couldn't wait to regain his composure once more to delve into human society once more.

Just when he started out walking, he had encountered a Patrat, busy with collecting food. At first it had been startled by N (Patrats - while curious- could getscared rather easily) before looking confused at this weird human. Well, all humans were weird, that was what made them so interesting, but this one was especially weird. This one...he actually communicated with him! With actual words and not those weird sounds humans used! The Patrat didn't mind though. He seemed nice. And something about him calmed the Patrat so it hadn't run away like it normally would have done. Instead Big Mouth decided to use the situation. Quickly Big Mouth had told the boy he was next to stand guard at the den but he needed to collect some food. And that nice human had actually given him some of his! They usually only did that for the Pokémon that decided to follow a trainer!

Though this trainer had looked confused when he had said they did that. Why wouldn't humans take care of Pokémon that followed them? Humans seemed to like Pokémon that followed them a great deal.

The man had simply said it sadly wasn't always the case and than he had offered to take over Big Mouth's guard shift. Of course, he wasn't part of the group, but the human seemed nice and the feelings he was sending out felt genuine, so the Patrat told him about the Hidden Grotto where they resided. Sometimes even a Watchog that had left the group would show up! So, all in all, their home was pretty cool and he should totally check it out. And sure, he could guard it. Big Mouth had given some vague instructions and then had run off, his parting words being "Please don't be late!". N didn't intend to be that. So he ended up guarding the Hidden Grotto.

Not much happened, really. A few Pokémon showed up and then more and then even more as news spread quickly that there was a nice human guarding the Patrat's den and he could properly talk. Soon it was like a convention going on there.

It was refreshing to N. To see this many Pokémon, all free and happy and unlike the one his father showed to him all the time.

They told him about the Route and asked him questions in return (which confused him – why would they care about what humans did?) and there was this particular Purrloin that seemed to take a special interest in him. It had asked him for something shiny and in return had told him her name. Shiny Marble. And then she just refused to leave.

N didn't mind. He needed a partner to beat the first gym and after asking her if she was willing to help him she had accepted.

Quite quickly actually.

It had confused N even more (why would a wild Pokémon be so willing to battle for the amusement of humans?) but then he had remembered that one coin he handed her earlier (N couldn't shake the feeling she had had her eyes set on his golden cube). He felt somewhat bad for bribing Shiny Marble and had immediately told her she didn't need to help him just because of that coin, but she had simply shrugged and responded she liked him. Although, more shiny objects were always welcome.

And then she had demanded head scratches.

N simply couldn't say "No".

And thus, when N made his way back home, there was a Purrloin trailing his path. She didn't even seem to be scared of the city. Which surprised N a great deal. But really, Pokémon were individual and so varied, he shouldn't be surprised he couldn't predict them like one could humans.

He still had to figure out that last equation, but Ghetsis had told him it was possible.

And so far, father had always been right.

.o.O.o.

It was late morning when Touko woke up. Yesterday had been another exhausting day filled with training so she had allowed herself the luxury to sleep in. Well, she still had to get up, but later than usual with an alarm set at 10.00 o'clock. And one set at 10.10, just in case.

Today, Cheren was going to stop by and they had decided to meet down in the Center's lobby at 11.00 o'clock. Touko had judged an hour should be plenty of time to have a quick breakfast and get ready, although, really, she knew she'd probably only have half an hour. She simply liked sleeping a bit too much.

Truth behold, she did blissfully ignore her alarm and she even more so ignored the second one, except that Ollie...well, Ollie was now fully awake.

And an overexcited Lil too who was no running around the room, jumping onto things she should probably not jump onto and generally wrecking havoc.

It was this what made Touko shoot up, first looking at Ollie (the Water-Pokémon tended to get up earlier than her, but well, it didn't really do much) confused, before it dawned on her.

Sleepily she rubbed her eye before taking a look at the newest team member, happily gnawing on Touko's shoes. How had it gotten out? Out of her Pokéball that was? Touko didn't remember having done that, but then again….She glanced at Ollie before looking at the Lillipup again. Than she glanced back. Did her starter know how to…?

Oh, well, it didn't matter. After all, Lil seemed to be happy. And it wasn't like Touko had known or anything.

