"So who are our opponents?"
Emmet eagerly asks as Ingo looks into his Xtransceiver. One of the Depot Agents already informed him that their next opponents would be a couple of very familiar but strong trainers.
"Our opponents would be Hilbert and Hilda as usual."
Emmet's smile grows bigger as Ingo looks up from his Xtransceiver. "This is going to be a fun match. I'm verrry excited to battle them again."
Ingo nods in agreement. "As I am. They are quite talented and skilled trainers." A small and unnoticeable smile graces his lips. His brother did recognize his excitement. "They will not disappoint us. I can guarantee that."
The train doors open to reveal their opponents. Both trainers were wearing their usual outfits, their baseball caps being the most recognizable. On their hands are Poke balls holding their partners. Hilda spoke first. "You guys already know what to expect. The two of us are in here to win." She looks at Hilbert who reiterates their strong desire to win. "We'd hate to lose against strong trainers like you two. So don't expect we'll hold back."
Hilda and Hilbert released their partners, Emboar and Samurott, from their Poke balls. Both Pokemon are determined to win the battle with their partners.
Ingo begins their introduction. "Well said, you two. Since we're all well acquainted, we'll just skip the formalities." He releases his Excadrill who sharpens his claws upon seeing the strong Pokemon before him.
Emmet agrees. "It isn't a fun battle if no one is aiming to win." His Archeops was released beside him and flapped his wings in excitement. "You already know the rules."
Both brothers faced each other before turning their heads towards their opponents. They did their usual pose by facing and pointing their fingers in the same direction while shouting. "ALL ABOARD!"
He wakes up groggily to the sight of Chandelure hovering above him, a worried look etched on her face as usual. He has been having dreams about his brother lately. And these aren't just simple dreams. They're memories that actually happened a long time ago, before Ingo disappeared. He did recall that one of the trainers in his dream earlier left Unova years ago to search for their friend. He wonders if they were able to reunite with that friend.
Once he snapped out of his thoughts, Emmet got out of bed and looked at the bedside table. Chandelure's Poke ball was open, meaning she was able to get inside of it when he fell asleep. She let herself out when she heard Emmet's distressed cries in his sleep.
He tries to reassure Chandelure as usual. "I am Emmet. I am fine. I just woke up earlier than usual." He didn't have a bad dream but seeing Ingo in his sleep just highlights the fact the painful reality of his absence. He couldn't find it in himself to consider those dreams a nightmare but rather just painful ones.
He got off the bed and did his morning routine of freshening up, dressing in his uniform and feeding everyone. He feels like Chandelure would be disappointed if he didn't feed himself properly so he opted to make oatmeal with Razz and Bluk berries this time around. She didn't nag him at his choice of food so he felt some sort of relief as she quietly eats her her food with her teammates.
After everyone has finished eating and he finished cleaning, Emmet calls for everyone's attention. "All right everyone. Time for us to depart to the next station." All of his Pokemon agreed and went inside their Poke balls. Except for Chandelure.
Emmet tries to rein his annoyance as Chandelure continues to hover by his side. "Chandelure, you know the rules. We have to always make sure the safety checks are in place." He tried to convince her to get back inside her Poke ball but she stubbornly stays by his side. Is she developing a rebellious streak now?
Ingo has always been the stricter twin. Being the older brother means being the more responsible one among them two. He has to look out for his beloved little brother after all. The same attitude applies to his Pokemon hence why Ingo's Pokemon tend to be more obedient and well behaved. Emmet's Pokemon tend to be playful and mischievous like himself. It's Emmet's Pokemon who have the tendency to be pranksters. Of course, they'd still behave once the twins scold them.
He does wonder if Chandelure is starting to gain his traits as she gets more attached to him. He is the closest person to her trainer after all. He finally relents once he understood Chandelure's wishes. "Fine. You can commute with me on our way to Gear Station." He sternly instructs her as he gives a stiff smile. "But once we get to the station, you have to return to your Poke ball. Understood?" Chandelure rings out a happy tune as she kept her position close to him.
It didn't take long for Emmet and Chandelure to reach Gear Station. Before they entered the premises, Emmet turns to look at Chandelure. "I'm afraid this is the final stop of you freely commuting with me for the day." With a sad smile, he brings out her Poke ball as he says. "You have to go back inside your Poke ball now."
