Here's another chapter, finally.
It's been pretty hectic for me in the past few months. But I managed to get down and write again. It'll be at a slow and steady pace, but I still envision myself finishing this fanfic. I've begun groundwork on the next five chapters more or less so I'll just need to flesh them out.
Heads up, this is kind of an emotional chapter because it deals with coping with loss (not of a current character). Anyways, here's to hoping I'm able to release chapters more frequently from here on. Enjoy!
Dawn rose over Richland Port. Jason and Kristine put on their trainer's gear and gathered all of their belongings.
"Well, goodbye, room," Kristine waved. "Nice knowing you."
"Seems like we stayed here forever, huh?" Jason mentioned.
"Yeah," Kristine agreed. "I'm gonna miss this city, you know."
The two left their room and shut the door for one last time.
"You really like it here, huh?" Jason asked.
"I do," Kristine let out a light sigh. "When we grow up and settle down, I imagine myself living in a city like this."
"Don't get me wrong, I love Richland Port," Jason added. "But living here is another thing."
"To each their own," Kristine smiled.
They proceeded down the stairs and into the lobby.
"Have you looked up what's between here and Raley City?" Jason asked.
"It's practically a straight shot," Kristine replied. "We'll be traveling alongside the coast and curve a little bit inland."
"Good. Before we know it, we'll be battling the Valor Gym Leader."
"Ah, yes. I know Scarlet quite well," the twins heard a voice nearby.
Aria got up from a chair, leaving her coffee behind on the table as she approached Jason and Kristine.
"Aria!" Kristine greeted. She ran over to give her a hug.
"Well well, my favorite pair of twins," Aria smiled. "Congratulations on winning the Power Duo!"
"Thanks!" the twins replied at the same time.
"And thank you for saving Cheron Forest," Jason replied.
"It's my duty," Aria simply responded. "I see you're both heading out today?"
"Yep!" Kristine nodded. "On our way to Raley City."
"You'll be traveling through Pattersbaugh Falls on the way," Aria mentioned. "It's pretty, but watch your step. It's a very easy route otherwise. I'm happy to catch you before you skipped town. I'll be back in Fort Lexing by the evening."
"Well, we're happy you came here to see us," Kristine smiled.
"Absolutely. Any other questions you have for me? I'd be happy to answer them."
"So, about the Gym Leader," Jason was curious.
"Scarlet represents Team Valor through and through, being my counterpart of the Valor regional HQ in Raley City," Aria explained. "She and I don't get along very well."
"How come?" Kristine asked.
"It all comes down to conflicting views," Aria lightly shrugged. "Mystic seeks to draw power from the mysteries that surround us, and learn why pokemon evolve and are the way they are. Valor values individual, internal strength. Scarlet will find out you two evolved your eevee within weeks of obtaining them and she will blame me for it. It's just how she views things."
"She doesn't seem very nice," Jason added.
"No, she actually is," Aria clarified. "She's just very firm and passionate in her views. She's not quite open to other views, but she will give you one heck of a challenge. She will test your passion and your individual strength. It didn't come from me, but don't be surprised if she tried separating you so you wouldn't be there as moral support for one another."
"Thanks for the heads up," Kristine noted.
"No problem," Aria smiled. "Care to grab breakfast with me in a café nearby? My treat."
"Sure!" Jason happily accepted.
"Let's step outside," Aria suggested.
The twins followed her outside, leaving the pokemon center one last time. Aria led them across a pedestrian crosswalk to a nearby outdoor café.
"This is a popular one inspired by the cafes you see everywhere in Lumiose City," Aria mentioned.
"We usually just eat at the pokemon center, mostly because it's free to trainers," Kristine said.
"Ah, it's gonna be a real treat then," Aria smiled. "Have you ever had berry crepes before with chocolate syrup on top?"
Both Jason and Kristine shook their heads.
"Oh, you're gonna be in for a treat, indeed."
The three grabbed a seat as a female server presented them with a pitcher of hot coffee.
"You ever had coffee before?" Aria asked. "Wait, you're preteens. Probably not, right?"
"Not really," Kristine replied.
