Thank you DuplicataData for beta reading and the much needed advice on handling these next couple chapters!
!!!!!!!!ART LINKS!!!!!!!!
My beta reader also created this adorable LITWICK!Snowflake and I'm dying it's too cute!!!! From the world where the human characters are Pokémon and the Pokémon are people, LITWICK!Snowflake is attacked by a human that loves eating rare Pokémon, gets amnesia and ends up under the watchful eye of Milotic Melli, constantly giving him heart attacks.
https/duplicatadata/art/Fan-art-for-a-fic-i-really-love-923008903
Also this piece of art by JollyCrimson inspired one of the early scenes in this chapter. I love seeing what you guys come up with, especially when it influences later scenes lmao.
https/jolly-crimson./post/685703903136940032/the-brave-lion-dog
If ya'll are inspired to make art/writings related to this fic be sure to link them to me so I can gush over it and share it!
XxxxxxxxxxxxX
The Past:
"That's right! You better run!" The preteen shouted at several bullies, all currently retreating in the wake of his wrath. A purple haired boy stood behind him even after the threats left, hood pulled far over his eyes. He couldn't even see they were gone.
A little Stunky scratched at his pant leg, not getting the wanted reaction.
"Melli," Adaman groaned. "You can't keep hiding behind me like this."
"W-why not?" The question was a squeak.
"You're too big. Obviously," He couldn't help but smile when Melli finally pushed his hood up enough to look down at him. "Everyone can see you."
It didn't seem fair. Melli was a few years younger than him, but somehow hit his growth spurt first! Adaman was almost a teenager, but he still looked like an eight year old. Melli did not, and everyone noticed.
Everybody liked making comments too, both positive and negative. Neither of which did any favors for the already bashful child.
"I-I…" Melli's blush worsened, grabbing at his two long hair braids and using those to hide his shame instead.
"It's not that hard to play with everyone. You just need to ask."
"T-they always laugh at me!"
"Not all the time," he frowned. "You kind of make it worse though."
"How?"
"Well, maybe try being less squeaky and weird when you're talking with them? You tend to trip a lot too."
"I-I can't help it!" Melli pulled his hood back down. "I j-just get all these Beautiflies in my stomach when everyone looks at me…" he put a hand on his belly as if proving a point.
"That just means you need to practice more," The elder waved off his concerns. "Try talking to me and you'll get used to it."
"B-but you're different…" Melli twiddled his fingers together, looking down at the dirt. "You're my friend already. It's a lot easier to talk with you…"
"Hmmmm…" the shorter paused, scratching his chin thoughtfully. "Then just stand by me and learn from the master. You'll know all my secrets in no time!"
"Eeeee!"
"See? Leaf agrees with me." Adaman nodded at his Eevee's wisdom.
"Groar."
"And so does Stunky! You've got all of us around to help, so try and relax?" The elder's smile widened, getting a small, embarrassed giggle from the other. "You're already getting squeaky again. Are you sure you're not a stack of Pikachus in disguise?" He elbowed his friend playfully.
"Adamannnn~" Melli got whiny, pushing him away while still trying to contain his laughter. He was failing miserably.
"And that's the first step to making new friends! You gotta make them laugh!" The preteen smirked when Melli finally caught on, his eyes growing sparkly in admiration.
"Wow… I didn't even realize you were teaching me."
"I told you I'm a master," he had to admit, his friend's praise did give him a really good feeling. There was plenty more to teach though! "And never forget how great you are! No matter what everyone else says."
"You really think so?"
"Of course! You're, like, the Great Melli or something. While I'm the Bullheaded Adaman!"
"Hahahaha!" Melli couldn't stop wheezing, though Adaman wasn't sure why.
"I-I'm pretty sure you just insulted yourself." He finally gasped once his cackling slowed.
"Nonsense," Adaman protested. "I am always very determined with a one track mind! Bullheaded!"
Melli stopped to consider his reasoning, genuinely thinking it over.
"Now that you explain it like that… maybe it isn't really a bad thing?"
"See? And we can ask my big sister about it. In fact, she's really good at talking to people without saying much! I bet she'll have some great advice too!"
"I-I don't know… I-isn't Mai pretty quiet?"
"Nah, just around people she doesn't know. Come on!" He dragged his friend back towards the village, both their Pokémon trailing close behind.
—————
"I can't believe you're a candidate to be the next village leader…" Melli whispered.
"I was shocked too…" Adaman murmured. He could scarcely believe what the Elders had told him. He was one of two candidates to take over as the next leader of Diamond Clan, and his exact feelings on the matter remained elusive.
Melli didn't like the news at all, rushing off to rocks along the nearby lake trying to calm down. It wasn't too hard to find him. His purple hair stood out like a sore thumb.
"E-everyone would look at you all the time, and never leave you alone… that doesn't sound fun at all." He fiddled with his braid, staring down at the muddy earth.
"I don't mind that," The elder shrugged. "If the villagers think I can be a good leader, then I'll do my best no matter what."
"E-even if everyone gets mad? Or make fun of you?"
