-x- Izuku -x-
Seeing Shoto get stronger daily was amazing. He was getting faster at learning and training various pokemon abilities. They were very random, as he picked and chose from the thousands of moves. He still mostly was best at electricity, but was focusing hard on manipulating emotions and thoughts of pokemon especially. He had a partner to help him out, an alakazam that came over every day and ate some dinner and then they practiced.
Rei thought it was interesting, and still had no idea the situation her two sons were in. With time came skill for Shoto, but he was distant lately. He didn't like opening up about what was happening with Arceus and what all went on down in the underground lake. He was clammed up about it and refused to talk.
It did seem like Touya knew something that Izuku didn't, and he tried not to be upset over it. There was a sense of guilt and pity in both brother's eyes, and Izuku was starting to get a feeling about something he didn't want to be true. If Shoto could erase memories now, like the lake guardians, since he could control emotions in pokemon and low level in passerby humans, had he used some on Izuku? Had he done something to him and now felt guilt every time he saw him?
What would he have erased? Should Izuku be mad at him, or know it was a good reason? It left him conflicted and he couldn't bring himself to ask him. He wanted things to be how they were before. Before the lake, what he learned and told him. What he kept from him. But after the lake, Shoto threw himself in training, along with working to be perfect at his grades.
Izuku wondered how things would have been if they'd both stayed powerless. Would things be very different?
He had asked one day, and regret it immediately. When they were outside, Izuku sitting on the deck and Shoto trying to learn to fly, sweating as the togetic attempted to explain it. "Shoto? If you didn't have this power, would things be different between us?" He interrupted him, and it startled him, making him fall on his stomach with a grunt. "Sorry…"
"It would happen anyways. We just would be victims."
"That's not what I meant. As friends." Shoto's brows furrowed.
"Don't you want to be my friend because I'm interesting?" he asked in confusion. Izuku gasped.
"Shoto, do you think I'm only your friend because of the situation?"
"I mean… once I stopped confiding, you got more distant. There's not really any other explanation." Izuku felt sick with himself if Shoto thought this. For how long did he feel this way? "It's okay. I understand."
"That's not true! I like you as a person, the pokemon stuff is just fun to tag along with!" Izuku said, walking over to him, the bicolored hair kid sitting on the grass, looking at his hand as it picked at it. The togetic was waiting for the lessons to continue. Izuku knelt in front of him. "I just got distant because I thought you were. You've started avoiding me… is it something I did, or you did?" Shoto sighed at Izuku knowing something was up.
Still looking at his hands holding grass, he said, "I told you. What I thought the big event was. Your reaction was… not the best. So I took it away. I don't regret it, it was what was best for you." His voice was firm and sure. He believed in his words, that it was the right move. Izuku nodded, and looked down sadly.
"I'm sorry my reaction was bad and I can't share the burden with you."
Shoto gave a small smile. "I'm glad it's just me. I don't want to burden you with it when there's not really anything you or anyone else can do to stop it," he said with a sigh in his voice. "I'm sorry I did something against your wishes, it's just what I felt was right."
"I forgive you. If I made you more upset by my reaction, then erasing it was good, I guess…" He didn't like it much, but he understood why and that it was from a position of care. And he didn't want to make it even harder on Shoto. He was just ashamed he'd reacted negatively. "Things would be different if we didn't share this secret."
"Yeah. Everything would be different. I'm happy it was me. Arceus will leave once it's over, but I'm trying not to be sad about it. Teachers don't stay in your life forever. It's just been all my life I can remember having him there." Izuku understood. They looked up when Shoto's phone started ringing. It was an old flip phone since he was only ten and it was just for calling people.
They went to it and saw it was Endeavor. Shoto answered, seeming curious and making a shrug. "Hello?" Shoto put it on speakerphone so Izuku could hear too.
"Shoto, I've set up a tutor to get ahead of any peers in how to be a hero."
Shoto rose his brows before furrowing them in annoyance. "No. You didn't even ask me. I have enough going on already."
"How could you have enough on your plate already, you're eleven."
"I'm ten, not eleven. I'm not interested in tutoring or ever working in your agency. Don't call again, this was a mistake." Then he hung up, looking deeply irritated. "I shouldn't have told him about my power briefly. Well, I won't cave. I have a better teacher. And I do have stuff on my plate."
"I know, you don't have to justify it to me. I think the togetic is getting impatient." Shoto nodded, and the training resumed.
-x- Shoto -x-
"It's just us going? What about Touya?"
"Arceus said he's too intimidating looking," Shoto said as he made sure everything was in the backpacks, food and water bottles to put water in if they ran out. They put on the swim body suits in the changing room at the beach. Touya had driven them there, and hated this one. He hated it, but wasn't stopping Shoto. He needed a water type legendary, and not just one that can purify water.
He and Izuku walked out in the body swim suits, waterproof backpack on. Envy would not be coming with them this time. She was upset about this, but it was necessary. "You better fucking come back on time," Touya said, trusting his eleven year old brother in this. Shoto nodded, and gave him a hug.