"Yeah, you will probably want it doused with sugar. Your taste buds will change over time, you can take it from me."
Aria looked around for a moment. "I do miss it here."
"Did you grow up here?" Jason asked.
"I grew up in a small town down the coast," Aria replied. "It's not too far from Raley City. I did spend a lot of time here in Richland Port, winning local and regional tournaments here. I'm a coastal girl through and through. I wanted to be Blanche's assistant in Kalos but when she asked me to run the Team Mystic branch in Fort Lexing, I couldn't refuse."
Aria leaned back. "Maybe one day, I'll settle down here. Get married, start a family," she caught herself, blushing at the fact she was talking to a pair of twelve year olds. "Got a little carried away there."
"Speaking of," Kristine leaned forward. "Have you found that special someone in Fort Lexing yet?"
Aria kept blushing. "Well, I can't confirm or deny that."
"You're dating someone!" Kristine gasped.
"Well, that would be –" Aria was looking for ways to change the subject. Just then, the server came back to deliver their entrees. "Talk about perfect timing."
"Behold, something you're going to go crazy over!" Aria began to promote the crepes. "Not to mention, you're having chocolate for breakfast. What's not to love?"
Jason and Kristine each grabbed a fork and knife and dug in.
"Oh wow," Jason seemed amazed. "We've been used to confidential breakfasts at the pokemon center lately, but this is great!"
"I wonder if they have a recipe book," Kristine added. "Maybe I can cook this on our travels."
"Well, I'm glad I took you kids here," Aria leaned back once more. "Mission accomplished."
"Your mission is accomplished if this café is exactly like the ones in Kalos," a woman behind Aria spoke.
Jason and Kristine were shocked to see who it was. Aria recognized the voice with a kalosian accent. A woman, presumably just a few years older than Aria with white blonde hair wrapped in a long ponytail, tan skin, crisp blue eyes, and wearing a light blue tank top to go with dark blue long pants, approached the table. She had her trainer's belt, complete with six pokeballs.
Aria immediately shot up, and faced Blanche.
"Easy there, Aria. We're both off duty," Blanche chuckled. "I don't have my coat on."
"I just wouldn't expect you here!" Aria replied. "But it's good to see you, Blanche."
"Jason, Kristine," Aria faced the twins. "I'd like to introduce you to my boss, Blanche."
"Bonjour," Blanche smiled.
"These kids are trainers," Aria continued. "They started not too far from Fort Lexing. They each defeated me. They were about to leave town and head towards Raley City."
"Well, congratulations!" Blanche commended.
"Thanks!" Jason and Kristine replied at the same time.
"You two must've been tough for defeating my colleague here and traveling all the way here. Well done."
"Kristine's full of wit," Aria added. "And Jason, let me tell you, never back him to a corner."
"Noted," Blanche snickered.
"Hey, maybe one day, we can have a battle," Jason playfully challenged.
"Against a former Kalos League champ? Of course you'd make a challenge!" Aria laughed.
"Maybe someday, when you bring out your team's full potential," Blanche smiled. "I can challenge you both individually."
"Then I look forward to it," Kristine smiled back.
Blanche pulled up a chair to sit with the twins and Aria. "Let's see how this stands up to Kalos," she browsed a menu that was on the table.
Moments later, the twins and Aria were done eating.
"That was delicious!" Kristine raved.
"Tell me about it," Jason agreed.
Blanche snickered. "Hmm, now I have high expectations."
Aria faced the twins. "I suppose it's time for you to head out, huh?"
"I guess we should," Kristine replied as she got up. Jason did the same.
"Glad I caught you," Aria smiled. "You kids be safe out there."
"Yeah, thanks for visiting us!" Jason replied.
"Nice to meet you both," Blanche gave a nod.
"Absolutely, it was an honor!" Kristine walked over to shake Blanche's hand.
"Great to meet you!" Jason added. "And thanks for the food, Aria!"
"Yep," Aria replied. "See you around, kids. You're more than welcome to stop by next time you're in Fort Lexing."
"We have to stop by the conservation center and pick up Dratini," Kristine mentioned to Jason.
"Right," Jason replied. "Let's go."