"Those people aren't worth listening to," Adaman waved off Melli's concerns, though his friend still seemed distressed. "Why are you upset now? It's not like you've been picked."
The younger bit his lip, accidentally dropping the rock in his palm. It plopped in the mud with a weak squelch.
"…. W-we'll still be friends, right? Even if you do become the next leader?"
"Of course! I'd never abandon my little brother!" Adaman puffed out his chest, attempting to sound manlier despite his high pitched voice.
"Would I be the big brother now? S-since I'm taller?" The small grin on Melli's face was a relief to see.
"Hey! I'M the older one!" Adaman shoved him playfully. "That means I'm the big brother!" His Eevee ran around the two of them with a high pitched trill, Stunky snorting in agreement.
"Y-you look like the little brother to me." Melli snorted.
"Just you wait! I'll be way taller than you one day. I'll be the tallest guy in the whole clan!"
"… little brother."
"I'll get you for that one!" Adaman roared, chasing Melli around a felled log. The two laughed, both Pokémon following behind their odd game.
Adaman was just glad to see his brother smile. He would always be around to take care of his siblings.
That was a promise.
—————
Adaman hadn't realized how much time being a village leader would take. After several months in training he still had much to learn, spending his days following people around, listening to the Elders in their meetings, solving smaller problems once they deemed him ready. It left him barely any time for play or even socializing.
After dinner that evening, however, he did his best to make time.
"S-sorry I'm so late," Adaman stopped his sprinting as soon as he found Melli by the water, panting hard. "They wouldn't let me leave! You have no clue how much a bunch of old farts can talk."
"I-it's okay." Melli's voice cracked, shoulders dropping.
He smiled all the same.
"I-I'm glad you came though… I was starting to think you forgot…"
"I would never forget!"
"Sorry!" He flinched at the irritation in Adaman's voice. "It's just… you forgot last… nevermind." His voice trailed off.
Adaman cringed at the thought. Last week he had forgotten to even attempt seeing Melli. Someone in their clan was killed by a Luxray, and he needed to memorize all the finer details of their burial ceremonies.
It was a terrible time for everyone.
"I'm sorry about that. I still feel bad, but I'm here now! So what do you wish to do?"
"There's not much we can do really. It's gotten dark, and the Gastly are already out."
Adaman pondered his friend's statement for a moment, watching the spectors port around the swamp and flail their tongues at each other. It gave him a new idea.
"Have you ever tried scaring a Gastly before?"
"N-no!" Melli squeaked at the mere suggestion. "Have you?!"
"Nah, but there's a first time for everything," his devious smirk was lost on his much taller friend and the two Pokémon trailing them. "Come on! This will be great."
He pulled a protesting Melli to one of the shallower ponds, picking a target and slowly creeping up behind it. A lone Gastly away from the others of its kind, making funny faces at the moon.
Perfect.
"BOO!" Adaman jumped up behind it, the Pokémon screeching and rolling every which way while still levitating.
Adaman couldn't stop laughing at first. It was hilarious, until the angry Pokemon started hurling Shadow Balls at them both.
The Gastly was pissed, and even Skunky's spray wasn't even phasing it.
"I TOLD YOU THIS WAS A BAD IDEA!" Melli screamed.
"Shut up and keep running!"
The stupid thing kept teleporting in front of them. They were blocked in at every turn, running in circles while the Gastly wouldn't let up. Melli was starting to get ahead of Adman thanks to his longer legs. The Gastly wasn't concerned, its primary target still Adaman.
"I'M SORRY ALREADY! PLEASE STOP!"
His apology went ignored.
At least until Adaman slammed into a solid wall of brown fur.
A massive Ursaluna turned away from the tree it was using as a scratching post, blinking at the terrified children, Pokemon, and angry Gastly In hot pursuit.
"What is going on?" A little old Lady in pink stood up from the tall grass, holding a massive mushroom in her hands and a basket full of more on her back. Her eyes narrowed at the youths and Gastly, the ghost now cowering at running directly into a Noble.
It only took an irritated growl from the large bear to send their pursuer fleeing.
"Thanks for that," Adaman sighed, finally able to catch his breath.
The last thing he expected was a giant mushroom bashed against his skull. Melli got the same treatment, both assaults at the hands of that hag.
A very familiar hag.
"Wait, you're Warden Calaba!" Melli said it first, shuffling behind Adaman and trying to hide in his hood already.
"And you are very lucky to still be alive. Torturing wild Pokémon," Calaba's scowl somehow deepened. "You should both be ashamed of yourselves."
"It was throwing Shadow Balls at us!" Adaman protested.
"And a wild Pokémon wouldn't keep up a chase for so long if it weren't mad," Her gaze never broke with his own, dark eyes piercing enough to halt whatever argument he had left. "Pokemon may be wild and unpredictable, but there are certain levels of common sense everyone should have living out here."
"I-it was his idea!"
"Hey! You went along with it!"
"Because I didn't think you'd actually do it-"
They were both silenced with another slap from Calaba's weapon of choice.
"I don't care who started it."
"But- STOP THAT!" Adaman took his third hit from her mushroom, already done with this woman's nonsense.