Chandelure however, remains steadfast and refuses to get inside her Poke ball. At this point, Emmet is starting to lose his patience. He is trying his best to reason with her. "Chandelure, enough is enough. Why are you being so hardheaded? Ingo didn't raise you to be disrespectful." Emmet sighs as he came up with a difficult decision. "Fine, you left me with no choice. I'll be leaving you outside the station for the day. I have to get to work verrry soon." He didn't want to be cruel to her but rules were still rules. Given her typing, it wouldn't be wise to bring her to the station outside her Poke ball as he didn't want to risk the safety of the passengers.
"Is that you Emmet?"
A familiar voice made Emmet and Chandelure turn their heads towards the entrance of the station, as that is where they heard the source of the voice. Shauntal of the Elite Four is exiting the Subway. "Oh Shauntal, what are you doing in the station?"
She replies politely. "I was there to research about trains and subways. My upcoming novel does have a train station as a setting. She looked at the two of them. "Pardon me for intruding but I can't help in hearing your conversation with Chandelure."
Emmet scratches the back of his head in embarrassment. "Well, it's been a difficult ride to reason with her lately. This is verrry unlike her. She's usually so obedient." Shauntal nods her head in understanding as she offers. "Why don't I talk to her? I can find out what's been making her behave this way."
"Umm, sure." Emmet gives his permission and Shauntal went closer to Chandelure. She gently touched Chandelure's warm face as she nods here and there. He voiced out his shock at her newly found ability. "I'm surprised you could talk to ghosts."
She shakes her head as she explains. "Well, not really. I can't see and talk to actual ghosts the way Phoebe, Acerola and Morty do. But I can understand how Ghost type Pokemon feel. I've been with them for so long after all." She turns her attention back to Chandelure as she finishes talking to her.
"She doesn't want you to go to work. She wants you to take a vacation instead. That's why she's been so stubborn lately." Emmet is taken aback by Chandelure's wishes. First Elesa and now her? Were they conspiring with each other behind his back? "I am Emmet. I am a Subway Boss. I have a responsibility towards the entire Subway. I cannot just leave my duties behind."
"You don't have to worry boss. That's why you have us." All of them turned their heads towards a couple of Depot Agents who were exiting the station. Isadore and Ramses had apparently listened to their conversation. Isadore begins. "We insist boss. Take a week off. You need it. We'll take care of the Subway for you."
Ramses adds. "Don't forget boss. I was there when you fainted in the train years ago." He began telling the story to an oblivious Shauntal. "He overworked himself to the point that he collapsed while battling an Ace trainer. I called a Medic and we brought him to the clinic when he didn't wake up. I've never seen Chandelure and Elesa so shaken up before. The Medic had to order him to take a week off to recover." Emmet was shocked at his audacity to rat him out like that. Then again, Ramses was the one who told Elesa what happened to him.
Shauntal then looked at him worriedly like Chandelure. "Oh dear. I know this isn't my place to say this. But Emmet, please follow their advise and take a week of vacation." She adds politely. "No offense but I felt like you've been getting more tired lately. Now I know why Chandelure is so worried about you."
As much as Emmet would like to argue, he couldn't deny the fact that everyone was worried about him. If Ingo was with them, he'd even bring Emmet back home and make sure that he actually takes his break. He decided to finally accept their suggestion as he didn't want to inconvenience anyone else. "Fine. I'll rest my cabs for a week. But only one week. After this, I'll be back in service." He looked at both of his subordinates. "For now, I'm putting you two in charge of the Subway."
He gave an annoyed look to both of his subordinates. "Traitors." Ramses just nonchalantly shrugged at his boss. "We learned from the best." Isadore adds smugly. "We love you after all. We'll have fun while you take your vacation." Both Depot Agents went back inside merrily to relay the news to everyone. He suspects that all of his subordinates will be relieved as they won't have to deal with their moody boss for a week.
"Aww. You're taking a break. And we thought we'd be able to battle you today."
They now turned their heads to see that Nate and Rosa have arrived at the station. They were both sporting a dejected look briefly before understanding that the Subway Boss in front of them needed to rest for a week.
Nate started first. "We decided to cheer you up by battling you. You seem lonely lately." Rosa adds. "But we don't want to get in the way of your vacation. We understand you needed to rest."
Before the two of them walked inside the station, Emmet offered. "Wait, you two. I may be resting my cabs for a week. But that doesn't mean I don't want a battle." They perked up when Emmet accepted their way of cheering him up. Shauntal then adds. "We'll all battle together using one Pokemon each. We'll do a double battle. Emmet and I will be your opponents." She releases her own Chandelure from her Poke ball.