The twins departed the café a moment later.
"They seem bright and determined," Blanche observed.
"I've battled many trainers," Aria mentioned. "Those two gave me some of the most memorable battles I've ever had."
"Maybe I should watch out for them if they ever decide to compete in the Kalos League, huh?" Blanche chuckled.
"Speaking of, are you going to compete in the Kalos League again?" Aria asked.
Blanche simply shrugged. "Maybe in the near future."
"Well, we're down to the final eight. Ash is looking as strong as ever."
"I think he will win it all. He's shown the world he means business."
"And the Inventum Cup is about four months out."
"Any native favorites?"
"Well, there's a veteran trainer named Ken who has a shot, but it's all international trainers that make the list, to be honest."
"Maybe someday, a golden generation of sorts will rise up. Every region gets a turn."
"Well," Aria leaned back with a confident smile. "Based on what I've been seeing lately, I think the golden generation is already here."
"Hmm," Blanche contemplated.
"Anyways," Aria continued. "Are you tagging along with us to Fort Lexing?"
"Yes," Blanche nodded. "I need a debriefing and a personal assessment. Not that I don't doubt your work at all, you've been phenomenal, but you know, regulations and assessments come with my rank, seeing that we led the effort to quell such a disaster."
"Right," Aria understood.
"You can give me the basic run down later on," Blanche continued. "We're off the clock, so don't worry about it now."
"Until then," Aria gazed at the server delivering coffee to Blanche. "I don't think you'll be disappointed with this café."
"And here you go!" Brie handed the pokeball holding Dratini to Kristine. "Dratini has fully recovered, and is battle ready. I'd start off with training him first, but you're the expert!"
"Thanks!" Kristine happily took the pokeball.
A moment later, Jason and Kristine left he facility.
"Now how do we get out of this city?" Jason asked. "Since we don't have the guide anymore."
"Well," Kristine looked around. We follow signs."
The twins headed out of the medical district, heading to the southern outskirts of Richland Port by following signs posted next to walkways. The urban environment gave way to fields and light forests nearby.
Kristine turned around to take one last look at Richland Port's skyline.
"I'll see you soon, you beautiful city," Kristine softly spoke.
"Well, there's always that apprenticeship with the conservationists when we're 16," Jason mentioned.
"True."
Jason also turned his head towards the skyline. "You know what sis? I'm gonna miss the city too."
"Yeah? Miss the city, huh country boy?"
"Well, we've had more than our fair share of memories here. Winning the Power Duo, obtaining the Power Badge, not to mention new additions to our teams."
"I'll hold onto those memories as long as I'm alive," Kristine smiled before facing away from the city. "But it's time to move on. Onward to Raley City!"
The twins headed down the dirt path that took them straight to Route 110.
"Route 110," Kristine said. "And I have no other information."
"Only that it's a straight shot to Raley City," Jason added.
"We can assume it ends at Pattersbaugh falls, and that Route 111 takes us in."
"See? We don't need some guidebook."
The twins continued down Route 110 throughout the morning, taking a lunch break off the road around noontime. The twins brought out all of their pokemon, allowing all pokemon to interact as full teams for the first time. Jason released Magikarp at a nearby pond, as Kristine did the same for Dratini.
"Jolt," Jolteon greeted Espeon, approaching her.
"Espeon," Espeon greeted back, sitting still.
Jolteon sat right next to Espeon. Together, they observed their teammates from a short distance away. Espeon noticed Snorunt introducing herself to Dratini, with Riolu and Machop training together by throwing fists and dodging each other's attacks. Jolteon observed Kirlia practicing her dancing routines, with Rowlet nearby attempting to mimic her. Pikachu ran around with Growlithe, as Fletchinder circled around the camp overhead.
It all seemed everything was going fine, at first. That was when Growlithe decided that running with Pikachu was a competition, and picked up speed.
"Pika!" Pikachu tried to warn him of Rowlet and Kirlia straight ahead. Growlithe paid no mind, looking back at Pikachu while knowing he was pulling away. When he looked straight ahead, it was too late for him to slow down. He ran into Rowlet, who tumbled into Kirlia, who fell down.
