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The Adventure Saga;
The Art of Progression
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Start Date: August 20th, X018
Current Date: August 24th, X018
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"I just don't get it," Brendan murmured as his hand fell next to the tracks of the Mightyena. "It just doesn't make sense at all…"
The scene itself was a picture of peace. The large pond to his left, the wind shaking the berries and leaves in the trees, the grass tickling at the soles of his feet. Yet here, in this peaceful spot where his father and himself often regrouped for lunch, was where not just one, but two attacks had happened.
About a week ago, Brendan was doing what he always did, living about his days in the forests, waiting for his dad to come so they could regroup on what he's found out. It was something of a tradition for them. Brendan and his dad would meet up weekly to eat lunch, discuss findings, and specifically for his father to give him supplies.
"Dad had gotten the Pokédexes. He was going to show me them," Brendan murmured. "… And then we were attacked by two men with Mightyena…"
That week was special, however. They were technically meeting halfway, because Dad had gone to Petalburg City to retrieve a parcel from another professor. Professor Oak, who was working tirelessly to ever improve the Pokédex, had sent a couple of Pokédexes to Hoenn for trainers of Dad's choice. Brendan was excited, because getting the Pokédex meant that he was going to get to expand his horizons, and expanding his horizons meant he was going to learn more about pokémon, and meet more people who were just as passionate as he was about the creatures.
Brendan could barely contain his excitement, he begged Dad to open the parcel. They barely opened the package when there was an attack.
Mightyena surrounded them, and two men with hoods was demanding the parcel that Dad was holding. When they didn't give it up right away, they were attacked.
Absentmindedly, Brendan rubbed his shoulder. Had that pokémon got even an inch closer to his neck, it would have killed him. Thankfully, the pokémon seemed more focused on him than on his Dad, but the men had beat him until he lost his grip on the parcel.
Of course, Brendan carried Dad home to Littleroot on his back. Dad had begged him the entire way home to get the parcel, because if someone was targeting the dexes…
"… Who would even wanna track down the other dexholders?" Brendan muttered to himself. That's what his father was worried about most, that someone would use the tracking function on the Pokédex to find the other dexholders. Torchic pecked at his leg, nuzzling against him. Brendan smiled, petting his head. "Like, I'm not gonna go and track down Groundon. Anyone who tracks them down is asking to get their butt kicked, right guys?"
Brendan lifted his head. Mudkip was absentmindedly splashing in the pond. Treeko was also staring over the left behind tracks. Of course, after he made sure Dad was safe, he ran after the parcel. With the help of the starters and his own abilities, he managed to track down the people who attacked them.
They were way to aggressive to be an average wild pokémon, at least from around here. Someone trained them to not only track, but attack. Additionally, Mightyena packs are typically not only much larger than three pokémon, but also have Poochyena in the mix to train the new pups.
"These pokémon were trained to be trackers," Brendan murmured. "But since I spent longer in the wild and crossed through every river and creek I could find…"
The Mightyena picked up on his scent from the couple days prior, which lead them to the pond, which in turn, led them to May.
Originally, after the Mightyena went after his old trail, he was content to head home to Littleroot. But then he saw May fall out of that truck. He did have intentions on helping her, but when he tried to approach, May was chased off by the trainers. Right after that Mightyena pack.
Brendan knew he should've gone back home to Dad and Mom. But he couldn't just leave her, alone and confused like that. Especially if she was running into the maw of those tracking Mighyena.
"But who?" Brendan muttered under his breath, sitting on his rear with his arms crossed. "Who would attack my dad for the dexes? Who would train pokémon to be that aggressive?"
Hoenn was a pretty peaceful region with a passion for battling. Every child dreamed of being a trainer, so much so that even if the legal age to get a license and challenge the league was fifteen, kids were scrambling by age ten to battle. The laws weren't that strict, no one batted an eye to innocent kids standing outside their homes to train and battle pokémon.
But if someone that dangerous was running around…
Brendan shook his head. He'd need to figure this out and quickly. He didn't want the peace he's grown up with to be ruined and shattered. He didn't want innocent people like May to get hurt, especially since she was so new to the region.
Brendan looked over the pond as the brunette girl with the bright red bow crossed his mind.
A gym leaders daughter not wanting anything to do with pokémon? He supposed he could maybe understand not wanting to be a trainer, but to just… not want anything to do with pokémon? At all?
It was truly baffling, especially since she had such a loyal companion like that Cyndaquil.
Brendan glanced over the starters, brow furrowed. Truly, he was dumbfounded. And the hardest part of this all is that he really did want to try and understand May. Since Norman moved to Hoenn, Brendan often found himself helping alongside his family. He was delivering food, helping unpack, all sorts of things. Norman was nice and seemed to be genuinely good friends with Dad. Well, he would have to be, if all Norman had to do was ask him to give May a Pokédex, and Dad so easily and readily granted the request.
"You know, Torchic, it's not even that I'm upset or angry with her about her opinion," Brendan settled his chin in his hands, glancing at the fire type. "But I really don't understand what someone would have to go through to decide against not having pokémon. And then coming to Hoenn of all places."
Hoenn was a region that took a great amount of time and effort in not only preserving the habitats of pokémon, but living as one with them. His father was on the leading forefront of maintaining those laws with his research, showing how humans and pokémon can both respect one another and their homes, while also living in harmony.
Thats why these aggressive Mightyena were such a problem. Aggressiveness like that will only fuel the naysayers, and it would shatter the delicate balance that both himself and Dad has worked so hard to maintain.
