Victoria had never been in a work office before. The most she had seen were the simplistic classrooms in the Academy. In contrast to those, looking at Ame's office induced great feelings of awe, not only because it was big enough to fit 10 people in it, but also because all the stuff was chaotically placed, as though a hurricane swept through.
Behind Ame's desk, which quite frankly might've been the largest desk Victoria had ever seen, were some shelves; however, they were mostly empty. It seemed as though all the books that should've been inside were instead piled up on Ame's desk, underneath bunches of paper which could've formed a few books by themselves.
The office also had awhite couch adorned with 3 orange pillows, a coffee table, and a few chairs, which for some reason were flipped over on the floor. As for the floor, Victoria didn't notice at first how much of it was covered with white sheets of paper that had most likely flew over from the desk, since they were carefully camouflaged against the white floor tiles.
The trainers were all quite taken aback,because they never imaginedAme's office would be like butfor Julia, that is, for she judgedit was just one of those times again with the government's corporation, when it comes for the city's wellbeing, which lend to an out of character breakdown again.
Victoria saw the champion currently picking a few papers and placing them on a random box, seemly ignoring the 4 people she called in. She seemed stressed out, judging by her slow breaths and quick movements, her fingers shaking. Maybe she's having a bad day or the city's situation is the main cause of this (as she feels more in the latter), which she can understand with constant work.
"May I help you, Miss Reborn champion?" She proceeded to help her with picking the papers from the floor.
"That's kind of you, Victoria, but I'm already done." Ame stopped her, as she threw the last grumbled papper on the nearly trash bin, before she gestured the others to take a seat.
"So why did you summon all of us for?" Cain was the first asking her, as the group made a half circle around the office desk.
On hearing the question, Ame's brow twitched once. However, she must've caught herself losing her cool, for in the next moment her expression was back to normal... or so she would've seemed to mostpeople. To Victoria, who had studied the arts of meditation and breathing for years,it was obvious that her breathing was still discomposed. Ame silentlypulled out a small red folder and handed it to Julia, who took it and opened it with equal parts curiosity and alarm. The moment she pulled outthe first photo and saw it, she knitted her brows and gasped.
"Hey Julia. What's going on? What kind of content do they have?" Cain asked.
"I'd tell you, but... even I am speechless. I can barely believe it's a real picture. Here, take 's best for you to see it yourself," she said, without the high pitch that characterized her voice.
Victorialooked over his shoulder, as the Poison lover pulled out the last two remaining pictures with some hesitation. However the girl's skin got pale, because of what she saw on the photo: Enormous vines have wrapped around a few buildings andblocked most of the roads, which also went through! Some people were lying on the ground injured with blood coming from a few of them.
On the other photo left, was a few silhouettes of something larger, but their size wasn't larger than of a Tyrannitar's. They hadsome weird shape, but the most frightened thing Victoria noticed were those long things coming out from their bodies, despite those creatures didn't got clearly identified. However this was enough for the apprentice to feel sick, once she figured the possible meaning behind these pictures.
"Miss Ame..." Her voice sounded low, as she broke the silence "What happened exactly?"
"Those photos were taken by the Police Department and send to me recently. The sectors of Obsidia-, Jasper-, and Beryl Ward have fallen victimto an enormous overgrowth, that had suddenly spread within 20 minutes." Ame responded to her question "However, while in Obsidia Ward it only had started to grow, so we managed to cut off most of it, but..."
"The last two wards didn't made it, right?" Julia added, now realising the situation they got placed in.
"Not really. The help didn't arrived quickly than the former and giving they reacted too late... the damage is much worse, so I'm afraid." Ame stated with a closed expression.
Suddenly, Victoria saw Cain going pale andplacing a hand over his mouth and the other against the stomach. Hewobbled andfellon his knees.
"Cain are you okay?" The apprentice's voice was mixed in concern and worry as she quickly kneeled down to his level, which reminded her of a few times Kiki had collapsed.
"Victoria." She could hear Mitsuko speaking to her, as she helped Cain up to his feet, while the latter supported himself on her "Please take him to the bathroom and then wait in the lobby. Now." Victoriawas surprised at Mitsuko's strict 't expert enough to understand why she had ordered her like that, but also it had stunned her enough to take her ability to speak. Thus, eventhough shewantedto protest, she compliedand escorted Cain to the bathrooms.