They didn't bond during this night.

Thus, determined to forget about it she enthusiastically clasped her hands and announced:"Alright guys, it's time to get ready and food. We're going to meet a friend of mine and I want the two of you to kick his butt. Ok?" She swung her legs out of bed, almost falling over Lil who had ran over as soon as the picture of them battling had left Touko's mind. A battle? They were going to battle? That was great, she loved battling, she had always beat her siblings in battle, except for Bigheart, but she had never dared to challenge him because obviously she knew he was stronger than her and...and...and...It was going to be awesome!

Touko smiled as she saw the Pokémon in front of her excitedly barking and, out of instinct, she bent down and patted its head (obviously, she regretted this decision and silently cursed herself). Immediately, Lil stopped barking and sat down, her eyes growing bigger and bigger. Her….her trainer petted her! This was amazing, it was the greatest day of her life! She...She hadn't really done so before and, and…And back was her excitement as she began spinning in circles some more.

Ollie was less thrilled about the announcement, unsurprisingly. She had to battle? But...she didn't want to! What if she got hurt?! Of course, so far she never had gotten seriously hurt (if you disregarded that one time she almost suffocated because of her trainer), but it could happen! Right? Right? Fireball had said so!

Touko got up and danced around Lil in order not to step on her before she made her way to the small sink in her room. The rooms weren't equipped with their own toilet or bathroom, but they had a small little sink once could use for various things. Like brushing ones teeth. Or, in Touko's case, to scoop up a handful in water and splash it into your face.

It really was time to get ready, wasn't it?

20 minutes later and Touko was downstairs, in the lobby, sitting at one of the tables enjoying her breakfast. Lil had had already finished hers and Touko had recalled her immediately after. This time not because she was too afraid of bonding too much with the Normal-Pokémon (of course, she was afraid of that too, but that wasn't the main reason), but rather because there was a big sign hanging from the wall asking trainers to keep their Pokémon inside their balls if they were known to cause havoc.

Touko hadn't spent all that much time with Lil yet, but she was certain it applied to her.

Ollie on the other hand could stay outside. Plus, her starter hadn't even finished her food yet. And Touko knew why. This morning had been a first for the three of them. They had never once before slept in a PokéCenter. That itself was no problem at all, however Touko had rented it for two days which meant she could finally leave her heavy suitcase behind.

That didn't sit well with Ollie the moment they left the room. She had already been in a bad mood from the start and she had barely recovered from the fact she had to battle and then she wasn't even allowed to sit on her favorite spot anymore?! How unfair was that?! And when she had tried to climb onto her trainers shoulder (or head, keep in mind!) she had been rudely put down on the floor again. It was so unfair! Why was Furball allowed to be carried around in that ball? What was the point of those stupid things if not to make her life easier.

Her trainer had then offered to carry her, but as if she'd let that happen ever again!

This was...This sucked! And now she had to eat yucky food. Man, she missed berries. But at least it wasn't as bad as those weird human things her trainer had made her eat on the first day.

Touko's eyes fell to her lap and she bit her lip as she watched her starter stare at her food with something that definitely seemed to indicate her intent on murdering something. Arceus, what was she supposed to do now? She couldn't carry her suitcase around all the time! And if Ollie didn't want to be carried, then there wasn't really any other option than her walking. She was 13 lbs!

Cautiously Touko extended a hand, wondering if patting her starters head would make things better, but she didn't get to do it (Also, Ollie's expression told more than any word could ever do), before Cheren finally showed up. "Hey, Touko!", the black haired teenager said before sliding into the seat opposite of her, startling his childhood friend in the progress. A small smile played around his lips and he seemed to be in a...better mood than usual. His facial expression actually existed for once.

Immediately Touko shot up and an excited "Cheren!" escaped her mouth. "You're here early!", she exclaimed, forgetting all about Ollie who was still sulking. Why did that trainer need to sit next to her?!). And how dare that girl forget about her?! That stupid trainer of hers was...well...She couldn't really finish the sentence, because she knew for a fact her trainer wasn't mean.

But still. She was sulky nonetheless.

"What? I'm not late", Cheren responded, frowning and glancing at the clock."I mean, I'm not sure how long you've already been sitting here, having breakfast..."