"I can't understand her line of logic," Brendan murmured, glancing at Treeko. "But I do know one thing. If there's any place that can change her mind, any person that could do it… It's me and the Hoenn region."
As Brendan finished his sentence, his nose twitched, a familiar but new scent trailing up to him. Peaches. He stood with a beaming grin.
"May!" Brendan raised his hand in a wave, just as May came stumbling out of the thicket of bushes and trees. She looked sweaty, tired, and had leaves sticking out of her hair, but when she met his gaze, she let out a sigh of relief.
"Finally," her shoulders sagged, as she brushed the leaves and dirt from her clothes. "Brendan, I've been looking everywhere for you."
"For me?" Brendan echoed, pointing to himself. For some reason, he felt his cheeks warm.
"Yes, I've changed my mind. I want a Pokédex." May explained. "I went back to Professor Birch, but he said that he gave the spare Pokédex to you in order to find a different trainer."
"Well, he did say that, yeah." Brendan nodded. "You must've just missed me by a minute. I left the lab to just fill some pages on these couple of routes before I moved on to Petalburg."
"Why would you come back here?" May looked shocked as she glanced down at the Mightyena tracks and the claw marks on the trees. "What if those pokémon come back?"
"Well, this place is special to me, that's all." Brendan shrugged his shoulders, figuring it was best to play off his worries surrounding the incident. "Can't let one bad apple ruin the whole tree, you know?"
"If it were me, I'd never come back here." May shook her head with a sigh. "But then again…"
She trailed off, not completing her sentence. Shaking her head, she turned back to him with her hand extended. Brendan blinked.
"Oh, right!" Brendan reached out, gripping her hand in a hearty handshake. "I think we kinda already did this, but I guess I should do it proper! I'm Brendan Birch! Nice to properly greet and meet ya, neighbor!"
"No, that's not what-" May twisted her hand back and forth. Brendan took the hint, and dropped her hand, confused. "Brendan, I didn't haul myself all the way out here for a handshake. I need that Pokédex back. I've changed my mind. Can I have it?"
Again, she held out her hand. Brendan stared at her outstretched hand, only for a thought to flicker through his head.
"Sure, May!" Brendan grinned, pulling the dex from his bag. As her fingers reached for it though, he snapped his hand back, dangling it over her head. "But you have to beat me in a battle first!"
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"I- What?" May's gaze snapped up, baffled. Brendan waved the Pokédex above her head playfully, smiling down at her with that fanged smile. "Oh, no, I'm not a trainer. I don't have a license, I have no interest in battling."
"Aw, you don't need a license to battle!" Brendan placed his hands on his hips with a bright, innocent smile. "Think of it as, oh… a favor for a new neighbor. I wanna test your skills!"
"Is this because I'm a gym leaders kid?" May demanded, crossing her arms over her chest.
"Nope!" Brendan answered immediately and confidently. "I haven't gotten to battle someone my age in a really long time. I kinda have a bit of a special bond with the pokémon around here," Brendan's gaze fell softly to the trees, and May glanced in direction he was looking. Squinting, he saw some Twailow huddled on the branches, looking out for him. "What I'm trying to say is, battling the same kids with the same pokémon is predictable. Boring. I wanna see what it's like battling someone who's up to par with me age-wise ! I wanna be challenged by a new pokémon!"
May was quiet, trying to search his gaze for some dishonesty. There wasn't any ill intent at all, but May wasn't stupid. He might play up that bumpkin sincerity, but he just wanted to be challenged by a gym leaders kid. See if she was up to snuff to her father.
I should blow this battle just to disappoint him and wipe that stupid smirk off his face.
The thought flickered through her head, but her gaze fell on the Pokédex in his grasp. If she wanted any hope of getting back to her room, with all her stuff and her art supplies, then she needed to get that Pokédex and show her dad she got the Pokédex.
Of course, she'd also have to wait for him to call Mom and report how nice their little trainer prodigy played into their game, but still…
"Fine." May ran a hand down her face, turning on her heel and striding across the field.
"Whoa, really?!" Brendan shouted at her back. May felt a small headache coming on as she ground her teeth. This boy was loud, obnoxious, didn't wear shoes…
"Yes, really." May insisted. "I'll battle you. But one on one, I'm not plowing through all three of your pokémon with just Cyndaquil."
"Thats fine!" Brendan was bouncing on the balls of his feet, invigorated at the very thought of this battle. "I wouldn't wanna be unfair to someone new to this!"
Was he mocking her? May couldn't tell…
"All right, so if you're using Cyndaquil…" Brendan trailed off thoughtfully as Cyndaquil appeared from May's pokéball. Grinning, he turned to Mudkip, gesturing for him to come forward.
May ground her teeth slightly. Of course it was Mudkip. Of course he wasn't going to make this easy for her. How annoying. How exhausting. May felt her shoulders sag slightly, but the thought of her art supplies and her bed drifted through her mind.
One battle. One battle and a stupid walk to Petalburg and she would have that back. Then she'd lock her door.
Lifting her head, she glanced at Mudkip. Cyndaquils flames probably wouldn't do much, so…
"Cyndaquil… Quick Attack."
Cyndaquil, apparently invigorated by her actually caring about this fight, sprang into action. His flames burned so bright on his back that May swore they glowed white. Then, he burst forward, darting back and forth across the battlefield until he rammed into Mudkip. Mudkip gasped, floundering on the ground to roll over, but dodged as Cyndaquil tried to hit him again.
"You're okay, Mudkip!" Brendan was practically whooping, jumping back and forth like a wild pokémon raring to fight himself. "We've got an upper hand! Water gun!"