Her eyes suddenly sharpened, looking at him more closely.
"So you're the brat meant to be the next leader of your Clan."
"… how did you know?"
"There aren't many people with horrible hair dye like yours."
Melli couldn't help but snicker, silencing at the glare from his friend. Nobody talked about his hair like that! Mai colored it herself, and it was very difficult for her to do. He wouldn't let her be disrespected!
"My hair is awesome, and you're just a jealous witch! You take that back!"
"That is no way for a future village leader to behave," Calaba shook her head. "If this is the type of leadership I'll be dealing with from now on, I fear your Clan won't be long for this world."
Adaman growled, but looked away, fresh shame washing through his gut. She was right. A real Clan Leader would never go around scaring wild Pokémon like that, or threaten old ladies for making dumb comments. He was acting childish, and Melli or their Pokémon could have been hurt because of it.
"Work with?" Melli blinked. "You work with our Clan Leader?"
"Only when necessary, and not nearly as much as your own Wardens do." She waved off the question.
"Grrrrrrr…" Ursaluna sniffed the air, losing interest in their back and forth in favor of the river.
"Seems Lord Ursaluna is ready to move on, and you two should do the same," She waved the children away. "I have no time for the brats of Diamond Clan. Lord Sinnoh's land is too vast and bountiful to waste with one's that won't live to contribute to it."
"And maybe you should thank him for the time you have left, old hag…." Adaman murmured under his breath. The Warden barely reacted, which made him even angrier. She simply climbed onto her Lord's saddle and rode away. Eevee growled after Warden Calaba, while Stunky focussed on reassuring his human.
Adaman gritted his teeth, hands held tight into fist until his knuckles turned white. He was angry, embarrassed, and ashamed all at once. What would the Elder's think if they knew what he'd done?
What would Mai think?
"I didn't know Wardens worked with Clan Leaders…" Melli almost sounded hopeful, not that they had time to dwell. The sun was long set, the surroundings thankfully illuminated by dim moonlight.
"Come on. It's late." The elder ushered his friend to follow. The small group quietly made their way back home, both boys lost in thought. Adaman needed to grow up.
If nothing else just to show Calaba he was worth his future title.
———-
"You want to become a Warden?"
"Isn't it great?!" Melli was bouncing on his heels. "Isscan took me to meet Lord Electrode yesterday, and he accepted me! Lord Electrode will have a Warden again!"
His smile slowly fell at Adaman's silence.
"Are you upset?"
"I'm just surprised," he rubbed the back of his neck. "It's so far away from the settlement, Lord Electrode's territory. Why would you volunteer for that Lord?"
"But we can work together now!" The purple haired teen chirped. "A-and we can see each other more often! I won't be bothering you anymore because I have to see you."
"You don't bother me," Adaman frowned. The new Warden did have one point at least. It was near impossible to see Melli anymore. Hell, he barely saw any of his friends. Even his sister Mai, the most present person in his life, was barely able to interact outside of his daily lessons. He hoped once he was no longer in training then things would slow down a bit.
He missed playing with his friends.
"You know, that isn't such a bad idea, now that I'm thinking about it…" he finally conceded. Mai was a Warden, and as little as their interactions were nowadays, he still saw her more then most of his other friends. They all said they were proud of him and understood why he couldn't play much anymore, but it was still painful.
"See! It is a great idea!" Melli smiled wide. "I even met Lady Sneasler's Warden! He said he'll teach me what he can, since Lord Electrode doesn't have a Warden anymore to learn from."
"That sure is nice of him."
"I-I'm just glad he's not scary like Calaba. I thought he would say really mean things, but he actually smiles a lot and is really nice. I'm super excited, right Skunky!"
"Groar!" The little skunk growled in agreement.
Adaman couldn't help but smile. His friend sounded so excited about the whole thing, and it would be nice to hang out while working.
Far easier then escaping the old crones that held him captive for training all day.
Once things settled a bit, he was sure they really could hang out more often.
———-
It took several years of training before the Elders let Adaman handle more important responsibilities on his own.
The very sporadic rips in space-time becoming more frequent was bad enough on its own, but there was a newer risk that had everyone scared.
Ever since the murderous Luxray, recently dubbed Man-Eater, made a habit of killing humans, they were extremely reluctant to give him any control. Despite being seventeen and well aware of his job, the old crones remained too stubborn. It was a very unusual situation, but how could he prove himself if they wouldn't give him a chance?
The whole thing left a lingering frustration, enough to give him back and shoulder pains from carrying too much tension. He spent what little down time he had trying to sleep off the aches, though it never seemed to work.
He'd also recently learned The Pearl Clan had a young woman in training to become their next leader, and he has yet to meet her.
That was something to look forward to. Hopefully she wouldn't be too difficult to deal with, when talks between clans were necessary at least.
After all, she was another young individual thrust into the same situation as him. If they weren't on opposite sides in their beliefs and values, he'd be tempted to try making friends with her. Alas, the world wasn't always kind.
"A-Adaman?"
"Huh?!" The teen jolted upright, seeing Melli standing at the doorway of his tent. When did he get here?