His smile brightened when he looked at Ollie and he even tried to pet her, but she shyed away, feeling even more embarrassed. Today sucked. There was no denying it.

A quick glance to the big clock on the wall told Touko all she needed and a silent "Oh" left her lips, before she sat down again and adjusted her cap just the tiniest bit to hide her eyes a bit more. "Eh...yeah...I knew that...". A blush formed on her cheeks.

Touko didn't even know why.

"So yeah, anyway...How have you been faring those past few days? Any big news?", she asked, glancing at the clock once more. Arceus, Ollie really had taken her time. Or maybe she had taken a tad bit longer to paint her nails than she had taught.

"That's it?", Cheren asked, eyebrows raised,"You could have asked me that by calling..." He folded his arms over his chest and shook his head, a sigh escaping lips. This was so typical for To... "What? No!", Touko quickly exclaimed in response, almost jumping up again but stopping herself in her tracks. "Of course not", she added, a smile forming on her lips. After all, Cheren was still Cheren. "We're so going to have a battle, of course. I still need my first trainer battle and I want it to be against you, plus..." Cheren's smile died away immediately and he suspiciously glanced at Ollie, still busy trying to eat her breakfast.

The Oshawott was still angry, but she also felt like she should apologize to her trainer. Whatever.

"Plus, I want to spent time with one of my best friends! What's wrong with that? Except if you've gotten your hands on those HoloCaster prototypes Kalos seems to have set their eyes on...Hey, what's wrong?" Just now the brunette noticed her friends dimmed mood. Had she said something wrong? "I'm...I'm not sure if we should battle...", he murmured and, was that a blush forming on his cheeks? "What?" Confusion replaced Touko's smile and she frowned. Why...unless. A smug smile made its way to her eyes as she teased, her voice lowered:"Is someone torchicing out? Aww, I won't go too hard on you, my cute, little friend..." She stuck out her tongue for a second before falling back into the (rather hard) cushions of her seat, satisfied with herself.

Ollie's eyes perked up as she felt her trainer satisfaction and decided to give up on her food. Instead she switched seat places and wondered if she could convince her trainer to just let her stay on her shoulder.

It couldn't be too bad, right?

"No, Touko, really...I mean it. I...don't think this would be a fair battle..." "Oh, come on! I know I probably won't win, but whatever! It's going to be a fun battle and I'm sure it will at least be somewhat useful for your first gym battle!", she interrupted him.

His eyes shyed away from her gaze though and for a second her didn't say anything. His head simply ducked, until he sighed and sat upright again, conceding defeat. There was no point in keeping it secret anyway.

Plus, Touko wouldn't let this go no matter what. He might as well cut this short.

Excitedly Touko looked at her friends, wathcing every single of his actions cautiously. What was going on? His features were so much more guarded now and she knew, whatever had been on his mind, he had made it up now.

"I already had my first gym battle."

Cheren said. Looking straight at Touko, not a single muscle in his face moving. For a moment Touko was taken aback, before frowning (having your first gym battle this early wasn't all that special). But then her eyes lit up and there was this sparkle as she felt this...this certain sense of excitement tingling in her stomach. The one that slowly built up sometimes as if there was something new waiting just around the corner, just to die away after some time.

This time it lingered though.

"You already had your first battle? Wow, that's amazing! How did you do!? Any new strategies?!" Her voice quickened with every question she asked and she had sprung up, leaning on the table and starring down at the boy sitting opposite of her. Her eyes shone a brilliant blue as excitement took over her brain. This was amazing, she was so proud of him, this was great, after all he was such a…

Touko failed to see the blush forming on his cheeks and she failed to notice him polishing his glasses, a gesture all too typical for the black haired boy.

"I won."

Touko froze. While her brain had started hyperventilating, her eyes had roamed the lobby and now, slowly, they fell back onto Cheren whose blush had been replaced by a smug smile. "You...what?" Her voice was nothing but a whisper as she slumped back into her chair, eyes never leaving her childhood friend. "You won?!" This time, her voice was louder, although not much.

Cheren leaned back, his smug smile spreading all across his face while he toyed with the object in his hand that Touko hadn't quite been able to make out. It was the Trio Badge as she now recognized.