Throwing his fists up in a cheer, water shot across the field from Mudkip's mouth. May was quiet, watching the water for a few seconds as Cyndaquil tucked himself into a ball, rolling away from the water. Steam sizzled off Cyndaquils back as the water his doused his flames.
"Do it again, Mudkip!"
"Keep your distance, Cyndaquil." May ordered. She knew one hit with that water gun was going to put Cyndaquil out of commission. She had to keep this up a little longer…
"Well, if long distance won't work, we'll get up close and personal!" Brendan's arm shot out with a grin stretching across his face. "Tackle!"
May waited as Mudkip darted forward to tackle, and as he did…
"Ember."
Pellets of golden-colored fire flew at Mudkip like bullets, and the water-type took it with stride. May was expecting him to anyways, but that small distraction lessened the blow. Mudkip still slammed into Cyndaquil, but Cyndaquil ducked and covered as Mudkip landed back on his feet.
"Tackle!"
"Quick Attack."
As Brendan shouted with gusto, May kept her voice even. Mudkip charged as Cyndaquil darted, ramming into each other. Brendan whooped, cheering Mudkip on as they jumped back and rammed into each other again.
May watched Brendan from afar, eyes alight with a burning passion for this fight. He was invigorated, shouting and cheering and pushing his pokémon harder to fight as best he could. Whereas, with her…
She really truly felt… nothing when it came to battling. Just another stupid, tedious task that she had to accomplish for whatever reason. Something she wanted to be over as soon as possible. How could someone get so excited over something so stupid? Who would want a career out of this? Trainers didn't even do anything, they just stood here shouting commands.
Enough goofing off.
Having watched Mudkip and Cyndaquil enough, May extended her hand. Just one more…
"Cyndaquil, Swift."
Golden stars rained down as May's gaze narrowed on Mudkip. The fin on it's head swiveled, and Mudkip was darting, carefully avoiding the stars as they fell. May nodded once.
"Right, Quick Attack, aim for the head."
Cyndaquil nodded, then curled into a ball and zipped towards Mudkip. May watched as the fin swiveled, and Mudkip stepped aside to avoid the attack.
"Cyndaquil, Swift, now!"
Cyndaquil darted behind Mudkip, stars raining down and slamming across Mudkip. In the process, the fin on his head took damage. Brendan let out a gasp as Cyndaquil jumped back.
"Water Gun!" Brendan ordered. The attack from close range didn't give Cyndaquil enough time to dodge, and he was thrown back. The flames on his back sputtered and flickered. Cyndaquil was shivering, shaking off the excess water.
Cyndaquil glanced back at May, then he clenched his little paws, and the flames once again burst to life.
"Don't know what caused the burst of inspiration…" May muttered. "But okay. We can work with this."
Back and forth, the battle continued. Mudkip was keeping Cyndaquil at bay with the Water Gun, but Cyndaquil was firing back here and there with Swift. May was scanning the scene, looking and watching, waiting for an opening.
After each attack, Mudkip needs a moment to recharge. He can't immediately use the attack right after one, and he needs a moment for the water to actually appear from his mouth. But how long is that moment? One, two, three…
"Whatcha playing at, May?" Brendan almost whined as Cyndaquil continued to dart about. "This battle'll never end if you-"
"Cyndaquil us Quick Attack, now."
Her tone was sharp as she followed the command. Cyndaquil rolled into a ball, zipping towards Mudkip right alongside the Water Gun. The moment the water dissipated, Cyndaquil rammed right into Mudkip's mouth.
Mudkip stumbled back, startled, teetered for a moment, then fell unconscious. Fainted.
"Mudkip!" Brendan darted forward, scooping up his pokémon, cradling him.
"Finally…" May sighed, gaze going skyward. Cyndaquil was jumping and cheering, proud of himself for winning. May recalled him mid cheer, hopping in the air. He probably needed rest or something after that.
Sucking in a breath of air, she strode towards Brendan.
"Satisfied now?" May asked. Brendan glanced at her, then sprung to his feet.
"You can battle!" he exclaimed with that same, wide grin. "I knew you and Cyndaquil could do it!"
"I mean, sure, anyone could battle." May put a hand on her hip, shaking her head with a sigh. "Just like anyone can own a pokémon or draw or exercise. But just because you can doesn't mean you should, or you want to. Besides, this was just a fluke. I got lucky."
"Lucky? Your moves seemed pretty calculated for someone who is lucky." Brendan shrugged his shoulders as he recalled Mudkip, following up by digging into his bag for the dex. "Anywho… a deal's a deal. Your reward for winning is a Pokédex! Lucky you!"
May took the item from him, flipping it over in her grasp. Pressing a button, the screen lit up white.
"So see, this hasn't been used by anyone yet," Brendan explained. "All you have to do is input your name and then you can start collecting data. Here, I can show you, you just have to go here…"
May expected him to poke at the screen in a patronizingly helpful way, but instead, he squeezed right up next to her. Almost cheek to cheek, he reached out, fiddling with the buttons.
"Right. Brendan, buddy, sir." May placed a hand against his face, and shoved him back at arms length. "This is called personal space. So please respect it."
"Huh?" Brendan blinked curiously, but nodded. "Right, sorry, sorry."
May ignored him, staring at the Pokédex, prompting her to input her name. Sighing, she looked back at Brendan.
"I'm… not really interested in connecting my name to this thing."