They walked to the deck, and Shoto stood there in silence, making a call when a lapras came over happily. They didn't need medicine since Shoto could heal either of them with Celebi's ability. The both took a deep breath, and climbed onto the shell of the large water pokemon. "Will you take us to Senkai island?" The lapras nodded, and the long journey started.
It took an hour, watching deep sea pokemon follow in interest. Izuku seemed terrified while Shoto was not, he was amazed. Shoto wrapped an arm around Izuku's shoulder, and they were silent on the way to the island. When they arrived, it was an abandoned island. Nobody lived there.
"Will you stick around and take us back?" the lapras nodded, and got to as shallow water as possible. They walked to the beach, and put the backpack down. They planned on going back that day, so there were no camping supplies like they'd had the times before now. There was no portal there, as Lugia remained in the waters around this island exclusively, always had. It was why this island never had visitors.
Shoto was counting on his power being enough to not be killed. With having five legendary gifts already, he hoped Lugia accepted him, too. He walked out into the water, the waves calm there, no riptides. Izuku was pacing on the beach in worry as Shoto ducked under the water and swam deeper with goggles on.
There were a lot of qwilfish, seakings, and starmies. A mantine swam next to him. The water was clear enough to see. Hello? Lugia, are you here? He sent out loudly. No response. He turned to a seaking next to him. Do you know where Lugia is?
He is hunting. Should be back soon.
Thank you.
So Shoto waited, treading water until his legs got tired, and a kingdra came over to help him stay upright. Shoto could feel the pressure when something huge came his way at a fast speed. He ducked under with a big breath. The pokemon was massive. Bigger than any he's seen so far. He could see it clearly, and it looked aggressive.
Hi. My name is Shoto. I came here on the orders of Arceus, the pokemon god.
What are you doing in my waters, human?
I came to ask for your power. To share it. Someday I will have to help the pokemon world, and I want to be as strong as I can for it.
Lugia glared at him before he grabbed him around the waist with his wing/flipper/arm. Shoto did well not to gasp and breathe in a ton of water. He was needing some more, though. Lugia thrust him up, where he took a deep breath, and went back under, and was dragged away from the island. It got darker and darker until he couldn't see, and he wondered if he was going to die here, and never have his body recovered. Please don't kill me!
Fool. You think I can give a scrawny little thing like you my powers directly?
Shoto's head started to hurt from the pressure, and he was blacking out until he was thrust into some bubble, and fell to his knees, gasping in air. Lugia stayed right outside the bubble. If you want my power, you need to be ready for the consequences.
What consequences? Shoto asked in worry.
Your ability will be too strong to use against anything other than the strongest of pokemon. That's what Shoto needed, if the legendaries turned into shadow pokemon as well. He had no other reason to use it. It will kill a human or normal pokemon. If this power was too much for Shoto, Arceus would have never allowed him to do this. He had to trust the trust put in him.
I will take it and be careful. I will only use it against legendaries when the thing happens.
What will happen?
I shouldn't say. It will worry you. A loud, bellowing growl was made. Lugia was really scary, honestly. Pokemon will turn evil.
Oh. I see. Well, sorry if I turn on you. He was so casual about it. Shoto nodded. He asked how to do it. Hold it. This is what gives me my power. It was a stone, but not like any he'd seen before. Not an evolution stone. He took a deep breath, and picked up the stone. Immediately, he collapsed when it was so heavy it was as if gravity yanked Shoto down to his knees.
It was incredibly painful. He saw visions of Lugia as a small bird pokemon before discovering the stone, turning him into the legendary that was right outside the bubble. Finally, Shoto managed to let it go. I assume you can now hold your breath for an hour or so. I don't know what else you've been given, you're way too small to be as strong as me. You're a fool if you think that.
Thank you. He was aching, his hands hurting from crashing into the jagged ocean floor. Lugia grabbed him and slowly brought him to the surface to be safe. He gasped for air when he surfaced. Lugia launched out of the water with Shoto holding onto his wing for deal life, and was dropped in the shallow water.
Good luck in whatever befalls us. He didn't sound like he cared, and dove down and quickly swam away. Shoto stumbled to the shore and fell to his knees, Izuku hurrying to him in worry, having been so scared he was crying. "I thought he was going to kill you!" he cried.
"I did, too," Shoto said. He explained what happened, and Izuku couldn't help but be amazed about the whole thing. "I want to go home."
"Should you see the strongest output first? There's nobody out on the ocean to hurt." Shoto nodded, and put both hands out, wanting to use wind from them the way Lugia could with his wings. The blast of air was so hard it threw him back and he rolled a few times in the sand. "Looks like that is impractical to use," Izuku said. Shoto nodded.
"He said I can hold my breath underwater an hour. That could be helpful if I had to do something to help water pokemon." His voice was more bright, and they ate some food before returning to the waiting lapras, and went back to land. Shoto slept the way there, emotionally exhausted after the terrifying encounter.
Again, he refused to be anywhere close to the more aggressive legendaries. Groudon, Kyogre and Rayquaza were no way in hell, and Entei was not on the table either. Same with Zapdos. He had a lot of work to do still, but he felt accomplished.