"Melli? What's going on?"
"Ummm… w-we were supposed to meet for official business, remember? You and I were to discuss Lord Electrode around noon…"
"Noon…" Adaman rubbed his eyes, finally seeing the orangish tint of the sky filtering through the open doorway. "Noon?! What time is it?!"
"U-uh, c-close to sunset," Melli twiddled his fingers trying not to comment on Adaman's panic. "I-I waited for a while, but you never showed up… w-we can meet tomorrow though-"
"Nope! I have time right now!" He was dragging Melli before any more protests were heard, a newly evolved Skuntank following close behind. "I'm so sorry, Melli. I completely forgot about our meeting."
"T-that's okay!" the younger one stammered. "Y-you looked really tired. I shouldn't have woken you up…"
Adaman cursed under his breath. He wasn't sleeping!
… was he?
Perhaps he had dozed off once or twice, but never fallen asleep!
"Take a seat and we'll get started," The leader in training forced Melli onto a cushion, kneeling across from him. "How has training been with Lady Sneasler's Warden?"
"It's been great so far," Melli eventually spoke.
"He tells really funny stories, and is super knowledgeable about the mountain. He's been showing me everything he knows."
"That's a relief to hear," Adaman nodded. He'd been worried given how shy his newest Warden was around strangers. It looked like his concerns were unwarranted.
"H-he actually knows some things about Lord Electrode too, like how to polish him and behaviors to look out for. How to avoid getting shocked." Melli smiled. "He's a lifesafer."
The Highlands were in good hands then, and Adaman couldn't be happier. As long as this Pearl Clan Warden continued helping Melli, he wouldn't complain.
"I'll have to come out and thank him someday. Finally talk to him in person."
Melli's smile fell and he looked away, fingers fidgeting.
"What's wrong?"
"It's just, I-I've been living in the Highlands full time for a year now… and I-I barely see you at all… I barely see anyone."
Adaman frowned. He had a feeling this would happen. The Highlands are very remote and most Diamond Clan members had little reason to travel there. Honestly though, there weren't any other Lords in need of a Warden currently, and the elderly ones had selected younger apprentices to take over already. The only Warden without one was Calaba, and since Lord Ursaluna fell under Pearl Clan protection, he was told not to bother.
"Sorry Melli, it's just been difficult since I'm still in training too. The Elders won't let me leave without their express permission. I haven't even been able to stop by the Fieldlands and check on Mai," He cracked his neck trying to get the kinks out. "That killer Luxray has everyone spooked too."
"Did they actually confirm it was the same Luxray?" Melli questioned. "There are plenty outside of Moonview Arena, but they never show interest in me unless I actually enter their territory. I don't understand how one Luxray could be responsible."
"Another one of our own was killed five days ago," he queried in confusion. "Hasn't anyone told you?"
Melli's shocked face was enough to answer.
"N-no? Nobody ever comes to the Highlands, or bothers to tell me anything… I'm not even sure if Lady Sneasler's Warden knows…" mouth tightening into a thin line, Melli looked away. "I-I guess you guys forgot to tell me…"
"… I'll make sure a messenger is sent out if something like this ever happens again. All Wardens should be informed. No exceptions."
"Y-yeah. I would appreciate that."
"Anyway, there were two survivors of earlier Luxray attacks last year, and they both claimed it's a male Luxray with a thin mane and a scarred body. I don't see Luxrays of that description too often."
"I-I guess you're right… it just doesn't make sense why a single Luxray would travel to all these places."
"I agree. It's weird, but we still don't know enough for a real conclusion."
Melli looked away, his Skuntank sniffing his hand wanting attention.
"You alright, Melli? You're quieter than normal." At least around Adaman. Usually he liked to share all sorts of things, but currently looked far too upset to really contribute.
"I-I'm just tired from the journey… I'm going to lay down."
"Are you sure? You can stay longer if you'd like."
"No, that's okay," Melli shook his head. "I know you're exhausted. You would probably like some sleep too."
"I'm not that tired." Adaman frowned, but Melli was already walking for the door. He waved and took his leave, head held low. The cause of Melli's mood change was a mystery to him, but Adaman let it slide. He was tired, despite refusing to admit it, and there was much work to do the next day.
Mainly convincing the Elders he could actually help with the current crisis.
———-
It was another two years of Luxray attacks and unsuccessful attempts to kill it.
Two years before Adaman got the worst news of his life.
A Warden in the Cornet Highlands was killed by a Luxray, and he wasn't sure which one.
The Elders tried forcing him to stay and handle the panic at home, but he was practically the official Clan Leader now. They didn't have that power anymore.
He was sure to tell them exactly where to shove it before rushing to the Highlands, his newly evolved Leafeon following right behind. Rushing as fast as he could, it took a full day to reach the Highlands, and another hour more to find answers.
It was gruesome, the area still covered in brown dried patches of blood. He could smell the bile and excrement left behind by the dead man, who happened to be Lady Sneasler's Warden. Pearl Clan members had come and wrapped the body already, what remained of the corpse being brought back to their Settlement for burial preparations. As bad as he felt, a small sense of relief rushed through him upon learning it wasn't Melli, though that left him with the last question of where he went.