"Kirlia!" Kirlia whimpered.
"Rowlet!" Rowlet confronted Growlithe as soon as she got up.
"Growlithe!" Growlithe barked.
The two exchanged a heated argument, from the perspective of Jolteon and Espeon, about the incident. Rowlet questioned Growlithe's competency to do anything right, which Growlithe took offense. Somewhere in the argument, Magikarp's name was brought up.
"Karp karp karp!" Magikarp yelled, obviously angry.
"Growlithe!" Growlithe barked back.
"Karp karp karp karp karp!" Magikarp splashed around, as if he was taunting Growlithe.
"Rio!" Riolu stopped to see what was going on. Machop, paying no attention, landed a blow on Riolu's chest, sending him stumbling upon Snorunt. Riolu accidentally knocked Snorunt into the water.
"Snorunt!" Snorunt was startled and clearly not happy.
Dratini used his nose to nudge her off the water seconds later. Snorunt then confronted Riolu. As Riolu pleaded his case, Snorunt then shifted her frustration towards Machop.
"Machop!" Machop tried to apologize.
Pikachu ran in to try to quell the argument, but for whatever reason, got caught up in it instead.
Fletchinder landed next to Espeon. They, along with Jolteon, all sighed as they witnessed the complete breakdown of team morale.
"Jolt…" Jolteon walked over towards Growlithe, Kirlia, and Rowlet.
"Esp…" Espeon walked over towards Machop, Snorunt, Riolu, and Pikachu. Riolu managed to sneak out of that argument, bringing Magikarp with him to the rest of their team.
The twins took notice and walked over to supervise the arguments. Espeon was able to calm her team down rather quickly. Jolteon, however, had difficulty getting Growlithe and Rowlet to settle down.
"Everyone, just chill for a second!" Jason demanded. "We're on the same team here!"
Growlithe growled for a moment before backing off.
"Everyone seemed eager to fight each other for a minute," Kristine said.
"Yeah, no kidding," Jason replied.
"Well, my team hasn't really fought in a while," Kristine mentioned.
"Yeah," Jason sighed. "And I have two new additions and I think it's gonna take some time for my team to really get along."
"It'll take time," Kristine agreed. "You'll just need to be patient more than anything."
"Yep," Jason nodded.
A short while later, the twins recalled their pokemon, packed their belongings, and continued on. The sunny weather and ocean breeze complimented a scenic view of flowery fields and sporadic trees. Jason and Kristine greeted the occasional trainer as they ventured by.
"You know who we haven't seen in weeks?" Jason recollected. "Actually, I think it's been more than a month."
"Alex?" Kristine assumed. "It's been over two months, actually, for me. Three for you, I think?"
"Shoot, the last time I've seen him was that battle at the foothills of the Mountains," Jason chuckled. "I wonder what he's up to."
"Would you be better off not crossing paths with him?" Kristine asked.
"I want to beat him the next time we battle," Jason explained. "I'm much better now."
"I bet you he got much better too," Kristine remained realistic. "Not saying you don't have a chance. I really hope you'd beat him next time around."
"When I'm ready, I will."
The twins made camp at a field near the road by nightfall. Cool, breezy air kicked in, cold enough for Kristine to put on a sweater before she went to bed. The twins slept soundly in their own sleeping bags within their tent. The next morning, they got ready, packing up before venturing onward once more.
They continued along Route 110, passing through vast fields. In what seemed to be the first time in weeks, the sky was gray. It seemed to be nothing more than an ugly overcast, but the colder, breezy weather was somewhat reminiscent of the Nappalchan Mountains.
"Well, we expended our luck with the weather, I suppose," Kristine glanced upwards.
"Yeah," Jason did the same. "Hopefully we don't get rained on."
"It's one of those weird days where the weather can't make its mind up, I think."
The twins continued down the road, which was largely scarce. Perhaps the weather encouraged other trainers to take the day off, along with causing wild pokemon to seek shelter.
"To come to think of it, we've just sat back and relaxed a few times when the weather was like this in the Mountains," Kristine brought up.
"Would I be pushing too far if I wanted to keep going?" Jason asked.