Though girls shouldn't be on the boys section, Victoria still enter in and rubbed a few circles at Cain's back, as he vomit into the toilet. His legs were slightly shaking, when he managed to find his balance and went towards the sink to wash himself. But as the apprentice was about to walk away, the unexpected sound of shattered glass and a loud cry of frustration was heard behind her, as she turned around to see, that Cain had punched a hole to the mirror and a small pieces were scattered across the sink and floor; a few of them even had blood on them. His right eye was twitching and saw a few tears falling on the sink, despite his hair covering his face, as he slightly bent over it.
Without any hesitation, Victoria rushed to his side and grabbed a towel and wet it with water. The she carefully cleaned his hand and told him to sit on thr floor, as the latter was pale once he looked at her. He didn't protest, but hesitated a little, before sitting down.
Next, she put her bag down as well, as she unpacked some bandages and began to wrap his hand. Cain didn't comply, but simply looked at her, while slowly breathing, once he regained his colour again after some time.
"Cain..." She spoke again with a calm and firm voice, as he took his bandaged hand into hers "Why, why did you punched the mirror? Please tell me."
Despite having only met him today, she could see Cal in him, as she had witnessed some similar yet worse outbursts, which often ended up with her tending to his wounds. With time, she managed to gain some medical knowledge as well.
She could tell from his eyes, he feels unwell to talk about it, but given how he reacted during the conversation with the floral overgrowth and mentioned about Beryl and Jasper Wards, he must be worry about it.
"C'mon. Once you're better, you may tell me about it. Let's go get some fresh air, okay?"
Instead of a verbal answer, Cain gave her a small smile, as he supported himself with her help and left for the outside.
After 15 minutes walking through the streets of Peridot Ward to cheer Cain up, it involved into a conversation about the city's current situation or talking about their interests and their ambitions for taking on the Pokemon League.
"So you are taking part on the league, because it's good for your training. Your sensei is the first Fighting leader, Kiki, right?"
Victoria nodded "Yes, it was her who recommended me that. And how about you?"
The boy scratched the back of his head and let out a small nervous laugh upon hearing her answer, "Heh... I want to be the very best like... all the trainers before us. I already trained my Pokemon since I joined the challenge. Allow me to indotruced my darlings to you."
With a smile, he threw 3 PokeBalls and a Nidorino, an Alolan Marowak and an Alolan Grimer came out, greeting their trainer, which he gave them each a headpat to them, "Ah yes, I missed you as well and you all seem to be feel." He laughed, as he turned his attention to her "You must also have a team, since you're a gym challenger, right?"
Upon hearing his answer, the apprentice's cheeks turning slightly red and becomes a little embarrassed. Without hesitation, she pulled her PokeBalls out and summoned her Combusken, Ralts and Pichu. Compared to Cain's Pokemon, her team seems weaker just by looking at the former's, making her feeling small in comparison to others, signalling her about the league's serioness of strength.
However a small squeal interrupted her from further diving into deep thoughs, as her eyes gazed upon Pichu bashfully hide her face from Cain, as the latter took the Baby Pokemon into his arms, gently cuddling her. She also could see the other interactions between their Pokemon, as Nidorino gave Ralts a small ride on his back and Combusken and Muk doing a small race in circles. A smile had plastered the frown, she was making just moments before, looking at those interactions, while walking back to Opal Ward.
"You have such cute Pokemon, especially this fella right here!" Cain exclaimed, as he handed her Pichu back. The Baby Mouse Pokemon snuggled against her chest, feeling very comfortable at the warmth, the latter was giving.
Victoria could only give a small "Thank you" and also compliments his Pokemon as well. It did made her feel a little better, but it only expose her to much stronger trainers than before. It feels like something is warning her for a possible upcoming event...
Looking at the direction, where they could see the floral overgrowth has taken over Obsidia Ward, having almost covered a few buildings in greenery; like oversized bushes. But what made them worry was that a few vines was wrapped around them as well- some even through a few windows! Loud noises what it could be an evacuation filled the usually quiet atmosphere, making Victoria just want to push in and help those innocent citizens, but she and even Cain weren't at Mitsuko's and Ame's level.
Turning her gaze away, she was made with Cain looking at the display with a similar expression, whole holding his bandaged hand close to his chest. Their Pokemon- feeling the two humans emotions- are trying their best to comfort them.
"It's going to be alright, Cain." Victoria ressures him, though she silently worries as well "Let's just hope, that Ame had already finished the conversation and maybe see, what we can do."
Cain nodded as a response, as they called their Pokemon back- expect Pichu, Combusken and Nidorino- and entered inside the Grand Hall.