He had done it. Cheren had actually done it. He had gotten his first badge in less than two weeks. It had taken him half the recommended and average time! This...This was amazing!

And also utterly disheartening. Touko couldn't help but feel envy at his success. If only her mother had allowed her to leave Route 1 earlier, if only…

"Well, congratulations!", Touko said with a smile covering up most of her real emotions. Really, she should be happy! Cheren was one of her best friends!

Ollie seemed to have noticed the change in atmosphere and climbed next to her, patting her on the arm in an attempt to cheer her trainer up again. It didn't really work. Plus she felt uncomfortable doing it.

"Thanks!", Cheren chimed, putting his badge on the table for all to see, his smug smile still in place. "It was kind of a hard battle but, you know...I've had my way and in the end I managed to beat him", he boasted, head held high. And then, after seeing Touko's somewhat sad state, he added a sympathetic "It was close though!" to make her feel better. It wasn't even a lie, it had been close but Touko didn't seem to buy it. "Also, I learned a lot about them in school. After all, it's right next to the gym and..." "You don't need to apologize!", Touko interrupted him, her smile finally reaching her eyes:"I'm glad you managed to win this quickly. It just means I'll have to train harder and beat you to the next gym!" Touko gave him an encouraging smile before snatching the badge from the table, earning a loud "Hey!" from Cheren. At once she got up, clutching the badge and announcing theatrically:"Prepare for trouble!" She glanced at Ollie who was starring at the shiny thing in her trainer's hand. It looked so cool! She wanted one too! "And make it double!", she resumed,"It's time for Team Rocket and Imma steal your badge!"

She laughed when some other trainers around glanced at her in confusion, before sitting down again and throwing the badge back at Cheren who caught it with ease and started polishing it.

"Hey, so now that you're an expert, any tips on how to handle the first gym? Any tricks? Strategies? Thinks to watch out for?" Cheren's smug smile appeared once more while he put his badge into his neat, new badge box. Touko had one too but hers wasn't as fancy as the one Cheren had. After all she had bought hers online and it had to be cheap (her mom had told her that fancy gym boxes are a huge scam and once you get to the higher levels no one – really no one – would care about it anyway), whilst Cheren's had been gifted to him by the league itself including a logo and his name engraved into it.

"Well, I would loooooove to tell you all about it, but you know, league secret and stuff...But you better prepare..." His voice took on a secretive tone and Touko couldn't help but snort, flicking his head. "Aww, come on", she responded,"Not the tiniest little help from my lifelong friend?" Cheren got up ad shook his head, still smiling. "Nope. I had to figure it out all by myself..." "Your teachers told you!" "...too. Plus, you don't want anyone saying you didn't get that badge all by yourself, now do you?" The brunette pouted, pushing an Ollie away that struggled to get on her lap:"Pff! You're mean!" Then she, too, got up, dusting of her denim jeans and setting her cap right. "Anyway, want to go out to train a bit? I still need to have my first trainer battle, you know..."

"Pah, as if you'd stand a chance!"

.o.O.o.

There was quite an accommodation outside the PokémonCenter as few people had gathered around the small town square, all of them neatly staying of the grass. Touko shot Cheren a curious glance, but he simply shrugged and made his way towards the crowd, stretching his neck hoping he might see something.

He didn't.

"I'm not tall enough, we need...", Cheren said, looking down again and searching for Touko just in time for him to see her small silhouette squeeze herself through the masses. Cheren sighed and looked at Ollie who had been left behind by her overeager trainer. He knelt down, patting the Water Pokémon on its back as he saw its obviously hurt expression.

Poor Oshawott. Although he knew Touko didn't mean any harm.

"Hey, don't worry. She'll come back", he said, trying to scratch the Pokémon's head, but sulkily it stepped aside, glancing at him angrily. Cheren sighed again. He wondered just how his childhood friend would change throughout this journey.

"Excuse me? Sorry! Small, little person coming through!", Touko murmured as she used her entire body to squeeze through the crowd and make her way to the front. A few angered looks were thrown her way and quite a few insults (Arceus, waaay too many insults!), but that was about it. She even managed to get fairly far until she decided she couldn't just shove a dad with his kids out of the way.