Nate and Rosa clapped their hands together in delight. Their partners, Braviary and Serperior, were released from their Poke balls. Emmet decided to use Chandelure in this battle as she's already out of her Poke ball anyway. She was as excited as him to participate in this short battle with two familiar but strong trainers.
Ingo's Chandelure finally fainted after taking an attack from the opposing Pokemon. Both Braviary and Serperior were still standing but are near to fainting themselves after using their energy and taking hits from both Chandelures.
Nate and Rosa were hugging their partners who returned the affection. Shauntal congratulated them first. "The bonds you have with your Pokemon are stronger than the one that Chandelure and I have. That's what brought you to victory " She suddenly brought out her pen and notebook. "'The two teenagers then walked towards the sunset with their precious partners, having renewed their vow to walk together the road to victory.'" She suddenly approached them excitedly. "Do you mind if you two will be my subjects for my upcoming novel?" Nate and Rosa laughed nervously at her request.
Emmet lets out a genuine smile. "I am Emmet. I may have taken a break from my duties as a Subway Boss. But I enjoyed our battle today. Thank you so much."
"You're welcome." Nate and Rosa smiled at him before going inside the Subway. Shauntal then offers to Emmet. "Do you mind if I hang out with you today? I'd like to get to know your Chandelure better." Emmet suspects that she's going to use Ingo's Chandelure as a muse for her upcoming novel. But given that he has a lot of free time on his hands, he might as well accept her request. "Sure."
After healing their Pokemon, they headed towards the amusement park as that's where Elesa's Gym would be at. But after finding out from the Gym guide that Elesa has matches until lunch time, they decided to just enjoy the amusement park. They first went to the Shining Roller Coaster ride.
As they entered, they were met with a long line of people. While waiting, Emmet states. "Ingo and I helped design this entire ride." Shauntal looks at him as he explains further. "Ingo and I studied civil engineering in college. We wanted to construct durable trains to make the Battle Subway a reality." He fondly recalls. "Elesa wanted to incorporate a roller coaster in her gym. So we decided in helping her design the ride. We are her friends after all."
Shauntal looks in amazement. "That's amazing. I studied literature in college. I always wanted to write stories that I keep imagining. I do read a lot of books ever since I was young."
"Elesa actually studied electrical engineering in college." Emmet adds while Shauntal looks even more amazed. "Wow. That's so surprising. Who would have guessed?"
He adds. "She's been doing modeling work when we started as trainers. But she always had an interest in electrical components and how they work. That's why she wanted to use Electric types." He points out towards the platform where Elesa stood. "She still visits this ride for safety checks. We would sometimes help her with it."
Before long, it was their turn to ride. Emmet let Shauntal ride first. She seemed a bit apprehensive but he assures her. "Don't worry. Ingo made sure we designed this entire ride with the safety of the passengers in mind. He would be verrry strict in making the safety checks." She finally nods after trusting his words. And she entered the car while Emmet waits for his turn.
He looks at the ride proudly as he recalls when he and Ingo were helping Elesa design it. They were ecstatic when the ride finally opened. They did pattern the ride after their own Subway, with it's many stops resembling stations and the cars resembling train cabs. It did fit with the League mandated layout of spreading trainers all over the Gym, with the Leader on a separate but distinct platform. Plus, Elesa loved the design and concept.
As the car finally approached him, he quietly mutters to himself before boarding. "All aboard!"
As they exited the ride, Shauntal looked a bit worn out while Emmet smiles neutrally. "Wow. That was the most exhilarating ride I've been in. And it was the most unique roller coaster I've seen. I don't think I've seen one with these many stops before."
Emmet just shrugged. "Ingo and I did design the ride after trains. Roller coasters are a lot like them." He adds. "Elesa allowed us to design it however we wanted. She just added the lighting all over it for her personal touch."
They saw the haunted house attraction nearby. "Why don't we go inside that one?" Shauntal offers as she points towards it. When they reached the attraction, they saw the sign stating that Ghost type Pokemon are more than welcome with them. "That's wonderful. We could bring our Chandelures inside." She let out her own Chandelure who seemed a bit nervous. Emmet released Ingo's Chandelure who hovers beside him.
He points out to Shauntal. "Your Chandelure seems a bit shy." She agrees exasperatedly. "Yes, she is. Like me, she's a bit of an introvert. I tried to have her interact more with other Pokemon so she'd overcome her shyness but she easily gets scared with unfamiliar people and Pokemon. Rather ironic for a Ghost type Pokemon, right?"