The 2 humans and 3 Pokemon have arrived outside of Ame's office, hoping the conversation hasn't finished yet. However a green haired boy with glasses and a Shiny Roserade leaning against the wall, near the door and some noises were heard inside.
Both trainers looked at eachother, unsure what's going on, but muffled angry voices were suddenly heard, like of disagreement and a loud "bang", causing Pichu to let a small squeak and flinched at the sudden noise. This have attracted the attention of the two strangers, who turned their heads towards them, both showing signs of temporarily annoyance and now surprise upon seeing the two trainers.
"Oh hello there. Also waiting for someone as well?" He said in a casual tone, while stuffing someone in his pocket "I'm warning you two, because this conversation is heating up since 10 minutes."
Truth to his words, the noises were heard from the door, becoming much louder than last time, which causes her to come closely and leaned her ear against the door.
"Hey Victoria, I think you should-"
But Victoria interrupted Cain with a quick shush, ignoring his warning, as she focused on earsdropping anything she could heard. Closing her eyes and tried her best to remain calm, despite the loud noises behind the door. Meanwhile Pichu had climbed a top of the apprentice's head and died the same as well, while Combusken and Nidorino watched the whole scene and remained on Cain's scene.
"Oh where are my manners, silly me." Cain whispered with a polite tone and walked towards him, not wanting to disturb Victoria "What's your name, by the way?"
"Name's Fern. The Top Dog and the Grass reserve leader for my sister, Flobo- excuse me Florinia." He said in a casual tone "Do you happen to be the Poison reserve leader to your sister as well? Aya was it, right?"
Fern's question startled Cain a bit upon hearing his sister's name, as the latter looked at him with a suprised expression on his face. He gets pulled into a memory from his past suddely.
Cain, please go to your room. I'll talk with them, okay? Don't get involved in such matters, A 13 year old girl says to her 7 year old brother, who was crying hearing their loud noises from the living room.
"Aya wait..." He wanted to go with her, but she already sent her Ivysaur to escort him to his bedroom, while she made her way to the living room.
"Ah yeah yeah. That's her... name and mine is... Cain" He let out a small nervous laugh, while scratching the back of his head "She's doing very well, thanks for asking."
"You're welcome." Fern chuckled a little, while his Roserade smirked at such sight, she got used by now "Now change of topic: Do you two also participate in the league as well?"
Cain nodded, but despite the conversation he had with him, he couldn't really focus at all and was simply starring at his bandaged hand, thinking about his beloved sister. On the other side, Fern asks him questions about his reason for joining the league, battle experiences and his sister. Inside him, the poison lover had a strange feeling about this boy... Like he has seen him before, but he cannot...
Suddenly a suprised small loud from Victoria had interrupted Cain digging further into his thoughs, as both boys turned their heads towards the door had opened and Julia catching Victoria just in time, before falling in the floor face wards.
"Ah, I'm so sorry Victoria!" Julia apologised with concern "I didn't know you guys would be there. Were you waiting for us?"
"Yes we were." Cain mused in, while Fern supressed a small chuckle and pretended to cough a bit. Soon a young woman- although she looks older than her possible age-, that could be a gender based version of Fern, came out from the door as well, carrying two big blue folders filled with- what must be obviously- important documents. Victoria thought, she saw Kiki again, due to the having small eyebags and having a serious yet tired expression written in her face, like signs of overworking and the apprentice was worried, it that woman would collapse like her sensei did a few times.
I thinkI have seen this woman in TV before... that's right, she's Florinia, the Onyx Gym Leader. I wonder if she's related to Fern. They do look similar in appearance. Victoria recalled an interview, she watched a few days ago.
"Hello sister." Fern greeted with the usual casual voice "Judging by the topic with that Colcution CEO and between Sliph Co., it didn't end well as always, right?"
Upon hearing the word "Coldcution", Florinia's expression darkened and looked in his eyes "Note: Stay out of this, brother. That level of politics doesn't applied to you. Nothing special as usual with the CEO." The way that woman was speaking in such odd manner, confused Victoriaalittleyet she could figure out the meaning behind her words, trying to pierce every information, she managed to hear.
After Fern with Florinia, Florinia and Julia left for their respective ways, leaving only Cain and Victoria with their Pokemon alone, before they were suddenly called in the office by Ame for a small talk with them, which was requested by Mitsuko for an unknown reason.
Both trainers sat again on the seats with Mitsuko (who seemed a bit pale suddely), while their Pokemon and her Mightyena were waiting at the sofa, watching the conversation between their trainers and the champion.