Luckily, she could look over the youngest kid's head easily and what she saw….Well, it confused her.

There were a bunch of guys all dressed up like knights standing in a silent, somewhat eerie line. Almost like a wall made out of humans. There were two flags with a shield and a blue "P" on it and then, of course, there was the main attraction. An old geezer with strange green hair (was that natural? No way that was his actual hair color, right?) and even stranger clothes. Or, rather, robes. What was he even wearing? But, most importantly, why? Had Accumula Town some kind of medieval festival planned out? It's not like this town had a lot of that sort of history. At least not the kind where people dressed up like knights.

"What's going on?", Touko asked one of the bystanders (one of those that she hadn't pushed away earlier, or so she hoped), her voice barely a whisper. The way that old man looked...She felt as if she wasn't allowed to raise her voice in his presence.

The woman didn't even as much as turn to her as she whispered a response. "I don't know. They haven't said anything yet and I didn't know there were any plans of that sort..." "I heard some weird Pokémon rights group has planned some sort of announcement", another bystander commented:"But those people couldn't possibly be them, right?" "A Pokémon rights group? Oh Arceus, I'm out of here!", someone else responded and then there was shufling and a few murmured apologies.

Touko followed the man leaving the crowd with her eyes before turning back to the scene unfolding in front of her. Nothing happened. Touko started scanning the crowd with her eyes (wait, was that someone else with the same shade of hair...no, she must have been mistaken), looking for Cheren and O…

Ollie!

Arceus, what had she done?! She had left her starter all alone! Well, not all alone, Cheren was still there, but that was Cheren! He had probably left Ollie all to herself knowing his tunnel vision!

Touko was about to turn, when that weird man finally spoke up.

"Welcome! Welcome, citizens of Unova! My name is Ghetsis and I came to speak to all of you. From the wisest elder to the most curious child, you all shall bear witness to my words!"

Well, he sure went in swinging, Touko thought to herself. But then she turned again. His voice may capture her attention immediately, sounding strangely soothing and his words seemed rather interesting, but none of that mattered compared to the reality of her starter being somewhere lost and alone all because she had been irresponsible.

Again.

Hurrying she made her way through the masses, missing the short glance Ghetsis shot her, one of the only people that was leaving this early into his speech.

Barbarians.

"Ollie?", she whispered, looking around as soon as she had emerged again a few seconds later.

x

N made his way through the group of people. For being such a small town quite a lot of people had shown up, a quite encouraging sign. Which was the only plusside of the commotion. It was rather packed and N had trouble not touching anyone, as he was shoved around. In fact there was this particular aggressive swirl of brown hair that had rushed through the crowd just a minute ago.

It was a good sign they all were so eager to learn about Team Plasma's message though. So he couldn't be all too mad. A happy smile made it's way to his eyes and he almost, almost, lost his composure by humming a melody. He could stop himself just on time though.

He glanced at the Purrloin trailing behind him. She had decided to walk on four legs instead of two, which was quite the change from her usual behaviour. Humans liked it more that way, she had said. And that made it easier to get their shiny stuff.

Also, some of them were really good at petting.

N had simply frowned when he had heard that last statement.

x

"Today I have come to speak to you about man's best friend. About Pokémon! We love them! We cherish them! That is why I have founded this team! To show our love and affection for those strange yet so familiar beings!"

A tremor went through the townsfolk. Where was he going with this? Some people had an idea where this was going, others were still clueless.

x

"Ollie!", Touko called out a second time, much louder this time. She started to panic. What...What if she had been stolen?! She was a horrible trainer!

"We see them as our equals, as beings just as precious and lovable as our fellow humans!"

x

N could only nod when hearing his father's familiar words. Although there seemed to be only a few people agreeing with the sage's words as more and more people decided to leave the small park like area, making their way to different parts of the town.

x

"But is that really true?", Cheren finished the weird man's sentence in his head and sighed. Shaking his head and glanced sideways, spotting Touko in the crowd of leaving people, frantically searching for them. He smiled. It had taken her long enough. But, as much as he liked poking fun at her, he wouldn't torture her this way. So, quickly, he raised his hand. Although he didn't shout. He didn't want to ruin that man's speech.

x

N spotted a young girl seemingly searching for something and he had almost offered to help her, until he remembered his father's words.