-x- Izuku -x-
Shoto was asleep and Izuku was reading from the book, trying to figure out which one was best next. They hadn't gone on a mission in a long time after school started again. Breaks were used the most often also because of Touya's schedule. He had a job now and was going to school, and so his time was limited. So, Izuku and Shoto were going on their own lately. Envy and Hono would come as protection.
Touya was growing up, and was in college, while he wanted to be able to go with them, he trusted them more, trusted Shoto more. He claimed to be going with them on trips to both of their mothers, but they were really going on their own.
When he turned a page, he found a small book. A thin one, a sketch book with a flimsy back and front. He opened it and saw drawings of pokemon, which Shoto was good at. But these ones were completely black and purple and looked quite disturbing. Shoto had scribbled moves next to them.
It gave Izuku a bad feeling. Was this what was going to happen? Or was it Shoto just drawing a fantasy or maybe a bad dream? He wasn't sure, and wasn't going to ask as he was sure Shoto probably wouldn't want him going through his drawings.
He tucked it back inside and kept reading. When Shoto woke up, he rolled to his side, seeing Izuku on his futon mat. Envy and Mitty were in the corner, snuggling together on the large pokemon bed.
"You okay?" he asked with a yawn. "Want me to fix it?"
"No, I'm fine." Shoto had become an anxiety remover. If Izuku was feeling panicked or insecure, Shoto manipulated his emotions into content and calm. He knew it was cheating, but it wasn't a bad thing. Not at all. Izuku wasn't good at pulling himself out of funks, so this was very helpful. "Any meeting with Arceus?"
"Yeah. Told me to hold off for a bit on searching for more legendaries. I don't want to stop, I want to keep going. But I'll do what he says." he sounded a bit frustrated. "After going on our own to see Lugia, it made me sad that Touya can't really go with us anymore. But I'm also glad he trusts us on our own."
Izuku nodded. When they tried to plan another expedition, Touya had no room in his schedule, and now they couldn't go at all with Arceus' words. "Wanna go to a hero convention? There's one with All Might tomorrow."
"Heh, I know. I have tickets. It was gonna be a surprise." Shoto nodded.
"Maybe I can see All Might's charizard again. I doubt he'd remember me, though. That was years ago."
"You don't want to see All Might, only his pokemon?" Shoto was so fixated on the pokemon side that Izuku wondered how good of a hero he'd be for humans. But Izuku trusted hero training would fix that up. Hopefully. He never said anything about it because he knew it would upset Shoto, and it just wasn't necessary right now.
"No, I want to see him, too." So they planned on going the next day. Izuku talked about a new book he was reading, and Shoto listened with his full attention, seeming interested. It was nice to talk about things other than pokemon and heroes. Not that they were bad topics, they were just what dominated their friendship, which was fine.
The next day, they went to the hero convention with both of their pokemon, on leashes in case they got separated in the crowd. It was fun to see the heroes, and Shoto was interested in the humans, which was good. They went to listen to a few hero's speeches, but they could barely see All Might when the crowd was so packed.
Izuku didn't realize Shoto was speaking with the mega charizard until it started wading through the crowd to see him, everyone moving to part to let him through. It looked odd as the eleven year old just stared at the charizard staring back. All Might came over, and Izuku's eyes were wide and bright.
"Can I have your autograph?!" Izuku asked, holding up his notebook. Shoto was busy with the charizard, looking odd as they spoke telepathically.
"Sure!" and All Might signed the notebook, making the freckled boy squeal in happiness. "Are you again speaking with Ember?" All Might asked, turning to Shoto. Shoto nodded. "Very interesting, you've improved!" Shoto turned red and nodded, looking down, seeming very uncomfortable.
It reminded Izuku just how bad Shoto's human people skills were. He never talked to people he didn't know well. The mega charizard must have noticed his demeanor, and walked back to the stage. All Might gave him and Izuku a smile and walked back to the stage, giving autographs on his way. Izuku was so glad the hero gave him a smile, too! It wasn't just Shoto. Though he was more interested in the pokemon partner than the actual hero.
It would have been cool if they could both be heroes, could be a pair, and Izuku would work with the humans and Shoto the pokemon so they could balance each other. It hurt his heart to know that was a fantasy that would never come true.
-x-
"Wh-what?!" Izuku gasped.
"It's a good idea. He controls Kyogre and Groudon, doesn't he? It could give me power to soothe pokemon, keep them from fighting. In the end, I am sure I will need that," Shoto explained.
"But he's dangerous, and huge! And how are you gonna find him, anyways?!"
"Portal, of course. It would be on a mountain somewhere. High up to reach him."
"Shoto, this is an awful idea. It would be so much easier to choose another. Not only does Rayquaza fly, but it's high up in the air! Like, really high! No way you could reach that."
"If the portal is on land, that shows he can stop and land sometimes. I have to do this, it's the next step."
"Did Arceus put you up to this?" Izuku asked angrily. Shoto shook his head. He came up with it, and it was approved. "I can't let you do this."
"You won't stop me, Izuku. You can either come, or wish for the best for me," Shoto said firmly. "There's no way I can collect all of them in the next four years. I need to get the most useful. This is useful," he explained further. "I… you shouldn't come. It's dangerous, I don't want to worry about you, too."