One look at the nervous face of Shauntal's Chandelure and Ingo's Chandelure left Emmet's side to comfort her fellow Pokemon. Emmet could only watch as both Chandelures are speaking their own language while Shauntal translates. "Your brother's Chandelure is trying to tell my Chandelure that she's not alone. She'll be with her until we get out."
"Your brother's Chandelure is such a sweetheart." Shauntal's comments as they watch both Chandelures . He replies. "Ingo raised her to be kind yet strong. I guess Ingo's influence molded her into who she is." She nods in agreement. "Not many people would like using Ghost type Pokemon. They're mainly known for either being mischievous or malevolent."
She continues while looking at both Chandelures playing, with her own one already being comfortable with the other. "Many people say that a Chandelure sucks the life force out of people. I don't believe that. My Chandelure is the sweetest Pokemon out of everyone in my team. She does her best to not inconvenience anyone."
"That sounds a lot like you." Emmet states as he also looks at both Chandelures. Shauntal then adds. "You know. Phoebe told me that bonds with Ghost type Pokemon are one of the strongest . They're quite tricky to form a bond with. But once you've done it, that bond transcends beyond life and death."
Emmet looks at her as she explains in a somber voice. "Your brother's Chandelure would have loved more than anything to reunite with him." He asks quietly. "What's keeping her here with me in this station then?" She replies. "She knows what he would have wanted. She vowed to herself to watch over you, just as he does. She cares for you as much as he does."
They were both silent for a moment as Emmet contemplates on her words. Then with a slightly shaky voice, he asks. "Do you think she knows which station he is in right now?" Shauntal shakes her head. "I cannot tell. She wouldn't leave you even if you ask her to." With a hopeful smile, she says. "She knows deep in her heart that you'll both see him soon."
Soon enough, both Chandelures approached them. Shauntal thanks Ingo's Chandelure as her own is already happier. "Thanks so much for comforting her. Now we can all go inside."
Most of the people who entered the haunted house attraction came out as scared as a Wimpod, as the special effects and stage design were that good. Even more so with the Ghost type Pokemon such as Gengar, Sableye and Banette pulling all sorts of pranks and scaring those who entered. But what's unsettling is the two trainers who are not only brave enough to see through the attraction but are enjoying themselves with it. The eery glow given off by their Chandelure makes them even more unsettling.
Shauntal keeps petting every Ghost type Pokemon that come their way while Emmet chuckles at the sight. "Do you really have to stop at every station that has Ghost type Pokemon on it?" Shauntal looks at him as if he's a Slowbro using Amnesia. "Maybe you've forgotten that I specialize in using Ghost type Pokemon. Unlike other people, I find them adorable."
As they keep walking, Shauntal states as she pets a Mimikyu that decided to stay with her. "Ghost type Pokemon are often misunderstood. That's part of the reason why I wanted to be a writer. I could write stories showing that Ghost type Pokemon aren't what they're often made out to be. They could be heroes that save the day in my stories." Emmet hums with renewed interest. "Is that so?"
They were able to reach the end of the attraction. The Mimikyu cried out in sadness as Shauntal waves goodbye. "Don't worry. I'll come back here soon." With the assurance of that one promise, Mimikyu went back inside the haunted house attraction.
It was already lunch time so they went back to the Nimbasa Gym. Sure enough, Elesa was waiting for them at the entrance. "I'm surprised you actually took my advise on taking a vacation." Emmet just shrugged. "You all bullied me into resting my cabs.
Shauntal offers. "Why don't we eat lunch together? I know a place here that serves great Sinnohan food. I'll treat you both to show my thanks for hanging out with me today." Elesa and Emmet nodded in agreement. "Lead the way then."
Unlike the Galarian restaurant they ate at yesterday, the Sinnohan restaurant has a more relaxed ambience. It's as if they traveled with Celebi back into the past. They got seats outside the restaurant so their Pokemon could relax and eat with them. Shauntal placed their orders while Emmet and Elesa were giving food for all the Pokemon.
"I'm surprised you're into Sinnohan food." Elesa states as they took their seats at the wooden table. She replies politely. "Oh, I did go to Sinnoh before for a research trip. Lucian did invite me there." Emmet asks in surprise. "Lucian of the Sinnoh Elite Four? I'm verrry surprised you're that close with each other."