Kristine shook her head. "We've had our vacation in Richland Port. Gloomy weather won't stop us."
By mid afternoon, the twins came across farms filled with tauros and miltank, along with several houses.
"Look at all these pokemon," Kristine observed.
"So many of them," Jason added. "They probably provide milk for the entire coast."
Kristine sighed. "Only if I had my guide with me."
"Yeah," Jason chuckled. "Sorry, sis."
"No, no, it's not your fault," Kristine smiled. "I'd trade it away every single time in a situation like that."
"What would I do without you?" Jason laughed.
"Yeah, what would you do?" Kristine playfully laughed back.
Just ahead, they saw a figure traversing on a dirt path from one of the homes, wearing a black jacket and pants. Jason was quick to identify the person.
"Hey, that's Alex," he pointed out.
"Alex?" Kristine seemed curious. "I assumed he'd be in Raley City by now or even further."
Alex seemed to mind his business as the path he walked on conjoined the main road. He glanced the twins' way, noticing them before taking a sigh.
"Can't shake you guys off, huh?" he rolled his eyes.
"Nice to see you too, Alex," Jason sarcastically replied, as he and Kristine approached him.
"Jason," Alex gave a quick nod of acknowledgement. "I see you're on your feet. Still being a trainer, huh?"
"As if I was ever going to quit," Jason spoke with confidence.
"Let me guess, this is the part where you challenge me, right?" Alex continued. "Like you haven't learned a-"
"Actually, no," Jason interrupted. "I won't challenge you."
"Hmm," Alex seemed intrigued. "Maybe you have learned a thing or two after all."
"Insult me all you want, Alex," Jason spoke with pride and confidence. "We'll battle again when we're ready."
"Hmmph," Alex simply began to head on his way.
"Hey Alex," Kristine added. "What were you doing here, if I may ask?"
Alex scoffed. "Read the guide. Aren't you supposed to be the smart one?"
"Yeah, about the guide."
Alex turned around. "How on – you know, nothing from you two should surprise me anymore. See that house over there?" he pointed at a two story wooden home from a distance. "And the nearby farm? The guide would have told you that's Secra Farmstead. Hence my last name. My sister inherited it a few years back."
"You have a sister?" Jason asked.
"I should get going before you bombard me with more useless questions," Alex wasted no more time, and proceeded down the route.
"What the heck is his problem?" Jason crossed his arms. "Like he can't be nice even if his life depended on it!"
"There's a lot going on," Kristine answered. "I never bothered telling you. Well, there's no excuse for his attitude but it kinda makes sense."
Jason turned to Kristine. "Go on."
"I honestly don't know if it's my place to tell you," Kristine continued before lightly sighing. "Alex had a brother. His name was Tyler. He –"
"He was everything to Alex," a woman's voice was heard behind the twins.
The twins turned around to see a woman with brown wavy hair, wearing a red buttoned shirt and blue jeans. She appeared to be in her late teens. "Name's Dani. I'm Alex's sister. I take it you all know each other?"
"We've had a few bump ins," Jason mentioned.
"Hi, I'm Kristine," Kristine greeted. "And this is my twin brother, Jason."
"Ah, I've seen you two on television," Dani recalled. "I mentioned you to Alex, and he has talked about you two before."
"Well, could you please convince him to stop being a jerk towards me? Because it's starting to get real old," Jason promptly requested.
Naturally, Dani wanted to be on the defensive for her little brother. But she bit her tongue, and knew where Jason was coming from. "Alex has a lot to deal with. Our whole family does, as divided as we are now."
"What do you mean?" Kristine asked.
"Well, he ain't gonna like this," Dani chuckled. "Why don't you two come in and sit with me for a bit? And maybe we can help Alex."
"Sounds good to me," Kristine accepted.
Jason crossed his arms in silent disapproval.
"Jason," Kristine gently nudged him.
"All right," Jason complied.
Jason and Kristine followed Dani down a dirt trail that led to her home. It was painted white, outlined by dark red to compliment the appearance. Dani opened the door for the twins to step inside to a welcome interior of wooden flooring, white walls, and a massive collection of family portraits across almost every wall.