"Because I'm useless?"
"Because you're my best friend and I love you too much to put you through something you're scared of." His voice was holding a deep emotion. He'd already taken away Izuku's fear of whatever he was told. Izuku sighed, and ran his hands down his face.
He said, "I'll come with you, if you want."
"I changed my mind." It hurt that he was leaving him behind. But Izuku didn't want to come anywhere close to Rayquaza. No way in hell did he want to encounter him. But Shoto was so brave, and unafraid. Stupidly so. And going alone would be stupid and dangerous. He was smart, but reckless when it came to pokemon. And where the hell would he end up using a portal?
Izuku asked, "Are you going to tell anybody? Where you're going? Do you expect me to cover you?" Shoto looked hurt at the insinuation that he wouldn't cover for him, and Izuku regret it the moment he saw his face fall.
He said, "I'll tell Touya," quietly, and left the room. He had a backpack on with a sleeping bag and various supplies and food. He was wearing a parka, too, and boots with thick pants and a face scarf and snow goggles. He'd bought these things despite it not being cold outside. Izuku followed after him when he went into Touya's room.
"Going on another trip?" Touya asked as he was surrounded by text books and papers on his bed.
"Yeah. Will you cover for me?" Shoto asked. Izuku didn't say where Shoto was going to tattle on him, but he had the strong urge to. This just felt like an awful idea in many ways, but it also made sense logically thinking regarding pokemon. And it had been Shoto's idea, he wasn't told to do this, which was a relief in a way.
Touya sighed. "Fine," he said. "Where the hell are you going dressed like that?"
"I don't know. Portal has to lead to somewhere high up."
"Should I ask?"
"You'll just worry." Izuku was irate with how lenient Touya was. But he trusted in Shoto much more than Izuku seemed to. He'd hurt Shoto, but he just couldn't bring himself to think this was good idea regarding safety.
"I'll drive you there." Shoto nodded. They went downstairs, and Izuku came, too. Even if he didn't plan on going with him, quirkless and useless. Envy was looking at him in a sad way. Disapproval. Izuku felt like a piece of shit. They were all silent as they drove to where Shoto needed to go.
It had been months since the last expedition to see Lugia, and he now had permission to go after another one. He was stupidly brave. But as much as Izuku was worried over it, he thought Shoto could do it. He believed in him even if he didn't agree. The portal was at a beach again. Shoto had the book with him, and when they got there, he waved goodbye, and went in without a word.
Izuku winced, and should have gone with him, but he didn't have anything prepared. And he was too much of a chicken to see something like Rayquaza, who was much scarier than Lugia had been. He could only wait for him to come back. But he texted about where he was. In Norway according to GPS. Will be gone soon, high up mountain. Wish me luck.
Good fucking luck. Be safe and you better come back alive!
No response. It didn't show it as seen. Izuku was terrified for him.
-x- Shoto -x-
He definitely had the right attire. Envy was with him, wearing a thick pokemon outfit. Hono coming would have been helpful, but electricity could keep them warm. They walked along the snowy rock. Using logic, the portal being at the mountain should be at the highest peak. There was surprisingly no wind, even if it was lightly snowing.
He wasn't there to admire the scenery, but it was gorgeous. He looked back to the mountain, and climbed further, at a slow and careful pace. If he slipped, he'd just use levitate to stop the fall and touch back down. There were wild snow and ice pokemon around, looking highly surprised that Shoto was there.
Some trailed behind him, but they were more wyrdeer than anything else. They kept a curious pace, but weren't aggressive. Shoto climbed all day, exhausted by the time the sun set. He took the tiny tent off of his back, and set it up. He had a small heater in his backpack, and set it up in the tent.
It was freezing cold, it was awful. This better pay off. It hurt that Izuku didn't believe in him. It felt like they were growing distant. Shoto didn't have any other friends, and the same was for the other. Shoto did his best to not have their relationship consumed by the pokemon stuff, all of it. But Izuku brought it up a lot, and then got upset when Shoto said anything that had any dangerous thing involved.
Maybe it was after seeing Shoto dragged into the sea by Lugia. But if he was really that scared for Shoto's safety, he would have come along. Though the teen knew that he would have been a burden in a place like this. He hated to say it - think it - but he knew that was the cold, hard truth.
When he saw some lights coming through the tent roof, he opened the flap, and looked up at the northern lights. They were beautiful. He took out his phone, which he could keep fully charged with his electricity, even if he obviously had no wifi and no service, he took photos. Along with the sleeping wyrdeer sleeping around, the light reflecting on them.
Even if he couldn't communicate with them, they were friendly. "This is amazing," Shoto breathed. Envy nodded as well, the lights reflecting in her dark brown eyes. He fell asleep to the lights dancing through the tent roof.
In the morning, they ate some freeze dried food, drank some water, and packed up. He continued to climb up and up, and reached the peak at sunset. The air was thinner, but he slowly got used to it. He couldn't wait to do this himself and tell Arceus. He would be amazed and have a lot of hope in Shoto and how dedicated he was.