"Humans are to serve you."

He did not necessarily agree with that, he had voiced this plenty of times (of course he had never directly told Ghetsis), but he was also not going to defy his father's orders. At least not right in front of him.

Also, the moment he noticed two PokéBalls hanging from her belt, he had greatly lost interest in doing so in the first place.

x

"But, is that really true? We say we love them, yet we imprison them. We say we care for them, yet they rot away in boxes. We say we'll always keep them safe and we'll never let them go, yet, after a year, they end up as a simple pet or in the hands of friends and family!"

For a second Touko froze. Wh...What? She whirled around, staring at the man, as sad smile adorning his rather emotionless features. Her eyes widened. What had that man just said?

"How many people do you know that just gave up on their Pokémon once they had outlived their use? How many starters never got to see more than one badge?"

The ball hanging from Touko's belt felt so much heavier all of sudden. She gulped.

"How many..." No. Arceus, that was just some stupid hipster freak and Touko would refuse to listen to the nonsense he was spying. She turned back. No. Although she couldn't quite tune out what he was saying.

x

N stopped for a second when he heard a strange voice calling out someone's name. In fact, it wasn't so much of a voice and more a picture. A picture of a by now rather familiar brunette girl (wasn't she the one that had shoved him aside just earlier?) appeared in his head, but the feeling accompanying wasn't happy, but rather upset. His head whirled around.

He knew it! He knew it! The second he met a trainer they were mistreating there Pokémon! It had been quite some time since N had ever let down his carefully set up mask, but in this moment he couldn't help it. He wished he had ripped the PokéBalls away from that trainer!

Not long and he spotted a young Oshawott accompanied by another teenager (judging from the looks he was a trainer too), searching for something. Or someone.

Poor Oshawott. She shouldn't look for that foolish trainer of hers. She should run away as long as she got the chance.

Ollie had by now noticed her frantically searching trainer and her eyes lit up. Then the sparkle disappeared again and the Pokémon turned her head, huffing and crossing her little arms. Pfff. Her trainer was terrible!

x

"We're not asking you for much…" Ghetsis gritted his teeth for a moment when he saw more and more people leaving. His job was not an easy one and the uneducated masses were nothing but barbarians. But they'd get where he wanted them to be.

Team Plasma would succeed.

x

Finally, Touko had made out her starter and ran towards her, basically falling to her knees in the progress.

"Heeeeey", she said, unsure of how to react. Ollie still refused to turn around. Oh Arceus, what had she done? Why...Why did this happen time and time again! It was the same when she had left Professor Juniper's lab!

N scoffed and shook his head. This was...It was disgusting, really.

"They look nice", Shiny Marble said. She had gotten onto her hind legs to get a better overview. "It's not nice. The anger. The sadness. You know?" Shiny Marble sat back down again and looked at him. "I'm confused. The happiness." N turned his head back to the scene unfolding in front of him. What was Shi…

"I'm glad you're back, stupid trainer."

x

"Let them out once in a while. Let them breathe the fresh air, see the stunning sunsets, experience nature. Don't keep them from their home!"

For a second Cheren looked up, his gaze drifting along the wall of knights. Not a single one had any expression on their faces whatsoever. His gaze fell to the two PokéBalls hanging from his belt. He knew why he kept them inside their PokéBalls. He didn't want them to be in danger and he had already experienced how aggressive wild Pokémon could be. He preferred to let them out in an environment he could control.

Anyway. The speech was over and everybody else started to leave as well. Including the knights and that one weirdo.

x

N was shocked upon hearing this comment but then he remembered his father's words. Humans were manipulators.

He shook his head and concentrated on the three people in front of him again. The boy was standing a bit away from the girl and the Oshawott as if he was analyzing them. Not all that different from what he was doing, really. After all, N wanted to learn more about the relationship between humans and Pokémon. Not that there was anything he didn't already know.

"Ollie..." Touko stretched out her hands, but quickly retracted them again. She...She felt like she couldn't touch her starter, but then again… She put her hand on Ollie's shoulder and immediately the Pokémon twirled around and hissed at her. Startled, Touko leaned back holding up both her hands in a gesture that clearly meant "I won't harm you". And she stayed that way while Ollie started chattering at her.