She nods while she continues to explain. "He's actually my beta reader. Whenever I'm suffering from writer's block, he helps me out and gives suggestions. He's usually one of the first people to read the manuscripts of my novels." Their friendship does make a lot of sense as a bookworm like Lucian would appreciate the company of a writer like Shauntal. Just like how Elesa and Nessa are friends because they're both models and Gym leaders.
"So how did the research trip go?" Elesa asks as they wait for their food. "It was great. Sinnoh is such a majestic region. There's a lot of lore and myth within it." Shauntal continues. "Did you know that Sinnoh used to be called Hisui? At some point, they shifted the name to Sinnoh after a legendary Pokemon they worshipped there. Lucian helped me get in touch with Cynthia who showed me the ruins that are scattered in the region." Both of them listened with interest. "According to the records and ruins, the Almighty Sinnoh they worshipped in Hisui is either Dialga or Palkia depending on who you ask."
"How come it's a different Pokemon?" Elesa asks in surprise as Shauntal continues to explain. "The people from the Diamond clan stress the importance of time while the people from the Pearl clan value space. Dialga and Palkia has power over those two things that they hold dear." Emmet asks. "The Diamond and Pearl clans? They sound like two groups of people who ride two different trains that are heading in the same direction."
Shauntal adds. "They weren't even the original settlers of Hisui. Cynthia told me that their is another group of people who settled in Hisui first. The ancient Celestica people were actually the ones who erected all those ruins all over the region. They worshipped a different Pokemon. It's neither Dialga nor Palkia. It's not even Giratina. It may have been Arceus based on the statues that we found." With a sad smile, she adds. "But as time went on, the ancient Celestica people left Hisui little by little until only a few remained. All those people still have descendants up to this day."
Elesa is amazed at the amount of lore that Shauntal knows. "Wow. That's a whole lot of information you got." She replies sheepily. "Well, I did volunteer to be Cynthia's research assistant while I was working on my historical novel. All these information certainly was handy."
The green haired chef and owner brought them their order. They were served miso ramen and what seems to be small and thick savory pancakes with soy based sauce. Elesa and Emmet eyed it as for them, it's a fairly new dish. Shauntal begins describing it to them. "Oh right. This is potato mochi. It's a Sinnohan delicacy." Emmet and Elesa grabbed one each as they're curious to how it tastes. "This is delicious." They said in unison as they took a bite. The crispy yet chewy texture coupled with the savory flavor of the sauce work so well together.
Elesa grabs another potato mochi and places it on her plate so she'd take a picture with her Rotom phone. Meanwhile Emmet simple eats the food. He would know that his brother would find the food delicious as well. Knowing Ingo, he'd likely try to make the dish himself after getting a few tastes. He would usually succeed as he's the designated cook. Nowadays, Emmet is too busy to cook meals for himself on a daily basis. He would even skip meals if he doesn't feel like eating. That's the main reason why Elesa had to drag him every night to eat with her. And why Chandelure had to make sure he eats a substantial amount of food every morning.
Shauntal and Elesa were talking to each other while Emmet is busy replying to the frantic messages his subordinates left on his phone. Questions like "Are you really on vacation?" and "Did you really let those two idiots in charge?" bombarded his phone. Emmet replies that yes, he's on vacation and that yes, he let those two "idiots" in charge until he gets back. He eventually called them to give his verbal assurance as he's sure that the rest of his subordinates will think it's an elaborate prank.
Once everyone has their fill of food, all the Pokemon went back inside their Poke balls. The trio left the restaurant as Shauntal then had to say her farewells. "I have to leave now. I need to get to Castelia City today to meet my editor. It was nice hanging out with you two." She waves goodbye as she leaves them.
"Same here. We'd love to hang out with you again." Elesa replies as she and Emmet wave goodbye. She then turns to her friend. "So what do you plan on doing today?" Emmet just shrugs. "I am Emmet. I may have taken a break from my duties as a Subway Boss. But I plan to work on cleaning my apartment and training my Pokemon. I need to do maintenance after all."
Elesa looks at him unimpressed. "Boring. You have plenty of time to do that later. Right now, you should have fun. We live in Nimbasa City after all." She states as she drags him along. "What do you mean?!" Chandelure pops out of her Poke ball as if she and Elesa agreed to a plan. They looked at each other for a moment then quickly made a quiet agreement.
Elesa then went towards the Musical Theater as she drags her friend along. "You'll see. We'll have lots of fun today. I already took the rest of the day off for you." Emmet is slightly nervous as he has no idea what his friend is planning. But knowing her, he knows that she'll make this a fun ride.