"No?" Brendan cocked his head. "You know, I'm a little curious about that myself. You reject Dad and say you can't battle, but you chase me out here and win a fight for the dex. So you get the dex, but you don't want your name on it? Honestly, May, I don't really get it."
May was quiet as he waited for an answer. What was she supposed to say? She had no desire to be a trainer, let alone something like a dexholder. Just the thought of such a stressful title made her skin crawl. Adventure, power, fame, fortune… she had no interest in any of it. And all those things were intricately tied to this accursed object in her hand, the Pokédex.
She could tell him the truth, but…
"If I told you why I wanted this thing," May smirked slightly, placing it in her bag without inputting her name. "You wouldn't believe me. That's how ridiculous my reasoning is."
That worked, she supposed. Having her mom unlock the door was a truly ridiculous reason to want a Pokédex.
"Really? Well, hopefully one day you can tell me!" Brendan laughed, crossing his arms behind his head. Treeko and Torchic approached. Torchic was practically in tears from Brendan loosing the battle, meanwhile Treeko…
"Uh…"
May's nose shriveled slightly as she stared down at the grass type. Brendan was already cradling Torchic, soothing him with soft hums and murmurs. Treeko crossed her arms, staring, boring into her eyes. She growled something under her breath, nodding slightly.
"Seems your motivation to fight wasn't just a lucky break," Brendan scooped up Treeko, grinning. "But an inspiration too."
"That thing was inspired by me fighting?" May echoed. She glanced at Brendan. "… Really?"
"Really!" Brendan extended his arm, and Treeko walked across it, now completely at eye level. "That's what she says, anyways."
Says, as if he could understand pokémon. The boy was probably so starved for social interaction that he thinks he's talking to pokémon. Brendan glanced between her and Treeko, and May could practically see the gears in his head turning.
She needed to get out of this situation quickly before she's saddled with another pokémon she didn't want. May glanced up, the sky casting a soft pink light over the land. The perfect excuse.
"Well, Brendan, thanks for making things more difficult." May turned on her heel, hand raised in the air. "But I'm not for this whole 'sleeping in the wilderness under the stars' thing."
"No?" Brendan trailed after her. "You should try it, Hoenn's night skies are beautiful."
"Beauty is in the eye of the beholder," May shrugged. "And I find a clean bed and a ceiling very beautiful."
"… Suit yourself, May." Brendan was now by her side. " So you're going home, then?"
May was surprised that she flinched. She knew that her mothers fascination with reputation fell somewhere between obsessive and insane, but as of right now, May was exhausted. She had no clue how to explain to Brendan that she really couldn't go home at the moment.
"Let's just say…" May trailed off. "… Home's not an option at the moment."
Out of the corner of her eye, May saw Brendan open his mouth. She prayed that he would read the room and not push the subject. She was too tired to try and explain this to other people.
"Littleroot is very far away." Brendan turned his gaze to the sky. "We probably won't make it back by dark anyways."
"'We', Brendan?"
"Well, yeah." Brendan blinked curiously at her. "I mean, I'm heading to Oldale and I'll probably spend the night on Route 102 and then head to Petalburg."
"Speaking of which, what business do you have in Petalburg?"
"What business wouldn't I have?" Brendan looked a little surprised. "I need to go and talk to the Gym Leader to process my application for the pokémon League. Once I have that on my license, I'll be good to go!"
"Oh, so you're challenging the League…" May didn't bother to try and hide her disappointment. For someone who was so atypical, Brendan sure was following the same stupid, boring, redundant path as other trainers.
"I mean, sure? Why not?" Brendan turned his gaze forward with a shrug. "Gives me something to do while I'm traversing the region, and challenging gyms should keep my team sharp and ready to rumble in case I get in a sticky situation, like, well…"
"The Mightyena?"
"The Mightyena, right!"
May was going to ignore his hesitancy to continue and how quick he was to latch onto her excuse. Especially considering he was talking earlier about how he wouldn't let one bad event ruin a place so important to him.
"Anyways, I'm gonna head back to Oldale and see if I can get a room or something at the pokémon center."
"I mean, that's unlikely, May." Brendan shrugged. "Small town medical facilities don't really have rooms to spare like that."
"Maybe an inn, then…" May muttered taking her chin in her hand in thought. It would cost more, but maybe she could get some cash from drawing small sketches of people. If not, and if she got desperate enough to do so, she could battle the trainers on the routes and get money that way.
"No inns, either, May."
"… Really?"
"Really." Brendan nodded. "Like I said, Oldale and Littleroot really weren't built to accommodate tourists or the like. We really rely on each other if we need a place to stay or something like that. The nearest inn or hotel is in Petalburg."
May let out an exasperated sigh. Brendan shifted his weight on his feet, then suddenly perked up.
"Oh, May, I've got it!" He placed Treeko on her shoulders and settled Torchic on his head. May shuddered at Treeko's cold suction cups against her skin. Grabbing her hand, he yanked her along. "Just follow me, I've got a perfect place to rest!"
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August 25th, X018
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N snapped his eyes open wide, sucking in breaths of air as his body shook. Darkness was all he could see, and he was desperately blinking away the tears, trying to adjust to the darkness. Unable to quiet his breathing, he glanced to his left.
"Vale…" he dared to whisper her true name, knowing no one else would hear. Tentatively, his hand touched her lilac-dyed hair, relieved that she was warm. Healthily warm and very much alive.
She was sleeping soundly, safely, undisturbed by what had woken him. They were in Hoenn, in Petalburg, with his true family. This room was cozy and perfect, with a door to a small deck that overlooked the land and their pokémon roamed comfortably.
