Chapter 1: Proposition

My life so far could easily be described as "normal" or "mundane". No real special talents, cheap apartment; job pays well but it won't be taking me anywhere. Sometimes I feel stuck with nowhere to go, sometimes I wish I could break from the loop. I would have lost my sanity ages ago had it not been for the one person, or should I say, Pokémon, that has become the light of my life: my Gardevoir, Latona.

"Mmm.." I groan as I the light breaking through my window hits my face at just the right angle. I look towards my clock, 7:43.

"Augh…".

I got out of my bed, painfully wishing to return to sleep…but work was in an hour and there was no chance I'd risk being late, even if I had been working there for years now and have gotten to know most of my coworkers.

My job wasn't terrible, by all means. I work as a shelf stocker at my local grocery store. The best part is that I can mostly keep to myself and customers very rarely get bold towards you. Despite that, the monotony of the job does eventually take it's toll.

After a few moments of being idle sitting on the edge of the bed, I get up and make my way to the kitchen, where I'm greeting to the very pleasant scent of coffee and bacon.

"Ah! Good morning, Master!"

At the helm was my Pokémon, my only Pokémon, Latona. My Gardevoir. I've known her since we were both children. A gift to me from my grandmother who used to help run a daycare in Johto. She's been with me through everything, breakups, loss, and failures and every single time she knows exactly how to make me feel better. Of course, Gardevoirs are known for their unwavering loyalty, and mine was no different given by the fact that she stubbornly calls me "Master", however, she despite that, she isn't just my loyal Pokemon, she was my best friend.

"Morning, Latona. What are we having for breakfast today?" I say as I sit down at the table.

"Mmm…bacon, eggs, and coffee just how you like it, Master. I apologize for the lack of diversity this week, we're running short on food."

"No need to apologize, Lat! Your cooking is incredible as usual."

Latona smiles and faintly blushes as she picks up two plates of food and places on down in front of me while she takes hers to the seat across from mine.

It was no lie that her cooking was incredible, she learned by watching my mother cook and would occasionally help when she evolved into a Kirlia. Her psychic nature allowed her to retain cooking times and temperatures so once she learned a recipe, she could replicate it to perfection.

Not even 2 minutes go by when Latona raises her head towards me.

"Master, is something wrong? You've hardly touched your breakfast." She asks suddenly.

"Hmm? No, not at all, Latona." I respond.

"I can sense unusual levels of anxiousness from you, Master." She says warily.

I sigh sharply. "Lat, what did I say about the whole reading my mind thing? You know that stuff doesn't sit right with me."

"I-I'm sorry, Master. It's just…it wouldn't do you any good eating with a heavy mind like that, it's not healthy…". She exclaims apologetically.

Latona's always had a small habit of being…unnecessarily invasive. Always wondering if I'm emotionally okay. Sure, sometimes I have short moments of stress and anxiety but they're nothing to get worried about…but I know she means well when does plug into my mind, she always knows how to get info out of me and frankly, I'm not sure if that's something to be amazed or scared about.

"Agh, no, I'm sorry Latona, you're right. It's just that…I feel like I'm stuck in this loop that I can't escape from. Everyday it's the same for me and it's just something that's been driving me a bit crazy lately."

Latona does a short hum right before she swallows the food in her mouth. "Master, perhaps this is an opportunity for you to reach out and try new things. You feel that way because you don't have anything to break the monotony."

"There's nothing much to do, is the problem, Lat. Hoenn's too…quaint." I say as I take a sip of my coffee.

Odale Town is a place known for its surplus amount of nothing. It was big enough so I could get my own space, but too small to have any variety, opportunities, events! Not to mention…a lack of potential partners.

I'm not the type to go chasing after women, especially after my last relationship. It's been long enough where I wouldn't mind getting into a new relationship, but my job as a stocker wasn't going to be how I'd do it.

"Then how about a vacation? Taking time off for yourself is important for mental health, Master."

"Hmm..that's not bad idea, Lat." I thought to myself.

"Where, though?" I looked over at her.

Latona swallows another bite. "I think a connection to nature would heal not only the mind, but also regulate your aura, Master. A simple change of scenery wouldn't be enough to satisfy what your mind craves, you require something completely different."

"Something completely different?" I questioned.

"Mhmm! You need to be away from all this, all this brick and mortar, away from society. Wouldn't it feel nice to feel the fresh breeze and warm up by a campfire for the night?" Latona says as she becomes lost in her own thoughts.

The way she goes on about it, it almost sounds like it was her vacation, and to be fair, she deserves a vacation more than I do. She is a Pokemon after all, nature is their home, plus she has to deal with me and my shenanigans. However, she was right, a break from society, a break from responsibility…it sounds fantastic

"Alright...well, I'm sold. Now it's just the issue of scheduling with my job. I'm sure I got a few vacation days stocked up."

"That's wonderful, Master! I hope we can set out soon."

Several moments go by in silence occasionally broken by the noise of our utensils against our plates. All that talking ended up making the rest of our meals colder, but I didn't mind. Once we both finished our meals, Latona stands up and takes our empty plates to the sink.

"I'll take care of the dishes this time, Master. It's almost time for you to leave, and I wouldn't want you to be late!." She says as she prepares to wash the dishes.

"Shoot, is it really that time? Alright, thanks Latona. I'll go get ready."

I make my way from the kitchen back into my room, then towards my closet where my uniforms are folded neatly…once again courtesy of Latona. Looking at the neatly folded and stored clothes makes me think about how screwed I would be if she weren't here. I'm very thankful for the things she does for me.

I take out a fresh uniform and unfold it, revealing the blue collar shirt with a white apron over it. Not to mention my name tag.

Lowen.

I change into my uniform and do one final visual inspection of myself in the mirror before heading back into the kitchen. By the time I came back, she had already finished cleaning up and making her way to see me off to work.

"Alright, well, I suppose I'm off, Lat. I'll speak to my boss about those vacation days"

"I hope today goes well, Master. I wish you luck." She smiles as I go out the door.

"Thanks, Lat, see ya soon!"

I shut the door behind me and lock it with my key, then I begin my trek to work.

Latona dips her head and sighs.