"Miss Champion Ame..." Cain asked in a serious voice "Tell me... Who's responsible for this? This chaos on the Wards..."
Suddely Mitsuko let out a small frustrated sigh, and, with shaking hands, took a bottle of water from her bag and drank till it was all to say that she was stressed and Cain looked at her with empathy in his eyes.
The conversation between Ame and Mitsuko revealed the name a terrorist organization that was behind the disaster.
"Team Meteor?" Victoria parroted.
The eyes in the room turned towards her, for it was the first thing she had said sincethey had all sat down to discuss.
"Yes. It's a team that has started to cause chaos in Reborn City, though we still haven't found out why. Their intent to kill as many civilians in as random a way as possible is clear, however."
"That's terrible, but also odd. Why can't wetalk it out? Why do they have to turn to violentmeans before anything?"
As Mitsuko spoke of peaceful resolution, Victoria noticed that her expression as anything but peaceful. Hereyes were sparkling with fury, which were the only thing bright in an otherwise dark expression. Even Cain's expression looked similar, but a slightly one and minus the sparking in his eyes. Seeing those faces, made her worry for them, especially for Cain.
"We still don't know their goals exactly yet, but like I said before, it involves into creating casualties in great masses." Ame replied in a serious tone "Also I'm afraid, they aren't going to stop by talking things out, given the aftermath of the explosion."
Ame's reply made Mitsuko flinch, yet she keep her head high and silently nodded, despite the painful memory of just 4 days ago still hurt her emotionally.
"Also may I have the attention if you both please." The champion gestured towards Cain and Victoria, both looking at her in silence and full focus.
"Since the floral overgrowth had spread rapidly in just small time, we have the plan of splitting into two main groups; One will assist the Police Department for the Jasper and Beryl Wards, due to many offices going missing. The second group will investigate about the overgrowth's source in Obsidia Ward along with Florinia and destroy it immediately, to preventany further spreading."
"Sounds like a wonderful plan to kick their butts, because I won't just sit here with my hands tied." Mitsuko agreed with her usual dark expression.
"Okay it's all set." Cain clapped his hands together "Let's ju-"
Suddenly he got interruptedby a stern "No" from Mitsuko giving him a sharp glare, causing him to flinch a little at her sudden tone, like back before. However the ambassador's gaze hadsoftened a little, upon seeing his expression of disappointment and the anger sparking in his eyes.
Victoria watched that whole scene with empathy and now realising, why she acted like that. In the rash thinking, Cain had clearly forgot that their level of skill wasn't the same as Mitsuko or most of Reborn's Gym Leaders here. Not even near Kiki's or Cal's...
"I'm sorry for interrupting you, but please listen me, Cain" Mitsuko's voice was now calm, as she placed both her hands on his shoulders.
"I'm sorry Mitsuko. .. I just... want to help thecitizens..." He quietly apologised, trying to contain the small anger inside him and balled his fists together.
"I can understand your concern, but you cannot just rush in situations, when you just joined the league." Mitsuko's slightly stern scolding made Cain silently nod a little and gave a sad yet small smile.
However Victoria slightly narrowed her eyes and looked on the floor; slightly shaking her head, thinking there are other options for them to help, despite that.
"We are doing our best to keep the city safe and we have already stationed our strongest trainers in every ward to help as much they can." She could hear Ame's voice "We already managed to evacuate most people, but they are still some trapped in Beryl and Jasper Wards, so Julia went ahead now."
Victoria took a look towards Cain and Mitsuko; the former's face seemed to relaxed a bit upon hearing Ame's words and now breathed normally, which was a positive sight seeing him not panicking. The conversation didn't last any more 15 minutes, as the main topic was to keep any challenger (including Cain and her) safe in Opal Ward until the floral overgrowth in Obsidia Ward was gone and Mitsuko will assist as well along with Alex Socialite, Kanto's Ambassador, whose family had a branch in the Reborn region- unlike Devon Corp, which caused Victoria to remember to sailor's words about exactly that person being currently in Obsidia for an investigation and smiled at that discovery, she heard now.
After binding farewell to Ame and with Mitsuko leaving for Obsidia Ward, Cain and Victoria were all left back in the Grand Hall with their Pokemon, hoping everything will be alright with the operation, despite wanting to help too.
The only option for them is to train their Pokemon more their can, so they'll act as a support for them at least. There were also some trainers, that will offer some good experience points in Pokemon Battling, which they'll use for their advantage.
We'll follow you soon after, Mitsuko. I will prove you and Kiki, how much stronger I can become. That's why I join the league!