He stared a moment more, waiting in bated breath for the rise and fall of her chest.
Assured that she was most certainly alive and breathing, N quietly eased out from under the covers, then pulled them up to Vale's chin. He eased open the door and kept the knob turned in order to shut it quietly. He just needed… to make sure. To make certain.
Bare feet padding quietly down the hall, he slowly creaked open his parents door. On the bed, he saw his Mom and Dad. Mom was splayed across the bed with her hair in a frazzled mess while Dad took up a tiny sliver of the bed. Seeing them both breathing, N shut the door and continued on.
Right next to his parents was his little brother, Wally. Inside he could hear the noise of his CPAP machine, air flowing through the tubes to make sure Wally breathed safely at night.
N lingered a moment longer in his doorway, double, triple, and quadruple checking that he was, in fact, breathing.
Hearing about all his medical conditions filled N with worry and anxiety. He knew Wally hated being coddled and he wanted to support him as much as he could, but after his first really bad asthma attack in the garden… A part of N at least understood why Dad hovered over him and fretted constantly.
That wheezing… The gasping…
"N? Are you okay?"
N snapped his head up, tears rolling down his cheeks. Vale's voice snapped him from the memories, from the fear of the past, but the relief of seeing her alive, well, breathing only made him cry even more.
He wasn't sure when he ended up on the outside balcony, but his mind seemed to enter a haze between glancing into Wally's room and coming back. He was overlooking the acre of land that his parents owned, where not only his and Vale's pokémon resided, but so did Moms, Dads, and some wild ones that drifted on and off the property. Most of their Unovan pokémon were hiding out in a small barn across the way, but at night, they slept freely in the fields.
His hands were gripping the wooding railing as he tried to count the pokémon, but all he could focus on was Wally's asthma attack and how it sounded just like…!
He began to hiccup, gasping for air as he shook, slowly sliding to the ground in tears. Vale was by his side in an instance, arms around him and whispering in his ear, trying to calm him down.
"What was it?" Vale asked, not a hint of judgement in her voice, not an ounce of fear.
"I think I… had a nightmare." he tried to keep quiet, not wanting to wake anyone else, but unable to calm down. He felt like death, no, Ghetsis was coming for him, chasing him down and out to destroy everything he loved. Like claws were scraping across his arms, wrapping around his throat and squeezing his heart and lungs. "I just snapped awake, and I-I h-had to make sure everyone was ok-k-kay. A-And Wally-Wally's asthma attack, r-reminded me… of… of…"
"… I'm fine." Vale whispered under her breath. "I'm alive. So is everyone else."
"I know." N was trembling, grasping the back of her shirt, holding her closely, tightly. "I know. I know."
"We're safe now. We're home."
N nodded, hiccuping as Vale rested her chin on the crest of his bands, stroking his hair to sooth away the panic and fear.
He had to remind himself that everything was okay now. Yes, they were technically in hiding, but his family was so warm, so kind, so safe. Mom was absolutely elated about them being here, Dad was doting and giving them tasks and purposes, Wally was getting the best care he could get, and there were so many beautiful plans for the future once they were more secure in knowing that no one was following them.
Ghetsis was in jail. Ghetsis was in jail, and they were free, and Vale was alive. She was alive, thrumming with life, and breathing.
Breathing. Breathing, I just need to… I just need to keep breathing…
"Vale, I'm sorry."
"You did nothing wrong."
"I'm still sorry." he whimpered, leaning on her shoulder. "I didn't mean to wake you up. I'm sorry."
Vale let out a sigh.
"Horrific things are bound to leave their marks." Vale whispered softly. "I know you're apologizing for more than just waking me up. It's still not your fault."
N fell silent, pushing the images, the thoughts, the sounds far out of his mind.
"The stars are so clear in Hoenn." he murmured as he turned his gaze to the sky.
"It's so quiet, too." Vale spoke softly.
N wished he could truly appreciate being here. Of course he was happy, but these nightmares, the fear of loosing someone, the fear of death… Why did it insist on clinging to him?
"Nate…? Was that you at my door?"
N lifted his gaze, seeing Wally standing at the door, rubbing his eyes, voice slightly raspy. Wally was fifteen years old, but looked like he was maybe twelve. He was so small and sick for his age, holding medication on him at all times, weak and constantly exhausted.
"Y-Yes, that was me." N answered, slowly finding the strength to stand. "I didn't mean to wake you up, Wally."
"It's okay. I was thirsty anyways." Wally hesitated in the doorway, gray eyes flicking about, then he stepped into the room, continuing until he was outside. "I brought you some water too, Nate."
"Th-Thank you, Wally." N murmured, taking the bottle from him, trying to hide his shaking as he drank.
N was worried for Wally, not just because of his health, but also for his mental health. N imagined that a brother who suddenly reappeared after disappearing long before he was born wasn't easy on him. Additionally…
"Oh, hello," Wally knelt down, his gaze trailing to the edge of the deck between the wooden bars, just behind Vale. Extending his hand, a familiar ball of yellow fuzz scrambled onto his palm. "Jolt, right?"
Jolt trilled at being called by his nickname, and Wally smiled, laughing under his breath. Vale was quiet, staring down at him with knowing eyes, then glancing at N. N knew why she was doing that, it was because Wally was mirroring the very behaviors that N did when hearing pokémon.
Wally, in the end, was a Harmonia. And though only one every couple of centuries were chosen as the hero, every Harmonia and Veritas had a single common trait; the ability to hear a pokémon's voice. N didn't know if Mom told him yet, but N was interested in breeching the topic since she shared the very same ability…
Wally stood again, extending his palm to Vale.