She seemed to be rather mad.

"Bad trainer, bad trainer, mean trainer, mean trainer! Stupid trainer! Too fast, too fast, too fast! Other trainer mean trainer too! Bad trainer! Strict trainer! I...I want to be close to trainer! I can't walk! Too dangerous! Too hurtful! Bad trainer! Strict trainer! Selfish trainer!" And then Ollie stopped chattering and turned around, huffing once more.

Cheren couldn't help but chuckle, which earned him a pissed off glance from both, Ollie and Touko. And some other guy standing in their area Cheren had never seen before. There was a Purrloin standing next to him though, so he was probably a trainer too. Maybe he was looking for a battle.

Slowly, Touko let her hands fall to the ground and for a second she almost put her hand on her starters shoulder again.

"Sacred. So scary. I need warmth. Warmth, happiness, warmth."

But Touko didn't. Instead she bit her lip and looked at her lap, shifting uncomfortably. She was sitting on the street after all and small little stones dug themselves into the skin of her unprotected legs. But she wouldn't get up. She had to endure this until her starter had accepted her apology.

"O...Ollie...", she started, before her voice died away again. Arceus, what was she going to say? She had forgotten her starter! None of this would have happened if she had just kept Ollie in her PokéBall from the very start!

N stepped closer, wondering about the strange girl's behavior. Why was she sitting on the floor? She was getting dirty and she seemed to feel rather uncomfortable. Why wouldn't she just get up? Of course, he wouldn't have gotten up either, but he was the King of Team Plasma and he could talk to Pokémon. That made things just a little bit different.

"Battle, battle, I want to battle!" Shiny Marble's words brought him back to reality. Battle?!

"Ollie...", Touko murmured again, again hesitatingly extending her fingers, letting them dance around her starters fragile stature. "Just recall it", Cheren proposed, watching the scene unfold,"It's young and it needs some time to cool off, that's all!" Touko shot him a stubborn smile, before looking back at her starter.

N froze at the boy's words. That was….How dare he?! That's it. He was going to battle that boy and he was going to make sure he regretted his words. Determined he made his way towards the small group but once again he was halted by the Oshawott's words. "Scared, scared, so alone." For a second there was nothing but overwhelming sadness. A well known sadness, scary and lonely.

But then it was gone again. He knew the feeling but he knew he had deserved it.

"Hey...Hey, if...if it makes you fell any better, I'll carry you on my shoulder for the rest of the day?" It was a shot in the dark but Touko knew her starter had wanted to take a seat exactly there, so maybe it would help to cheer up.

And boy did it do just that.

Immediately Ollie twirled around, happiness sparkling in her gray eyes and she went as far as hugging Touko's leg. She even made one of those chattering noises, except this time it sounded happy. A relieved expression washed over Touko's face and she dared to lay a hand on her partner's back, before looking up and giving Cheren the smuggest smile she could muster.

At first N had been baffled by the girl's action. She...She had shown actual compassion for her partner's feelings and had just stuffed the Oshawott back into her prison as the boy had advised. She had actually tried to make things right apparently and she had known what might cheer her partner up. He hadn't expected any human to behave like that. But then there was this smug smile and his illusion came crashing down. He could hear the Oshawott smiling, accompanied by some other happy thoughts. He could sense the fact she actually admired this girl. And how did she repay this loyalty? By playing a game of who's right with her friend. By, probably, betting on her starter's feelings.

N felt disgusted once more. And he had made up his mind.

Determined, he pushed his newly acquired cap into his face and made his way to them, Shiny Marble trailing behind him. His footsteps were deliberately loud, announcing his presence to the two, although the girl genuinely seemed to be absorbed into the hug she was sharing with the Oshawott.

Humans truly were manipulative.

"Oh, hey", the teenager boy said as he noticed the other one approaching. Great. Another weirdo. He was probably best friends with the first one.

Now Touko looked up to, an expression of wonder adorning her features. "Heeeey..."

Oh, wow. For a second she didn't really say anything and just looked at the stranger that had suddenly shown up before she remembered her manners and tried to get up. Something that didn't work because of a certain Pokémon snuggling on her leg.