"Look at these pictures," Kristine seemed amazed. "Some of these go way back."
"Like two centuries back," Dani added. She closed the door and walked in front of the twins. "The Secra family owned this farm since Edward Secra himself came from the Galar region."
She pointed at a old still portrait of a man with a handlebar mustache and a nearly bald head. The portrait was obviously black and white, and appeared to be very worn, barely holding together after two centuries.
"One of the early settlers of Inventum," Kristine seemed very interested in the topic as Jason gazed at other portraits.
Dani chuckled. "Kind of, considering the earliest settlers came here five hundred years ago."
"Our family came from a region near the North Pole, not too far from Galar," Kristine mentioned.
"Which one?" an older gentleman approached Dani, Kristine, and Jason. He was old enough to possess gray hair, but the cane he held with both hands spoke to his declining health and not advancing age.
"Skydgar," Krstine answered. "Hi, I'm Kristine."
Jason turned to face the man. "I'm Jason."
"Ah, the Kyar twins," the man smiled. He faced Dani. "Curious as to who you let in."
"Apologies for the lack of heads up, Dad," Dani slightly blushed.
"No worries," the man was quick to forgive. He faced Kristine once more. "Skydgar once held the world's best trainers specializing in water, ice, and steel type pokemon."
"You know about old world regions?" Kristine was intrigued.
"Of course," the man nodded. "I'm William Secra, mainly just Will to everyone who knows me. I'm Dani's dad, and Alex's, which I've heard you know him?"
"Alex? Yeah," Jason answered.
"Ah, Jason Kyar," Will approached Jason. "I've heard a lot about you."
"Probably not very good things," Jason took a step back.
"Jason," Kristine stepped towards Jason's direction, attempting to get him to stay polite.
"It's fine," Will smiled. "You two don't get along, and I can only blame myself for it."
"Don't say that, Dad," Dani abruptly spoke.
"Right, right," Will sighed. "Well, let's not stand around. We have guests! Let's act like proper hosts!"
Will led the twins into the nearby kitchen, with Dani right behind them. It was cozy and compact, exactly what the twins pictured in their minds of what a farmstead kitchen would look like. The oven and stove top were almost within arm's reach of the white wooden table itself. More portraits decorated the walls, as stainless-steel pans and other cookware hung from the ceiling.
Will chuckled. "Might not be what you two are used to growing up with, but it's what we have."
"It's actually cute," Kristine looked around.
Jason, on the other hand, felt slightly tense. Too much decoration with such little space left him anxious. Still, he sucked it up and took a seat adjacent to his sister on his left and to Dani on his right, with Will slowly taking a seat across from him.
"And to think," Will contemplated. "We've had to make room for five once upon a time. When we were all together."
"Yeah," Dani sighed. She looked at a picture on the wall to her right, directly across from Kristine. It was that of a boy with spiky blond hair and brown eyes. He appeared to be slightly older than the twins.
"That right there is my other son," Will explained. "Tyler was an ambitious kid. Had dreams of becoming Inventum's champion, leading us into the global stage of renowned pokemon trainers for the first time in decades."
"He was good, really good," Dani recalled. "I remember seeing him against Meeks in the city. Just cheering on for my little bro, you know. And Alex was there too. The way he used Quilava against Raichu, it was amazing. He made it down to Kenalta for the Life Badge, Viceport for the Instinct Badge, and the Sol Islands for the Rapid Badge. Doubled back to the farm to take a couple months off before heading to the Mountains to get the other eight badges."
"My wife was against the idea," Will added, giving a nod to the portrait next to Tyler. It was that of a woman with strawberry blond hair in curls. "Beth told Tyler to go back south and head to Stellarport first instead of circumnavigating Inventum through the Mountains. 'Trainers are forged in the Mountains', he said. 'We've gone soft and it's up to me to rise to the challenge,' he said."
Will cleared his throat. "And I agreed with him. It was something I wanted him to do, simply because he wanted to do it. I've never seen him happier. Beth told me she had a horrible feeling about it. I never really paid attention to her concerns."
"And I wanted Tyler to take on the challenge," Dani stated. "I believed he could do it then. I never thought about the dangers, the real dangers."