"I'm sorry your pokémon have to stay outside," Wally murmured softly. "Dad is just, well… you know how he is with me. He's afraid every little thing will cause me to have an attack."
"Do you like pokémon, Wally?" Vale asked the question, buying N some time to steady his frantic heart as he came out of the panic attack.
Wally's expression flickered for a second, just slightly sad.
"I, um… Actually really love pokémon. I've been trying to convince Dad to let me go onto Route 102 to capture a pokémon of my own, just, you know, as a friend."
"Pokémon do make wonderful friends." Vale agreed, glancing over the Pokémon, calm and asleep across the field. N also stood, his anxiety having ebbed away to pride, hearing Wally refer to the pokémon he hasn't even met yet as a friend. "What's stopping you?"
"Dad." Wally spoke softly, lowering his gaze. "He's been digging in his heels. He's afraid I'll get hurt, or I'll collapse, or something. And he's not wrong, but I just… I feel like I'm not incapable…"
Wally lowered his head to the railing, looking over the field.
"I just am nervous about going to Verdanturf." Wally murmured. "I don't want to go by myself..."
"I'll help you."
N blurted it out before he could think, in which Vale glanced at him and Wally's eyes widened like saucers.
"Really, Nate?"
"R-Really." N nodded. "Pokémon aren't just toys or tools for battles, they're companions. I think… Maybe, it might be possible for you to make a pokémon really happy."
"You are around that age, after all." Vale nodded in agreement. Wally was still wide-eyed, staring at him like he could hardly believe it.
"… Really, Nate?"
"Really." N smiled. "Um, think of it as an apology? B-Because I woke you up?"
"Dad will have a coronary…" Wally murmured. N flinched slightly, lowering his gaze. Should he be worrying about that? What would happen if he upset Mom and Dad?
"But you'll have a new friend." Vale encouraged.
Slowly, a smile grew on Wally's face. His eyes, bright and full of excitement and hope for tomorrow.
"Thank you." he lowered his head slightly. "Thank you so much. I'll get to sleep, so I'm ready to go tomorrow!"
Wally turned on his heel, going back inside, towards the door with N and Vale trailing behind him. He paused in the door frame, then looked back.
"… Nate, um…" Wally trailed off awkwardly, then glanced over his shoulder. "I hope you're feeling better now."
Before N could answer, Wally eased the door shut. Quietly, Vale wrapped her fingers around his.
"We should try to get some sleep too, N."
N nodded, going around the bed and crawling onto his side. There was nothing but silence for a brief moment.
"Hey, Vale…" N rolled over, placing his hand on her shoulder. "Can I just… Can I hug you tonight?"
Quietly, Vale flipped over, and N tugged her close. Knowing she was here, being able to feel her even breathing was enough to ease the anxiety and fear that plagued his mind.
"I'm proud of you, N." Vale whispered under her breath. "I'm proud you're going to help Wally catch a pokémon."
"I want to believe in what Hilda said." N murmured. "But I also want… to be the best brother I can be, the best son I can be…"
N fell silent, recalling Wally's words. Dad will probably have a coronary. Sweat broke out across his forehead.
"V-Vale you don't suppose Dad will be… will be mad, do you?"
"Mad?" Vale echoed, lifting her gaze. "He might be upset, but that's only because he's so protective of Wally. He'll get over it once he sees how happy Wally is."
"But what if… when Fa- Ghetsis was upset-"
"He won't hurt you, N." Vale spoke firmly, placing a hand to his cheek. "First of all, he's not Ghetsis. Second of all, I won't let him. You have nothing to be scared of."
N didn't say anything, but tugged her closer, held her tighter.
"Are you okay, N?" Vale asked.
"I think I will be." N answered, semi-honestly.
But the truth was, N wasn't sure if he was okay or not. Nightmares was plaguing his sleep, not just of the past but of what was to come. Ghetsis wasn't dead, what was he going to if he came back? Sleep evaded him more and more with each passing moment filled and riddled with anxiety.
Push it aside. He had to push it aside, because he didn't want Mom or Dad or Vale or Wally to worry.
He wanted to make happier memories, to not waste this second chance that he was blessed and lucky to receive. He wanted to build that better world for everyone, but just go about it in different ways. N wanted to trust that things would be okay, but whenever he closed his eyes, all he could see… all he could hear…
N let out a shuddery gasp as Vale groaned, shifting slightly in her sleep. When had she fallen asleep?
She's still breathing, right…?
N couldn't get up, as Vale had his one arm pinned, but he listened closely. She was breathing, in and out, in and out. She was fine.
Yet, N found himself unable to rest, unable to find solace. Instead, he stared out the window, listening for Vale's breathing, straining his ears to hear his parents soft snores and to make sure Wally wasn't having an attack in his sleep.
N remained like that right up until the room was painted a soft pink from the sun rising into the sky.
o.0.o.0.o
Sara sat on the deck of her fathers small bar and restaurant in Slateport City, semi-loathing her existence. She never was a massive fan of the beach, let alone her hometown, but being on suspension from the International Police gave her no where else to go.
Now, instead of tracking down bad guys and going on undercover missions with Looker, Sara was getting yelled at by annoying tourists and demanding customers as she struggled to get back in the groove of waitressing. All while under the watchful gaze of her parents and the admirable cheers of her younger siblings.
Absentmindedly, Sara pulled out a pack of cigarettes and a lighter. With the cigarette dangling between her lips, she flicked the lighter, trying to light it.