He took phots of the view from the peak, and sat on the only rock that wasn't covered in snow. He waited there for a bit before pacing back and forth at the summit to keep more warm. Envy played in the snow. When night arrived, the northern lights came again. Shoto let off his electricity as a beacon.
He shouted with his telepathy, not wanting to waste any breath screaming out loud. He saw shadows through the norther lights, like something was up there, but didn't come down. He camped one more day at the peak, and it was when the northern lights were almost violently bright, reflecting on the snow and ice, on both living beings, that he saw something. There were no other pokemon that high.
It was through that light that the huge green pokemon arrived. Shoto shut off his electricity. Rayquaza could use levitate, so he didn't need to touch down. My name is Shoto. I've come with a mission.
A human. A foolish one, what have you come for? You are making the mountain ugly. He seemed to have a bad attitude, and looked at him critically. You're just a child. Fool, he repeated.
Shoto openly explained his reason for coming. His wish to take from him, the power he felt could help in the future. I want to be able to put out of control pokemon under control, to stop them fighting one another, as you do for Kyogre and Groudon.
Quite cocky. Who have you taken so far, if what you are saying is true.
Suicune, Celebi, Lugia, the lake guardians. So, six of them. He bowed. Please grant me your power. I will not abuse it, and only use it for good for the pokemon. Not seeing Rayquaza by bowing was a show of trust in Shoto's eyes, but he was only called a fool again for doing so.
You came here on your own? Shoto nodded. If you were to die, nobody knows where to find your body.
I am dedicated to what I have to do. Even if it means a lonely death. But, I will not let Envy die, so I can't die myself.
Alright. You've proven yourself. Shoto smiled, though it couldn't be seen behind his face mask. I will only give you how to calm rampaging pokemon. You will get nothing else.
I have come for nothing else. Shoto closed his eyes when the massive, dangerous pokemon pressed his snout to Shoto's forehead. His head was bigger than Shoto's entire torso. He was breathing deeply, slightly panicked before the familiar rush was there. Well, how it had felt with Suicune and Celebi, the lake guardians and Lugia felt completely different. Thank you.
The portal has closed down there. Shoto gasped in worry, and pulled out his book, and saw that was true. What is that? Shoto didn't expect this, but he was asked to read the book to him. Shoto read the history to Rayquaza late into the night. The atmosphere pokemon was interested. So, you can speak to the pokemon god? Shoto nodded. I will take you back to your home.
Shoto gaped, but felt extremely excited. He nodded, and took out some rope to tie around the neck to hold on, but that wasn't what Rayquaza wanted, as he grabbed both Envy and Shoto into it's three fingered hands, and flew them away. Shoto's eyes were wide as he watched below. His goggles were the only thing allowing him to see, not have them forced closed by the wind pressure.
Envy was safe, eyes closed and looking scared. Envy, we'll be okay.
I'm scared!
There is no need, joleton. I will not drop you. Human, you are foolish to trust me.
I trust pokemon more than humans a lot.
I see. They did not speak the next few hours as Shoto watched the world pass far below him. When he made it to Japan, it was night time still, luckily. He was dropped off in a forest away from people so that nobody saw him easily. Shoto was weak on his knees, and walked to the road before sitting and gasping. He looked at his phone, and saw he finally had a signal, and the GPS was working again.
He called Touya. "T-Touya, I'm back."
"Shoto! You're okay!"
"Y-Yeah."
"Did you get it? Was it all for nothing?!"
"I got it. After reading a book to him. The portal closed, so he flew me back." He gave his current position, and Touya was leaving the house as fast as he could, Shoto able to hear keys jingle and doors shut. When he came, the familiar red car reflecting the rising sun, Shoto got inside, carrying Envy, who was exhausted.
He got into the car and let out a massive sigh. "Holy shit, Sho. Did he seriously bring you back? You were gone for days!"
"It took awhile to reach the top and then I had to camp a bit and wait for him. I got great photos! Not of him, but the northern lights." Shoto gave him his phone, and he looked at the beautiful scenery from the mountain peak and the sky. "It was amazing. He kept saying I was an idiot. I think he only gave me his power because I read him the book."
"Wow. I wish I could have come!" Shoto knew Rayquaza probably would not have welcomed him and ignored him if Touya had been there. But the younger brother didn't say this. "Let's get home, you stink." Shoto chuckled, and fell asleep in the car, finally nice and warm. What an adventure. It was amazing.
-x- Izuku -x-
"You're back!"
"I told you I'd be fine. Mission accomplished."
"Wow!" Shoto was silent on the other end. Still hurt by Izuku's attitude. And it had been for nothing, Shoto had done it and done it alone. "How do you feel? How was it? Was the air thinner?
"I'm fine. I got used to the thin air quickly. Listen, I have to go. The eeveelutions are going to the vet."
"Oh okay. Will you text me?"
"Sure. Bye."
"Talk to you later." But he hung up before Izuku finished the sentence. Shoto did not text back until midnight with some photos he took at the mountain he had no idea what it was named. Only that it was in Norway somewhere. This proved he did not need any more help or company during these times.
Izuku wasn't needed.
He and Shoto did not talk for three days, and it felt like things were over. Izuku answered immediately when he called, though, on the third day. They'd never gone that far without talking. "Arceus told me I don't need anymore legendaries for the next year and a half. Once I start puberty I can handle more. So you have no reason to worry about me again."