He eventually found him at Moonview. Mai had traveled all the way from the Highlands before Adaman even arrived, keeping the younger Warden company. He refused to talk or change from his blood splattered clothing, just staring ahead. His cheeks were stained with dried tear trails and he couldn't stop trembling.
Adaman tried to apologize for taking so long to get there. Apologize that they never posted any guards in the area in case something like this happened. He should have known it was a possibility with Man Eater on the loose.
With the Nobles as their constant companions, however, he just never expected a Warden to be killed.
Foolish.
The next time Adaman heard Melli speak was around sundown. Lady Sneasler's mournful cries and yowls echoed across the Highlands, the teen blubbering apologies and crying again. He was inconsolable.
Mai stayed behind while Adaman dealt with the fallout. Meetings with the Pearl Clan, piecing together what happened, and trying to track down the rogue Luxray responsible.
Supposedly it was badly injured by Lady Sneasler, though no one could find a trace of it afterwards.
Adaman did his best to check in on Melli, but the teen did a good job of making himself scarce, trying to smile and put on a brave front as if nothing was bothering him.
As if Adaman didn't know about his frequent trips to the graveyard nowadays. Or the things some of the Pearl Clan Wardens have said behind Melli's back.
He later learned of several Pearl Wardens travelling to the Highlands to tell the kid off personally. He was fifteen and they blamed their friend's death on him. That Melli should have known to scare the Pokémon off and administer first aid.
That he should be thinking and acting like a fully trained adult during a horrible and terrifying event.
A lot of talks with Pearl Clan finally lead to an end of that, though the damage was already done.
Eventually Adaman had to step back. There was only so much he could do with all the responsibilities he had to deal with outside of the Highlands, so he gave Melli his distance. If he didn't want the help, then Adaman couldn't force it.
Several months passed before Melli finally returned to the Diamond Settlement, though he was acting strange. He started calling himself the "Great Melli," putting on a disturbing front of confidence that was weirding Adaman out. Despite trying to talk to him, Melli simply said he was done being a burden and wanted to help Adaman in any way he could.
He even requested a tent back in the Settlement for more frequent visitations. He was supposed to live in the Highlands full time as Lord Electrode's Warden, but nobody had the heart to deny him.
Not after what he witnessed.
Melli turned clingy soon after, talking louder and more often with a much shorter temper. He'd follow Adaman around constantly, always asking what he could do to help. Eventually he needed a stern reminder about his duties to Lord Electrode before finally letting up.
The day Warden Ingo officially started serving Lady Sneasler was one of angry complaints and constant whining from the purple haired teen.
Adaman was sick of it. After all that time Melli was still acting like a brat and nobody could figure out why. Eventually the Clan Leader started distancing himself, talking to Melli less and less while trying to visit the Highlands as little as possible.
No more Man Eater attacks were reported, and the newest Warden seemed to settle in just fine. He barely spoke their language, only knowing the most basic of words to get simple messages across. Melli had no interest in trying to help him learn, and Lady Sneasler's new distaste for him was another constant source of complaint.
It wasn't until the Galaxy Team created Jubilife Village that Adaman and other Clan members could pick up Galarian, and Ingo finally learned the local language completely.
He was actually a very nice guy. Quirky, but hardworking and eager to help where he could.
Melli still wouldn't give him the time off day, and Adaman didn't have the patience anymore. He had a job to do, and no longer recognized or liked the person his "little brother" had become. Now a never ending source of stress and frustration that the new Clan Leader had little time to think on or help properly.
Perhaps if he looked back on the teen's changes with a more mature perspective, or actually understood anything about grieving, he could have helped.
Alas, that didn't happen. Melli continued to be intrusive, annoying and bothersome, while Adaman did his best to endure.
XxxxxxxxxxxxX
Present Day:
Yanmas were buzzing somewhere outside, the only true noise accompanying his pounding thoughts.
Adaman had no clue what the time was. He just sat up in bed reclined against several pillows, still covered in dried, grimy sweat and breathing a bit shallow. It'shard to believe he still lived. Alone, staring at the tent wall while stroking his Leafeon, chest sore and overall feeling weak.
He couldn't stop thinking about his argument with Melli, and later the other Wardens.
He nearly died, which given how horrible he currently felt, wasn't too surprising. The only reason he recovered was Calaba's intervention. She spent several days in a row looking after him non stop, and he didn't know how to properly thank her. The old woman's response was to not get sick again before leaving with her Bibarel back to Lord Ursaluna's territory.
Irida had taken charge in his absence. The Luxray hunt concluded yesterday, and she asked Warden Ingo to catch as many large cats as possible to avoid unnecessary bloodshed. He miraculously met their quota, and the hunters let the Highlands be.
That man couldn't be human. Managing to catch ten Luxrays within a few days? Even Akari would struggle with that.
The Pearl Leader later asked Mai if she could try catching Luxrays in the Fieldlands too. She wasn't as successful as Ingo, and he still had no clue how many were slaughtered. Mai was on her way back as far as he knew, and he wasn't allowed to get out of bed and ask around either.