"The Mountains have a lot of hazards," Jason added.
"That they do," Will folded his hands. "There were icy conditions one morning. The rangers said he slipped, tumbling through the wooden barrier between him and the edge of the cliff. He fell a long way, and his entire team dispersed to seek help. And despite their efforts…"
Dani took Will's left hand and squeezed it gently.
"He passed away in the emergency room," Will finished his sentence, his eyes watery. "His injuries were too severe."
"I'm so sorry to hear that," Kristine expressed sympathy. "We've lost our father. I understand how hard it can be."
"A father losing his son is painful beyond understanding," Will responded. "But all losses are painful in ways beyond anyone's understanding. Your father still had gas in the tank, I'd imagine. As did Tyler, who had his whole life ahead of him."
"That's why we have each other," Jason added, glancing at Kristine. "To get us through these struggles."
Will scoffed at the comment.
"What's so –" Jason wanted to speak back, but Kristine grabbed his hand as tightly as she could.
"Tyler's death split our family right down the middle," Will continued, speaking firmly. "Beth divorced me and moved near Fort Lexing with her folks. Alex had a choice. 'I want nothing to do with you anymore' were his last words, up until a couple weeks ago. They both blamed Tyler's death on me."
"And me," Dani lifted her hand in accountability.
"Divorce?" Jason stood up.
"Jason," Kristine chuckled nervously. "Let's sit back down and –"
"In the hour of need, you all split apart? I'm not a dad. But I'm a son, and I lost my dad. I don't understand your loss, but I understand the hour of need. The moment where despite losing your mind, there's someone there reminding you that no matter what, you're not alone. No wonder why Alex is all sorts of heartless."
"Now wait a second!" Dani shot up. "I've dealt with your subtle comments and body language, but that's right through the line faster than a dodrio in a straight track! I'll show you out the door."
"I'm so sorry," Kristine got up. "He didn't mean to –"
"Please," Will briefly closed his eyes, and held his right hand up to halt the argument. He opened his eyes. "Everyone, why don't you sit back down?"
"But he insulted –" Dani defended.
"And throwing him out would only prove his point," Will explained.
"Fine," Dani huffed, and sat down. The twins did the same, Kristine giving a quick glare at Jason before doing so.
"Perhaps you're right," Will continued, facing Jason. "Perhaps we've all blamed each other senselessly and let that tear us apart. If only we could work together and get through it. Life isn't that simple, Jason. Keep in mind of the things you are largely unaware of that affects these decisions, even ones Dani and Alex are unaware of. You'll get an idea if you are ever married with kids."
"Look," Jason spoke, to the silent disapproval of both Dani and Kristine, as they wanted him to just shut up. "I've almost lost my life in the Mountains."
"Alex never mentioned that," Dani added.
"He did almost die," Kristine verified. "That was terrifying."
"We were warned of the risks," Jason continued. "We knew what we were signing up for."
"Sending kids through the Mountains is dangerous, we see it now," Dani said.
"The whole idea of sending twelve year olds on their own is dangerous!" Jason said. "As is sending any fully grown adult on any adventure," He faced Will. "I don't know Tyler. I have no right to assume what he wanted or didn't want, but anyone wouldn't want this. If he truly loved, loved being a trainer, then he had died doing what he loved."
Dani snickered, recalling a memory. "He was obsessed with it. His smile was bright enough to light up a room."
"I don't know if I can ever bring our family back together," Will said. "But we can bring Alex back to the caring young man he once was. I disagree with that he's heartless, but he's lost."
Dani nodded at that statement.
"Surely he's patching things up with you if he stayed here for a while," Kristine mentioned.
"Eh," Will shook his head. "He still blames me for everything."
"He's eased up on me," Dani added.
"He's put the blame on his mother lately," Will said. "He's conflicted. And to let him venture off like that doesn't bode well for me as a father."
"If he endured the Mountains, he can do anything," Kristine tried to remain positive.
"Must've been a pretty heated argument with Mom for him to go there," Dani mentioned to her father.