His voice was flat but the words came across as painful for Izuku. "Shoto, do you hate me, now?" he asked quietly, fearfully.
"I don't hate you. It's fine."
"It's not fine, we haven't talked in three days. That's never happened before."
"I'm tired of bothering you. Some distance would be better."
"What do you mean? You don't bother me!"
"You think I don't notice the - the jealousy? You aren't happy for me when I get better. I try to not show you it anymore, but when you see it it's clear you're upset. What's the point in me even sharing things when it makes you upset?" Tears were coming from his eyes in shame. He thought he'd been hiding it, but this had really hurt Shoto.
"I am happy for you getting better! But I am jealous because you're so amazing and have such a bright future and I have nothing." Silence on the other end. "I don't wish I was in your place because I know I'm not the kind of person to be so brave and confident in myself. I just wish I wasn't useless, and weak."
"You think I have wanted to be your friend because I want someone strong?" Shoto asked, disbelief coloring his voice. "Did you think I hate you for that? You were my friend before this all, before you were declared quirkless!" He was growing angry. "Do you really think that badly of me?"
"Of course not! I just wish I could be more!"
"I don't want to talk about it anymore." Shoto shut down. "Mom says dinner's ready. Bye." He hung up and Izuku cried over it. It was his fault in the end that Shoto was hurt. It was his envy that did this. And his disbelief in Shoto's capabilities. He didn't think it was wrong to worry about him going off to who knows where all alone to face a supposed to be violent pokemon. It was all his fault. But there was no way he was giving up.
That night he had mom drive him there, to Shoto's house uninvited. When he knocked on the door, Touya was the one to answer. He looked annoyed, but somehow it wasn't at Izuku since he moved aside to let him in. He walked to the backyard where Shoto was laying high in the air, looking up at the sky.
"Sho, come face your issues," Touya called. Shoto ignored them. "C'mon, stop being immature."
"I don't want to talk." He didn't even look down at them.
"So you're just gonna fester all night? That's bullshit and you know it." Shoto still didn't come down. Izuku bit his bottom lip, feeling like the worst friend. He'd angered or hurt Shoto a lot. Well, he didn't need to come down to hear Izuku speak. Izuku gave Touya a nod, and he went inside, giving them privacy.
Izuku said, "I will always compare myself to you, and feel inadequate. That's going to stay because you'll only get more and more amazing. But that doesn't mean I don't want to be your friend, or am resentful of what you can do. Nobody asks for their quirks, or to be quirkless. It just happens. I'm sorry I messed things up. I'm sorry I didn't believe in you. I want us to be best friends… I don't want to get into fights," he insisted.
Shoto didn't look at him but came back down, landing lightly. "I'll leave you behind… eventually." Izuku frowned. "When I have to use it all, do it all, you won't be able to keep up. You probably couldn't go to hero school. A long term friend would be better for you." It didn't sound like his words. But he felt deep guilt. That much was clear in his voice. Shoto had nothing to feel guilty for. It was Izuku that fucked up.
"Then I'll enjoy being your friend as long as possible," he said firmly. "Friends grow apart all the time. Eventually, we may not be friends. But that… hopefully… isn't right now. I'm really sorry about my feelings. I don't resent you. I just wish I could be like you. I love being by your side for all the pokemon things, and I won't be angry if you start going by yourself, as long as you can tell me all about it afterwards."
There was a tiny sniffle. Shoto rarely cried, at least around Izuku. He hated it because his right eye was the only one that could produce tears, his tear ducts on his left damaged from the scalding water that left the angry, red scar. Izuku moved over, and took his hand from behind. "Will you still be my friend?"
Shoto nodded, and hugged him. "I'm so sorry, Shoto," Izuku said, crying himself. He ended up sleeping the night, wearing Shoto's pajamas since he had brought nothing. Izuku was so, so glad that they made up. He had a feeling things could be a bit awkward for a little bit, but that was fine. Shoto was is best friend and he'd prove to him that the negative feelings Izuku harbored were not towards Shoto.
-x- Shoto -x-
"You did well. It is amazing." Shoto smiled lightly at the praise. "You know the mission and want to do it perfectly. You have powers to aid you in being a normal hero, but you have the right mix to soothe pokemon. I know you know what will happen. Smart for your age."
"It was thanks to the lake guardians. I sorta connected the dots and all. I don't want it to be true, but since you didn't tell me it's not, I know I'm right. So now you can help me more without tiptoeing around the secret."
"Yes, it is true the incident is going to be a rise in shadow pokemon. There will be many casualties. Even if you performed perfectly, no person, no hero, can save everyone." Shoto nodded. "Are you scared?"
Shoto nodded. "Will Envy and the others be alright?"
"Any pokemon around you in the beginning will be the most well off. It is preferred that you don't, but you will end up killing pokemon. It is just what will happen. This is not a premonition into the future, it is common knowledge." Shoto agreed. He didn't think it would go perfectly. He just had to make it manageable with as little casualties as possible. "It is surprising that you were able to get Rayquaza's attention and hold it. Him flying you back is quite shocking."