He already tried, and was yelled at by several people. The medicine woman even threatened physical beatings for future offenses, and given her track record, he absolutely believed it.
That was fine though. It gave him more time to wallow in his own guilt. He'd forgotten many things regarding his past friendship with Melli, and he now had all the time imaginable to think about it. Defending against bullies, broken promises, social lessons. It had all gone wrong, and he was too blind to see the real issue.
It's hard to believe. He used to like hanging out with Melli.
Until he changed.
All because Adaman was too focused on working. He'd neglected many friendships since becoming Clan Leader, and Melli was no exception.
He promised they would still play together, but he hadn't realized how time consuming his being the Diamond Clan leader would be. Adaman would forget, or be too tired. He'd apologize and Melli would forgive him, and for a long time that cycle continued.
At some point Melli started inserting himself into so many conversations, because Adaman would forget to talk with him otherwise.
And his posh attitude that seemed to come from nowhere? To Melli, negative attention was better than none at all. It was a difficult feeling to understand. Except for a brief period after losing his parents, Adaman had support everywhere he went. Mai, the villagers, the Wardens, his Pokémon. Until recently, he'd completely forgotten what it meant to be alone, and it wasn't a nice feeling. He'd been getting the cold shoulder from many people due to his actions, and he couldn't blame them in the slightest.
It just made his resolve stronger.
He needed to apologize to Melli. In order to do that, however, Adaman would need to defeat Snowflake in a Pokémon battle.
Easier said than done, especially with how easily the Skyfaller wiped the floor with him before. Adaman did not care much for Pokémon battles to begin with, and knew if he was going to get anywhere, he'd need help from an expert.
A loud knocking heralded the arrival of his guest.
The door slowly creaked open, Akari taking several steps inside.
"Hey there," Adaman croaked. "Thanks for coming on such short notice." Sinnoh almighty, he sounded terrible.
Akari looked at the floorboards, spending a few extra seconds fiddling with the door handle after slowly clicking it shut.
"I promise it sounds worse than it actually is. I've been told I'll recover no problem."
"Only if you actually rest…" The teen mumbled. Adaman chose to ignore that.
He closed his eyes and inhaled, only able to pull so much air before his lungs protested.
"Akari," Adaman's voice was soft.
Strained.
Sad.
She perked up and his tone, still unsure.
"I need your help. I know I've asked a lot of you in the past, but this is the most important task I've needed help with so far," he paused for a moment, almost scared to ask how much she knew. "I'm assuming you've heard about the incident with Melli and Snowflake?"
"Everyone has…" she whispered. "The rumors are out of control. They say those two tried to murder you, but Mai told me what really happened," she steeled her expression, finally looking Adaman in the face. "Melli didn't deserve that. Even if he is annoying, he just wants to help. He really looks up to you."
"I know, and you're right," Adaman sat up a bit straighter, Leafeon glaring at him and taking a firm seat on his lap. "I messed up, and Melli deserves an apology. To even get near him, however, I'll need your help."
Akari crossed her arms, watching him carefully.
"Snowflake won't let me see Melli until I defeat him in a Pokémon battle. I need to earn his forgiveness first, but I'm not a good Pokémon trainer," he bowed his head, ready to beg on his hands and knees if needed. "Please help me become a strong enough trainer to defeat Snowflake."
She was quiet for a second, and then two. He could feel himself sweating more time ticked by, still not getting an answer.
"… he is a strong trainer. I've heard of his battles from Zisu, though I've never fought him personally…" the girl rubbed her neck, trying to think it through. "It will be a lot of work, and you'll actually need a team of Pokémon. Not just Leafeon."
"I'll do whatever you ask of me," he kept his head low. "Anything to make things right, I'll do it. Please."
"Alright, I will try," Akari finally conceded. "But I know he's obsessed with training Pokemon. I don't know what his current team looks like. It will be hard to plan for."
"Thank you," Adaman let out a long breath, coughing when his lungs protested at the action. "I-I can get more Eevees. I'll have as many types as you think I'll need-"
"We aren't doing anything though until you're cleared though!" The teen snapped as soon as Adaman shifted. "Overworking yourself landed you here, and I refuse to help you kill yourself!"
"T-that's fair," He chuckled. She was absolutely correct. If he'd taken a few minutes to slow down, or better delegated his work load to other trusted individuals, he likely wouldn't be in this bed to begin with. "I'd rather avoid a repeat of this."
Akari nodded firmly, pausing right as she reached for the door knob. It swung open slowly, Irida standing on the other side.
Adaman's stomach sank to the floor.
"Oh! Hello Akari," Irida smiled. "I came as soon as I heard the good news. Now, If it's alright, I'd like to have a word with Adaman privately." Her eyes glared at him dangerously, the Diamond Leader sinking further into bed. He did NOT want to deal with her right now. Not while he was trapped in place.
"I was just leaving, actually," the teen turned and waved with a shit eating grin on her face. "Try not to die, Adaman."
"W-wait! Akari don't leave-"
Too late. She was already gone, with Irida taking her place.