"Come on, you little son of a…" Sara watched the light sparks flicker on the cheap lighter, but it never burst into a flame to light her cigarette. Did she need a new one?
Damn cheap things, this wouldn't have happened with that nice zippo that Looker took away…
"Hey you!"
Sara ignored whoever it was, to focused on trying to get her cigarette to light. Surely, whoever it was weren't trying to talk to her, right? It was highly obvious that she was on-
"Excuse me!"
Sara blinked, her cigarette gone, right when she finally got the last smidgen of lighter fluid to spark a flame. Slowly she lifted her gaze. Some annoying woman was holding her cigarette. Some tourist, she guessed.
"You can't smoke here. And you can't smoke while you're working."
"Good thing I'm not working." Sara stood, looking through the screen. "Dad!"
"Yes, my girl?" her father glanced up from the counter, grinning.
"Customers out here." she turned her gaze to the door as her father opened it. "I'm going to the city to run an errand."
"Got it. Just be back in thirty minutes."
Sara nodded, walking down the steps and onto the sand, grimacing as the grains got through her sneakers. She heard her fathers boisterous voice greeting some tourists coming in.
Her parents… they weren't bad per say, but they just could never see eye to eye with her on anything. They were so willing to entertain these customers and bow over to their whims and wishes. Content with running a small little beach restaurant, living simply, leaving big problems to other people to solve.
When Cici had disappeared, to Sara, she felt like they only shrugged their shoulders in the face of her disappearing. A girl they were willing to adopt, who was basically a part of the family, they just… gave up. That was when the major rift began.
Hitting the cobblestone paths of Slateport, Sara veered towards a small general store, right across from the docks. Quickly, she purchased a new lighter and tossed her old one in the trash. Damn that woman for taking one of her cigarettes, those things were so stupid expensive in Hoenn…
Taking a drag from her newly lit cigarette, Sara felt her nerves calm slightly.
Sara hasn't really told her parents about the missions she came back from, or even that she was suspended for half a year. On one hand it was confidential, and she could get in more trouble if she told them anything, and on the other… she just knew her parents wouldn't want to hear about it. Hearing about the evil she dealt with on the daily would burst their perfect, happy world bubble.
But that was just how they were, and one of the many reasons Sara had drifted from them. They were happier turning a blind eye to the evil of this world, and she wanted to do something about it.
Honestly, Sara knew could get a job anywhere. Her work as an international police officer prepped her for all kinds of situations, specifically undercover ones. She had a wide array of skills, and she'd probably be better off in a security position. But…
She had uttered the Soda Pop Shop's slogan to Vale before she left with N. Sara was only working at her family's restaurant with hopes that Vale, or even her Umberon or Sandshrew, would remember something, anything and would come back home.
Sara knew the head chief of the international police, Dominic, wasn't a moron. But he had underestimated her, as she certainly wasn't stupid either. If he suspected N and Vale were alive, he would send agents to investigate their last know addresses. N's was his childhood home in Petalburg City. Vale's was an orphanage, but it was her parents who filed the report.
So officially, her family was on the hotplate as a lead for hiding out N and Vale.
Surprisingly, however, Sara hasn't seen anyone who was or she suspected was an agent come by. Irregardless, no matter how Dominic wanted to get around it, unless he parachuted agents in somewhere else, Slateport was the only place to bring in outsiders and tourists of Hoenn.
There's no way Dominic gave up that easily.
Sara knew that for certain as she glanced up. Another boat, another group of tourists, all of them chattering excitedly about the beaches of Hoenn and the food they wanted to try and the pokémon they wanted to see. Sara could feel her shoulders sag. She always considered herself a people pleaser, but honestly, the only people she wanted to please were the people she was closely connected to.
Sara couldn't stand them.
"Hey, watch it!"
Sara snapped at one man in an Alolan shirt and cargo shorts. He had bumped into her, and she had dropped and wasted another cigarette.
"Excuse me."
"I dropped my cigarette because of you." Sara grumbled, twisting her foot over the cigarette and then stooping down to pick up the remains. Littering in Hoenn would get her smacked with a hefty fine if she wasn't careful.
"You should be thanking me, smoking is bad for you anyways."
As the man spoke, she froze. Standing tall, her gaze focused on his retreating form. Alolan shirt, cargo shorts, socks and sneakers with curly black hair under a ball cap and sunglasses… But she knew that build. She knew that build, that voice, and that lecturing tone that hated cigarettes, hated addiction as a means of coping more than anything else.
Chief Dominic sent Looker here? Why? How?!
Sara couldn't believe it. Of all people to send, he was sending Looker? Did he recognize her? Sara prayed it wasn't so, since she was wearing the denim shorts and Soda Pop Shop tank top that was way, way different from her normal attire. Her brown hair was french braided down her back, and she lacked any of her usual, quirky accessories that she insisted on wearing, but…
Her purple eyes were easily identifiable. And she swore…
He glanced back!
Sara turned on her heel and bolted. She sprinted as fast as she could across the stones, across the sand, stumbled up the stairs to the Soda Pop Shop. She slammed open the door, startling several customers, ignoring her parents as they asked her why she was so desperately frantic.
Scrambling to the second floor apartment, Sara slammed her door shut and locked it.
Shoving the stray strands of hair off her face, Sara tried to calm her racing heart. Had they discovered her lie so quickly? Damn…
She knew that Dominic was going to send people after her, to investigate to try and find Vale and N. She knew this. Honestly, she could still stay behind her lie of witnessing them 'dying'… Miracles have happened before, right? She witnessed one.