Shoto smiled again. "I just try to be honest. I guess pokemon like my cause. I've learned so much from them, it's been… kind of fun. I love learning new things and the time in the lake was amazing. I know if I ever told people anyways, they'd think I was crazy. So I have no reason to tell others. I told Izuku… and I told some to Touya, but they're kept everything a secret. I trust them."
He was testing the water, fishing for it it was the wrong thing to do after all. "It is unfortunate you needed to erase your friend's mind, but that is why you cannot tell others what will happen. At least not this far into the past."
"Will I tell other people in the end?"
"As a warning, you will need to. Everyone should be prepared for it."
Shoto aksed, "Can you tell me what causes it?"
"I can only say it's happened more than once before. Before the lake guardians were there to make humans into what they are, there were many major extinction events. For all of pokemon. Even I am not sure what causes it. There seems to be no cause, it just happens, unfortunately."
"Even you don't know?" Shoto asked in surprise. "But you created it all."
"I did not create shadow pokemon. I cannot tell you how to prevent it, as I don't know. The only ones who may know are Palkia and Dialga. But you and I have no hope of reaching them."
"Why? You made them."
"They despise me for being their master, so they hide from me inside other timelines. I have not seen them in millennia." It was so interesting! "What you saw in the lake was history of them, long, long ago. You will never meet them, fortunately." Shoto looked surprised at the last part. "You are molded by me. If they were to know of your existence, they might want to try to harm you to get back at me."
Shoto went pale. "I don't presume they would reveal themselves to me to harm you. I do not think they are so petty." The boy was more relived knowing that he was safe from them. But he felt glad in a way that Arceus didn't know how to prevent it, and was being deceptive and vague. It was only damage control and trying to keep things short and sweet and fix it.
He wasn't sure how to, but he had some time left. "Go, be with your friend." And Shoto went sent out of the Star Room, into his own bed.
Shoto carefully moved in his bed to not wake Envy. She huffed and repositioned herself when he pulled on the blankets. He had nearly all the answers by now. Figuring out what would happen on his own, connecting the dots, opened up the truth to him. The main secret was what would happen, and knowing there was no how it happened… it felt he was getting closer and closer to the truth. Now all he needed to know was how to use his mix of current powers to do anything about the shadow pokemon, something that had never been prevented or stopped before everything was dead, and the pokemon creationists who survived needed to start from scratch. He didn't want that to happen in his lifetime, so he'd do what he could to stop it.
Shoto stood up and went to the bathroom to shower. Envy came in while he was doing it, so he washed her while he was showering, scrubbing the pokemon shampoo into her yellow fur. She always looked skinny and weak when wet. Then she shook her body and sent water all over the wall and shower curtain.
She jumped out and tracked water all over the place. Oh well. He cleaned up the bath, collecting any fur that came out. After he got some breakfast, he got ready for school. For the first time, he had to wear a uniform. He didn't really like it much, but he had to get used to it. He put it on, brushed his hair and made sure the two colors were separate and the split was perfect.
Rei had offered him her make up in case he wanted to not be called Tomato Face anymore, so he was dabbing it on his scar, doing his best to erase that mistake that caused him to have mean bullying. It was shitty to bully someone over an injury or scar, but people were assholes sometimes.
The school was not close to home, so he had a long walk. Envy walked along next to him, the two passing neighbors on the street with their pokemon. They were friendly and waved to Shoto. When he got to school, he met Izuku at the gates. He looked nervous, too, both of them in the black uniforms. He was holding Mitty close, the chikorita waving her head leaf around wildly.
Shoto was extremely confused and surprised when he saw Endeavor there. Shoto had blocked him on all platforms and his phone and email. He was tired of the spam, or unneeded and unwanted tips. He was not going to be the type of hero he was. He wouldn't be a crime fighter, he wanted to do rescue and diplomatic stuff. Hopefully involving pokemon after the shadow stuff!
He just power walked into campus before he could see him, Envy trotting to keep up. When they made it through the gate, Shoto found a guy guarding it. Looked like a teacher that taught there. "Excuse me? That man is my father and I have no contact with him. Can you keep him out of the school?"
"Endeavor? Of course I can't keep him out, are you insane?" Shoto frowned.
"Right. Sorry to bother you."
"No, I didn't mean to snap. This school often has students succeed into hero schools. Banning the number two hero may be a mistake." Izuku looked grumpy about that, and pulled Shoto further inside when Endeavor called his name. Shoto did not want to be associated to him in any way.
He ignored him and hurried inside. They had lockers and switched shoes. He was glad both types were relatively comfortable. "I got a lot of information in the Star Room last night. Crucial information," Shoto muttered. Izuku's face lit up. But the taller of the two could clearly see Izuku bothered about the absence of the scar. "I'd rather not be called tomato face anymore," Shoto explained with a half shrug. "Though I could make them stop with the psychic power. I don't want to do that, though."
Izuku agreed that it was a last resort. Please don't give me any attention he announced as he walked through the halls. Various pokemon brightly agreed to do so. He didn't want drama, and didn't want people to realize he could speak to them. He didn't want endless translation requests or the opposite, hatred.