"Now that you'll pull through, I had a few… words to share with you." The Pearl Leader slowly walked closer, large shoes clacking against the floorboards.
"W-wait! Irida-" His begging was interrupted by a series of hard coughs. Irida waited until he was under control again, offering him water that he took readily. It was a great kindness, offering a small amount of respite for his dry throat, even if his lungs didn't care.
She remained quiet until he completely finished, fists clenched at her sides.
"Do you know how difficult it was? Dealing with the Luxray Hunt and Komado without any support?" She grimaced. "You picked a very bad time to almost die, and you practically chased out one of your own Wardens? And made enemies with one of the Skyfallers? I found a grey hair the other day while brushing, and it's entirely your fault!"
"L-look. I don't know how yet, b-but I'll try to make it up somehow-"
"Oh, you'll make up for this alright." Irida's mouth formed into a hard smile that didn't reach her eyes, Adaman suddenly having flashbacks to the time Snowflake told him off after that Pokémon battle.
He gulped hard, knowing already this would be an equally bad tongue lashing.
This was deserved. He just had to keep telling himself that.
XxxxxxxxxxxxxX
"Flame Wheel!" Snowflake ordered his Ponyta to deliver another strong blow to Lord Electrode. The ball roared and aimed a Thunder at Cooper. Gracefully dodging, she went into a full blown gallop at her opponent, Snowflake pointing forward with his whole arm and a devious smirk.
"High HorsePower!"
Ramming her entire body into Electrode, she managed just enough damage to win the match. The Lord of the Hollow shook himself off quickly, smiling wide at Cooper's achievement.
"Bravo, Cooper! You have mastered every move so far!" Snowflake approached, patting her snout and laughing. "I'll have to find something else for you to work on. I'm not sure what else you can- COOPER?!"
Snowflake took a step back when smoke erupted around his Ponyta, her body engulfed in darkness as it quickly grew in size. Her blue mane changed to a ghostly lilac hue, a large horn growing from her head and even more flames spreading along her back and legs. When the dust cleared she reared and whinnied, fire erupting in all directions. It didn't burn though, just the same warm comfort her trainer came to expect.
"Cooper! You evolved!" Snowflake grabbed around her more muscular neck in a tight embrace, laughing as wildly as his monotone voice allowed. "Bravo! This is amazing!" He patted her back, seeing how much taller she was now. "You look like you could carry so many rocks!"
Cooper huffed, flicking her flaming mane into the wind.
The rest of his team all congregated to congratulate her. Well, Caboose and Kernel congratulated her at least. Both leapt onto the mare's back excitedly, Cooper trotting around the arena stretching her much longer legs. Buggy was hidden behind a column, growling every time Cooper came too close. Meanwhile, Stoker was busy investigating a few wild Voltorbs, poking at one with his claw then snarling when the other got too close. He was protecting his stash of oddball items, and he could never find a good enough hiding spot.
Snowflake would consider making a bag to keep it all in. Only if the little thief behaved himself at least.
"Come on Buggy. I'm sure Cooper would love to give you a ride too."
The little Zorua snarled and snapped as soon as Cooper came too close, not having any of Snowflake's suggestions. The horse kicked up dirt in Buggy's direction, showing her feelings on the idea in return.
"My, that is a beautiful Rapidash. Congratulations." A vaguely familiar voice spoke cheerily. Snowflake turned to see an odd blonde with bangs over one eye and a big backpack.
"I remember you. You're Volvo." Snowflake waved.
"Volo." He corrected with a wide smile.
"Oh, Volo then," The Skyfaller laughed, Volo chuckling along too. "What brings you to Moonview?"
"I just happen to be passing through."
"Why? There's no one but Melli and I up here." He was genuinely confused by the reasoning.
"Always the observant one," Volo's smile didn't reach his ears. "You see, I was actually hoping to talk with you specifically."
"Me?"
"Yes indeed. For there aren't many people I can go to with this task, and you have proven yourself to be a strong trainer already."
"That depends on what you need." He kept his guard up, unsure what this merchant was getting at.
"You see, I am a big fan of history, and that includes collecting a certain number of plates…"
Snowflake listened patiently as Volvo elaborated. Something about a fascinating history and wishing to collect these "plates" scattered throughout the region.
It sounded interesting, but would require lots of travelling.
Far too much travelling.
"I am sorry. I cannot help with that."
Volo paused, eyes narrowing.
"… what do you mean, you can't?"
"Well, that would mean leaving Melli behind," he glanced over to where their tent was located outside of Moonview. Melli went to lay down an hour ago saying he was tired. Well, he said lay down, but there was a fifty percent chance he'd spend a few hours praying, which he'd been doing far more frequently since they moved here. Snowflake wasn't sure if the change was actually related to fatigue, or something else entirely. "He hasn't been well recently. I don't feel safe leaving him alone."
Volo's eyes glinted, though they took on a kinder feel a second after.
"I suppose you are right. With only one working arm you wouldn't last long on your own."