"O...Ollie...Please get off, I want to get up...", she murmured, feeling a bit awkward as the stranger kept starring at her. She almost blushed. But she didn't

"Chaaa...", her starter responded, holding on to her leg a bit more. Touko sighed and crossed her arms. "Yeah, no, my legs are starting to hurt", was her only comment and she shoved Ollie away. "Cha!" Stretching her legs she dusted them off before turning to the stranger and giving him a welcoming smile.

"Hi, is..." She stopped in her tracks when Ollie started tucking at her leg and reminding her of the promise she had made. Immediately Touko got a bad conscious once again and she carefully picked up the Oshawott (that couldn't help but to squeal out of fear of getting pressed against a ribcage again). Then she put her down on her shoulder.
It didn't take her starter even a second to start climbing her head. "What, no!", Touko called out, trying to keep Ollie from doing so, but another "Chaaa!" and a smug "You did just forget about her" from Cheren convinced her. Slightly annoyed she let her hands fall to her side and tried to ignore the sudden weight she had to balance on her head and the slight tucking at her hair. Then she turned to the stranger once again, her smile not as bright anymore (why was Ollie so heavy?! She was a young Pokémon!) and she asked once more:"Is a..." Again, she wasn't allowed to finish her sentence. This time the greenhaired boy interrupted her. "I want to battle."

It was a simple statement and it was devoid of any emotion. Which was weird. His stance and expression told a different tale.

"What? Oh." She should have known. After all there was a Purrloin trailing behind him. But glancing at Ollie who now happily sat atop of her throne, she felt like her starter didn't necessarily want to fight. Slowly she looked back at the boy in front of her and said, her voice apologizing:"I'm not sure if..." "You're a trainer, aren't you?", he interrupted her again. She didn't get the chance to answer, because he started talking.

And boy did he start talking fast.

"Well, so am I and I challenge you. Our eyes have met, we both have two Pokémon, still capable of fighting and there are no restrictions around. And that's what trainers do, right? We battle until our Pokémon lose consciousness due to overexhaustion. I challenge you."

Touko flinched when she heard the, yes, disgust in his voice. She shuddered when she saw his expression.

"Shiny Marble!" Immediately the Purrloin jumped in front of him and sat down, looking at Touko expectantly. The girl in question simply looked at her starter and tried to apologize through her expression alone. "I'm sorry, Ollie, but it seems like you'll have to give up your chair for now..." A sad "cha" was Ollie's response. But she didn't struggle when Touko put her on the floor. Then the brunette stepped back and shoved her cap into her face, glancing at Cheren.

And then it hit her.

This was her first battle against another player. Her eyes lit up. Maybe it wasn't one against her friends, but this boy sure looked interesting enough to make for a good opponent.

And there was this small sparkle again.

Maybe they could become rivals!

Looking at him, she sure didn't mind.


So, remember when I said "the next chapter will be all about Touko and N's first meeting"?
So yeah. That turned out to be a lie.
Also,remember when I said I shortened some things in chapter 3 so I don't get more than 20 pages? So yeah. This chapter is 22 pages long.
I'm sorry?

Besides me failing to uphold my own goal, I don't really have much to say (other than boy, do I not know how to properly write N's social awkwardness which is also the reason this took so long).
Like alway, thank you to everyone who left a favourite and/or follow and special thanks to

Jharolay Rosie (I'm really sorry the first encounter isn't really in this chapter yet and I would promise a bunch of things, but honestly, I will probably find a way to mess it up again), but I'm glad you're looking forward to their first encounter. It's really encouraging that my wriitng is good enough for some people to look forward to more ^^

And, also special thanks to Regina D'Inverno. I really appreciate the nice words and feedback. It made my day ^^

As always, any reviews on grammar/spelling/etc are highly appreciated as well on anything else (especially on whether N's social awkwardnes works or not) and thank you for taking your time to read this.

Read you next time.

Sincerely,

Bluestpaw

PS. I despise the limited formating options there are. The final part looked so much better in LibreOffice, simply because you can have more than one extra line in between everything. So yeah. The last's part formating is cancer, so I'll probably go over that at a later point.