But if they find that flash drive…
"… Absol, Emolga."
When she was suspended, most of her pokémon were also taken away, as they were technically international police-grade pokémon. In short terms, they were on par with police gear that was assigned to agents. So just like her gun and her other equipment…
All but two were taken. Her Absol, which came with her from Hoenn, and her Emolga, which she caught on a whim so she had at least something to battle against trainers. Emolga, excited to be out of her pokéball, snuggled against her cheek, cooing. Sara smiled a small, sad smile as her finger stroked under Emolga's chin.
Didn't stop Dominic from trying to confiscate you on the basis of 'that pokéball was provided by the international police'.
Glancing between the two, Sara weighed her odds. Emolga may get to Petalburg quicker riding the winds, and N would definitely take notice of a Unovan pokémon in Hoenn quicker, but… that would also draw major attention to N that he definitely did not need. Absol could quickly traverse mountains with his claws, but he'd have to take the long way to Petalburg. Additionally, his reputation as 'harbinger of disaster' would also somehow draw attention to the two…
But if Looker found them? It would be a disaster. Looker's moral compass is set in stone, he will follow orders from the Chief because he believes the International Police is nothing but just.
"Absol, I need you to go to Petalburg and find N." Sara said as she opened the skylight overhead. Absol leapt on her bed, silently waiting for orders. "Tell him that the international police, specifically Agent Looker, is in Slateport, Hoenn. They need to hide their Unovan pokémon, Vale needs to hide her shiny Umbreon, and they need to give you the flash drive."
Absol nodded, and without a sound, leapt through the skylight. Briefly, Sara heard the sound of claws tapping against the roof, then there was nothing but the sound of a bustling restaurant below her.
Emolga hummed, still happily nuzzling against her shoulder. Sara held up the pokéball, ready to return Emolga… but then, something crossed her mind.
… There had to be more she could do, right?
No doubt in her mind, the first thing Looker was going to do was trace N and Vale back to Petalburg after he cleared the Soda Pop Shop. After that? Start chasing leads of trainers using Unovan pokémon.
Sara had a Unovan pokémon.
Sara was a trainer. Kind of.
"First I should interrupt his means of getting out of Slateport via water." Sara murmured, pacing back and forth. "He will probably take the quickest route from one of the small boats on the beach docks… If I could interrupt that, then he'd have to go the long way around through the tunnels in Verdanturf… Then I could take Emolga, and make my official debut as a trainer, which should draw him away from Petalburg because who else in Hoenn would have a Unovan pokémon? I mean, after all, he knows better than anyone that all my pokémon were taken…"
Sara smirked, nodding in approval. This could work. This could definitely work. All she had to do was keep Looker off Vale and N's trail, and then they would all be free and clear. Vale and N could live peaceful lives, her suspension would run clear and she could go back to working with Looker, and Looker…
"… I mean, if there's nothing to find, then there's nothing to find, right?" she continued muttering to herself. "He wouldn't have failed anything, he just didn't find people who are considered dead."
"SARA! SARA, COME QUICKLY!"
Sara yelped, quickly returning Emolga as her little sister slammed open the door. Brown hair askew and pink eyes shining with excitement, Beth ran to her side.
"You won't believe it, it's Lisia!" the pre-teen cried in admiration. "She came to our shop! Our restaurant! She's in her contest outfit and everything!"
"L-Lisia, huh?"
"You don't know?!" Beth turned to her. "… Well, I suppose you wouldn't, you've been gone for so long. She's a super up and coming coordinator, a contest super star! I'm telling you, Sara, if you wanna get noticed in the world, then you gotta get on stage as a coordinator! Oh my legends I am so excited I can't believe…!"
Beth's voice trailed off down the hallway, going back to the restaurant. Again, the gears in Sara's head began to spin. Coordinating wasn't something she had much experience with, but it wasn't as if her training at the academy didn't prepare her for any and all situations. All she had to do was round out her team and get something together… Surely something as flashy as a coordinator would throw Looker way off Vale and N's trail, wouldn't it?
"… Am I really going to risk my career and everything I've worked to achieve for a girl who doesn't even remember who I am?"
Sara thought, contemplative for a moment. Then, she shook her head and rolled her eyes.
"Of course I am!" striding out the door, she grinned. "First things first, I need to gather intel on coordinators to see what I need to do. After all, Looker always taught me…"
Sara trailed off, pausing at the top of the stairs at the thought of Looker. Through thick and thin, Looker had always looked out for her and trained her to be a fantastic agent. She wasn't… really hurting him by protecting N and Vale. After all, they're 'dead'. If there's no N and Vale to be found, then he didn't fail a mission, right?
I don't know what Dominic or Looker is thinking, but I can't let her second chance be destroyed. I can't fail Cici again.
"I won't." Sara resolved herself.
Resolute and prepared for anything, knowing that Looker was hovering around just over her shoulder, Sara strode down the stairs.
First things first on a mission; gather intel, then move out.
o.0.o.0.o
Everyone: Oh, a cute Hoenn story, I wonder what May and Brendan has in store-
Me: SHUT UP, HERE'S SOME N PTSD, SARA CONFLICT, MENTIONS OF DOMINIC BEING AN ASS, LOOKER ON THE HORIZON, AND DRAMA. SO MUCH DRAMA.
Do I need to put context for some stuff? I feel like I should, since i'm just dumping N, Sara, Vale, and I guess Dominic to an extent on people…
Meh, I don't care. If people have questions I'll answer them.