"Sadly, that is true." He didn't have an argument for that. His time with Lady Sneasler and Ingo was enough to prove it, not to mention whatever happened before his run in with Man Eater. Volo was quiet for a moment longer, quickly busting out in loud laughter.
"You are an interesting one, Snowflake. I'll give you that much," he hummed, glancing at the large number of Pokémon currently present. "I would hate to waste an entire trip here, though. Perhaps you'd indulge me with a Pokémon battle?"
That got his attention.
"Indeed! I, Snowflake, would love a Pokémon battle."
"One on one."
"Prepare yourself. For if a battle isn't serious, it isn't fun," Snowflake took his usual stance, pointing forward with his left hand now that it was free from a cane. "Cooper. Let's show off your fresh coat of paint."
The Rapidash whinnied, gracefully trotting between Snowflake and Volo. Caboose leapt from her back to stand at her human's side, the newborn Kernel using her as a taxi. Volo blinked at seeing the tiny fuzz ball, grin increasing in size.
"In that case, Togatic." He threw a Pokeball, a beautiful Fairy type Pokémon taking form, batting it's tiny wings rapidly to stay airborne.
It wasn't a long battle. Cooper delivered a High Horsepower and took it down in one go.
"Wow. You are verrrrrry weak," Snowflake's smile fell. That wasn't as exciting as he'd hoped for.
"I suppose you are just leagues above my skill level then." The merchant shrugged.
"You didn't take that seriously at all. I won't battle you again if you won't."
"My apologies. I hadn't realized how talented of a trainer you actually are," he rubbed the back of his neck, letting out an almost frustrated sigh. "Even more reason why I'd wish you could help me."
The Skyfaller chose to ignore that statement, focusing on the recently bested Pokemon.
"I will say though, your Togatic has great potential," Snowflake squated to get a better look at the Happiness Pokemon, currently shaking itself clean and returning to the air. "She has a wonderful stats distribution, and I see you are working on Effort Values. Have you considered breeding Togatics for their hidden ability? You could create a verrry strong competitor with the right egg moves too."
Volo blinked, raising a finger as if to say something before pausing.
"I apologize, but could you run that by me again?"
"Which part? Egg Moves? Effort Values? Hidden Abilities?"
"All of it."
Snowflake's heart fluttered. He LOVED discussing… whatever these things were!
"Where do I even begin? I suppose breeding would be the best starting point. That leads directly into Egg Moves and Hidden Abilities. Effort Values come next when a Pokémon has aged a bit," he paused, realizing how lost Volo looked. "I am sorry. Perhaps it would help if I wrote all of this down instead? Visuals always help, and I, Snowflake, am a verrrry willing teacher!" He smiled wide, hoping Volo would agree to the lesson.
The other man blinked, clearly rolling something around in his head.
"… are there any survival supplies you happen to be in need of?"
A bit off topic, but Snowflake did have a few ideas in mind.
"Yes! Thank you for reminding me. A saddle bag for Cooper, some curry brushes, an actual stove would be great too… What am I saying? I cannot pay. I have some star pieces to sell, but I don't think they will be enough." He pulled the shards from his bag and held them out for Volo, but the merchant didn't make a move.
"… I think I have a solution we can both benefit from. In fact, if things go REALLY well, I could get you an entire saddle." The man chuckled, mouth pulled in a weird grin.
"Are you okay, Volo? You have a verrry odd look on you face-"
"Perfectly fine," he shoved a notebook and writing utensil in Snowflake's hands. "I'll need you to write down everything you know about Pokémon breeding, these Egg Moves, and Effort Values…."
XxxxxxxxxxxX
Sorry this update took so long! I went from updating frequently to needing a month for this one, but I think it was worth the results.
This chapter fought me the entire time I was writing it. I also have a different project I am working on to take up my mental capacity, but I'm working to try keeping this one up and going. Part of the next chapter is written already though so hopefully it won't be nearly as long of a wait.
My original goal was to keep Adaman and Melli's past as vague as possible. Sprinkle hints of what happened and leave the exact events up to the readers' imagination. Then I typed up the flipping flashback chapter. My goal remained to keep it vague though. Only events related to this story's plot in particular are touched upon, and I still wanted the former Pearl Warden to remain as blank as possible. No name or physical description. Just a nice guy that likes to help people and was happy to finally have more human company in his midst.
Until he died horribly.
Though now I think it would be funny if Lady Sneasler has a "type" when it comes to her Wardens and she always picks men in their 30's/40's that are helpful and great babysitters lmao. Preferably with grey hair. They need to be silver weasels like her kits ;P
She was lamenting the loss of her Warden one day when this guy adopted by the Pearl Clan in brought to see her. He speaks funny and smells weird but OMG YES THIS IS HER NEW SON! Ingo couldn't even say anything he just accepted his new fate. It's not like anyone could understand him anyway.
Also all from Adaman's point of view, so what exactly Melli was up to in those years of learning is up to everyone's imagination still. XP
Snowflake also somehow struck a deal with Volo. Where is the totally not scheming merchant planning on going with this weird idea? Stay tuned to find out!
Please leave feedback if you feel like it! Your commentary is always super inspiring and help fan the flames of the next chapter