Pokemon often spilled all kind of sensitive information about their humans. Shoto was positive the humans would not want that, even if they wouldn't know what their pokemon were saying in the first place. When they got into class, it was unfortunate to see Bakugo there. But none of their other bullies.
Maybe all three of them could escape bullying this year. Shoto didn't have the massive burn on his face anymore. Izuku wasn't known to be quirkless. They sat in the back, unfortunately all the window seats were taken. It was weird having different teachers, but also interesting. A big change. They were growing up. It was going so fast, and Shoto had trouble with thinking there were less than four years left. He'd been on this trip for eight years. He still wondered how he'd react when Arceus went away for good, if the world was still around.
At lunch, they were surprised with Bakugo came over. They'd been ignoring one another for years, neither wanting to really be friends, but also they were not enemies. "Deku and Tomato Face."
"Don't call me that," Shoto said firmly. Izuku looked sad.
"You won't use your quirk here, got it?"
"How is that your choice? I can do what I want." Shoto and Izuku were both surprised he was standing up for himself. Bakugo also seemed confused with the change, since Shoto had consistently demonstrated that he was a pushover and everyone could walk all over him. He didn't care.
Envy said, Yay! You're being firm!
I don't know why. It's weird, but kind of nice.
"What the hell is your quirk anyways?" Bakugo asked, grabbing his shirt. "Tomato Face".
"If you don't stop calling me that I will use my quirk on you."
"Shoto," Izuku hissed. Bakugo sneered, challenging him, and once again called him Tomato Face.
"Cry," Shoto said simply, not needing to manipulate emotions by speaking out loud. He could do it wordlessly. Bakugo was shocked when tears were coming from his eyes. He was baffled, and Shoto returned to his boxed lunch. Izuku licked his lips in nervousness.
"You're gonna fucking regret that."
"Laugh hysterically." Bakugo started to cackle, and couldn't stop until Shoto wordlessly stopped him. "Please, leave us alone." The blonde was pissed, but stormed away. Not many had been in the class, and those who were had been too loud to notice what happened, luckily for the bully.
"Is it big news?" Izuku asked, wanting to change the subject. Shoto shrugged. He couldn't say it all since it had to do with the shadow pokemon that had already proved to terrify Izuku, even if that happened awhile ago.
He said, "I know what happens now, but apparently he doesn't know how it happens. There's no way to stop it, just try and fix it when it happens."
"...So, we're all helpless?"
"In a way." Shoto was good at keeping the tense emotions and fear out of his voice. He didn't want to scare Izuku. "Once it happens, hopefully I'll have a clue on what to do then. I'd like to collect more. He also talked about the creators. They've been hiding from him for a long time in other timelines." They were whispering and nobody was around. Plus, with no context anyone would have no clue what their conversation was about.
"Wow… that's amazing. Who do you want to meet next?" Shoto shrugged. They went back to their boxed lunches, both of them lost in thought it seemed.
Shoto sighed. "I feel bad. I shouldn't have used the power like that. It was immature and wrong. And petty."
"Well, hopefully you don't have to do it again," Izuku said nicely. Shoto nodded, but still felt bad about it.
When they were walking back home, they were followed. It was easy to tell with both of their pokemon telling Shoto about it. No doubt bullies. Shoto had no intention of being physically bullied. Arceus had asked him to stand up for himself more. He wasn't good at arguing with others, verbal communication skills with others besides his close ones were not his forte.
They stopped and turned around to wait for them to come around the bend they'd just turned down. Shoto was walking Izuku home and then would go on his own way. "What do you want?" Shoto called.
"Your quirk is pretty cool. Hang with us."
"No," Shoto said. He turned to leave, the exchange over. The pokemon by their sides looked mildly uncomfortable, looking between their humans and Shoto. Shoto had met dark pokemon before, and these were not them. It had only happened twice, when he came across someone who was an unknown villain because of the feeling their pokemon gave off. They were bad, tainted. But Arceus said they were just manipulated, it wasn't anything they could do about it. Meaning they weren't shadow pokemon.
"Why're you hanging with a quirkless loser?"
Izuku hunched. Bakugo must have told them about it. Now Izuku was sure to be bullied. Shoto didn't hesitate to wet his hand and rub the makeup off. "I'm hanging with Izuku because I have an ugly tomato face." And he turned around, grabbed Izuku's hand and walked with him away. Izuku was crying, looking at Shoto with wide eyes full of emotion. "Looks like we'll be bullied here, too."
"You didn't need to do that, Shoto… I could have put up with it, I'm used to it."
"We're happy together, or sad together," Shoto replied simply. It was a no brainer for him. Izuku was his best friend, he wanted to try and be on equal terms with him. Which meant not being or being bullied together. It was okay. He hated the nickname, but it wasn't worth not standing up and being partners with his best friend.
Shoto you're so kind, Envy said in a fond voice. Mitty happily trotted to him and slapped his legs a few times in thanks. Shoto didn't really think much of it, he didn't plan it, he'd just acted automatically. At least now he didn't need to put the cakey makeup on every day. He walked Izuku home, and then headed back himself, Envy walking beside him, always with him.