"And that's the problem," Will contemplated. "He achieved three badges quicker than almost any other trainer could. He had caught close to three dozen pokemon, so he's likely doing the dirty catch-and-release trick to scout the strongest, healthiest pokemon."
"He said he would slow down on that," Dani stated.
"Because he thinks he found his core team. My point is nothing has stopped him. Beth and I could not stop him. If this continues, he is truly lost, buried underneath his accomplishments. Nothing will ever make him happy. He'll just keep catching pokemon, keep winning gym badges, trying but failing to fulfill that empty void."
"You mean someone will need to stop him," Dani said.
"Precisely," Will nodded. "And I see no other trainer than the young man who called your brother heartless, sitting right beside you."
Dani faced Jason. "I agree that we need to help him. That's what I invited you here in the first place. Can you defeat my brother in a pokemon battle?"
"I've had no luck so far," Jason said. "My team isn't ready now, but they will be."
"My brother is not heartless," Dani reiterated. "Train your team, beat my brother as much as I would love to see him beat you, and maybe you can help him come to his senses. Just don't wait too long to do it."
Jason remained silent.
"Now then," Will slowly got up. "Can't keep you both in here much longer, now can we? Raley City isn't far in the grand picture."
"I have a question, if I may ask," Kristine spoke up. "What happened to Tyler's team?"
"They're out back," Dani answered. "His team pretty much evolved on their own in the past few years. At least the ones who could. Typhlosion, Swellow, Electrode, Politoed, Hitmontop, and Tauros."
"They help with the farm in whatever ways they could," Will added.
Dani faced Kristine. "Would you like to see them? They like company."
"Sure," Kristine smiled.
"Let me show you out back," Will proceeded to the back door within the kitchen. Dani and Kristine got up to follow him, as did Jason.
Kristine briefly looked over to Jason before facing Dani and Will. "Excuse me one second."
"We will be outside," Will acknowledged. "Come on, Dani."
Kristine waited for her moment to strike until she heard the door close.
"You were incredibly rude! Incredibly! Rude!" she scolded, jabbing Jason's chest with her finger.
"But I thought I made a good point," Jason defended.
"Sometimes, it's not about the message, but the delivery," Kristine explained. "That could've been handled a lot better. What you said was hurtful to them, no matter how true you think it is."
"I never meant to be hurtful," Jason softened up.
"But you were. What if someone told you I was stupid?"
"You're not."
"And Alex isn't heartless."
"You're taking their side on it?"
"I'm not taking their side. I'm taking their word."
"We've known Alex –"
"They know him far longer than we do. Take their word. Now, you need to apologize to Will and Dani."
"Fine," Jason sucked it up. "I'll do it."
"And remember," Kristine reminded him. "Beat Alex. Or I will."
Kristine and Jason opened the door. They both saw Will and Dani a fair distance away, wrapping up a conversation. Dani then approached Jason. Kristine nudged him to move forward.
"Hey Jason," Dani spoke first. "I'm sorry for trying to kick you out earlier."
"No, you shouldn't be," Jason replied. "I'm sorry for what I said earlier. I had no business speaking out in something personal, let alone call someone heartless."
Dani smiled, and extended her hand. "We forgive you."
Jason shook her hand. That was when she extended her other hand, using both to firmly grasp his, preventing him from letting go.
"Don't ever call my brother heartless in front of me again," she warned.
"Noted," Jason said.
Dani smiled, and let go. "I'll go call out Tyler's team. Wait here a sec!"
"Well, Jason," Kristine approached Jason, putting her arm around her shoulder. "Wasn't so bad now, was it?"
"I don't think she likes me," Jason observed.
"Eh, I'm pretty sure she'll come around, eventually."
"Just beat Alex and make him human again, huh?"
"Something like that. No pressure, right?"
Jason laughed. "No pressure."
The twins got to greet Tyler's formidable team that meant an untimely retirement following their trainer's fatal tragedy. A team of six powerful pokemon was something the twins could aspire to work towards. They both knew that despite their successes, they still had a long way to go.
After visiting the farm, Jason and Kristine continued south. The next stop: Pattersbaugh Falls, a scenic reserve connecting Richland Port and Raley City.
