Lunick snored lightly as he laid on his back in his bed. It had been so long since he was able to gently sink in and nestle himself into the comforts of a soft plushy mattress. He had spent so many nights sleeping achily on firm mattress cots and couches, that it felt so alleviating to be able to be cradled and hugged. Solana's bed was a queen-sized thick foam mattress, but it was extremely soft and extra comforting. The copper gel infused foam had high moisture absorption and released moisture quickly, keeping him cool through the night, keeping him sweatless. And even though he enjoyed melding into the bed, the mattress did react to increased pressure with a firming response, so while staying soft, plushy, and huggy, it also provided enough ample support around deep compression areas and allowed him to be able to get out of the bed with no struggle. Her hypoallergenic cotton comforter was just as luxurious mimicking the amazing delicate feel of the mattress as Lunick laid on top of it with his bottom half. And the downy plushy pillows had his exhausted body knocked out in less than ten seconds.
"Surprise!" an excited feminine voice cried, jolting Lunick groggily awake out of his slumber.
He hazily glanced around the room and blinked his eyes before his blurred vision found Solana on her knees, her legs sprawled out on either side off him so she wasn't bearing her weight down on his legs.
"S-Solana," his voice cracked as he rubbed his eyes. "Babe, why would you jump on me like that?" he was still very groggy as he tried to wipe the tiredness from his eyes.
"Did I startle you?"
"You scared the crap out of me, for sure," he said, blinking a few more times before looking back up at her. Plusle and Minun were one either side of her.
"How'd you sleep?" she asked excitedly.
"Peacefully. I had no idea how much last night extremely tired my body or how tense and tight my muscles are. I can still feel some of it in my bones."
"Last night was stressful, I know. That's why I wanted you to sleep in here last night."
"I'm still a bit shaken at having to snatch Freddie's gun away from him." He looked down at his hands, "What if the safety lock wasn't on?"
Solana put her hands over his. "You can't think like that, Lunick. Freddie can be hot-tempered, but he isn't an idiot or foolhardy…like another ranger we know."
"Excuse me, madame." Lunick pouted, trying to act offended.
Solana smiled softly. "I spoke to him this morning. He's using a few of his personal leave to take some time off for him and Niema. The poor dear is traumatized, and so is Freddie. Might be a good idea to check on them today on our break."
"You're right. I think I'll do that."
"And no worries. No one but you, Freddie and I know about the gun. He's not at risk of an incident report."
"That's relieving to hear."
Lunick looked up from their hands and into her beautiful amber eyes. He leaned forward and gently kissed her on the lips, causing her smile to widen. He had no idea how he even ended up in her bed. Last thing he remembered was falling asleep on her pullout sofa in her living room. It wasn't nearly as comfortable, but he respected Solana more than enough to endure it while they figured out their living arrangements. Their lips slowly parted and he could see the wistful look still in her eyes, yearning for more.
"So, last I remember, I was conked out on your sofa downstairs. How did I end up in your bedroom? You didn't carry me here, did you?"
"Pfft! I wish. I got the help from a Machoke nearby."
"Okay. Sounds reliable. And I trust no shenanigans were had?"
Solana smiled slyly. She hovered back over him, bringing her face close to his once more. "If shenanigans occurred, you would most definitely know, sleepy or not."
"Mhmm," he hummed amusingly. He kissed her on the lips once more taking advantage of her closeness and she willingly conceded as his hands slipped down and cupped her backside lightly. Minun once again rolled his eyes at their petting while Plusle smiled softly, knowing how much her human needed this.
"So you are awake now," Solana whispered sultrily.
"Not awake enough for what you are thinking," he whispered back.
"You are such a tease." She said playfully before sitting back up, albeit reluctantly so. "But since you are awake now, we can at least partially celebrate you're officially moving in with me with a homemade breakfast dish."
"Homemade?" Lunick repeatedly, warily.
"Don't make fun. I put a lot of hard work in today's breakfast. A traditional dish I know you'll love that was super easy to make."
"Nothing beats Mama Kaneko's dishes."
"Well, let's just see about that," she leaned forward and kissed him lovingly on the lips before regretfully recoiling back to her kneeling position.
"You stay right here. I'm gonna bring you a tray for breakfast in bed."
"Breakfast in bed?" he chuckled. "What if I have to pee?"
"Clench those cheeks and hold it in. I'm catering to you this morning." She retorted as she sauntered away and walked out of the room.
Chuckling to himself, Lunick swung his legs out of bed and quickly made his way to her adjoined bathroom. Despite his joking he really did have to pee. The whole room smelled of lavender essential oils and pink petal teacakes. Fluffy bath rugs with a matching toilet covering validated that he was indeed in a woman's bathroom. After he relieved himself, he walked over to the sink to wash his hands. Even the foam soap smelled ambrosial. Not overwhelmingly so, but pleasantly noticeable. As he reached for the hand towel, he accidently knocked over a several bottles near the sink.
"Oh crap," he muttered as he picked them up. They were mostly deodorants, hair products, and cosmetics, but one caramel colored of what looked to be an unlabeled prescription bottle was hidden amongst the scented and cosmetic items. Lunick stared at it questioningly for a while, before putting it back to where he thought it rested. The only medication he was aware Solana was taking was her Junel Fe to help with her menstruation but also as she explained to him several months ago – to protect herself in case she was alone with any malicious baddies who would want to "do things to her".
Lunick shook his head to clear his thoughts. He didn't want to go back to that place in his mind – that he was unable to protect the girl he loved so much from so much abuse and torture. She was still healing but neither of them ever talked about the incidents since then or went to a counselor about it. Lunick promised he wouldn't push her. But he definitely needed some psychiatric help himself to know how to best cope and support her.
Lunick shook his head once more, even splashing cool water from the faucet on his face. At the very least, Solana seemed okay for now, outwardly at least. And she did share things with him when she was bothered or troubled. He had no reason not to trust her and it wasn't his business what new medication she may have been taking – she would tell him when she felt ready.
As Lunick reentered the bedroom and climbed back into her soft bed, he caught a glimpse of Solana walking into the room holding silver food tray was a ramekin bowl and a small cup of tea.
"I told you not to move, mister," she said in a semi-serious amusingly manner.
"When you gotta go. I told you I had to pee." He said as he sat further up in the bed against the headboard.
"Uh huh. Well," she said as she placed the tray in front of him. "It's an egg custard. Chawanmushi, right?" she said excitedly. "Steamed dashi-based sauce. I didn't really know how to use the steamer, so I boiled it.
Lunick looked questioningly at the organic matter in front of him. "Usually when you make chawanmushi, you need the perfect ratio for egg to dashi. So, two eggs to 250 mL dashi. And you're supposed to strain the egg mixture so no stringy strands of egg white compromises the smooth and silky texture. And you need to steam it. Use gentle steam, low heat, otherwise you'll get a porous texture with tiny holes. Because you boiled it without a steam release, the pH was too high and the gel is too hard."
As Lunick looked up from the ramekin bowl, he saw the saddened dejected look in his girlfriend's eyes.
He quickly shook his hands. "B-But wait! You've got some great seasonings in here too, I can see. I see carrots, onions, scallions, I sense a hint of mirin and sake, yes, some usukuchi soy sauce, mitsuba, sprigs and kamaboko. Wow, you really did your research for the traditional dishes. Next time, you know, you can steam in the oven or a stovetop water bath. It'll do the same thing."
He looked back up at his girlfriend who looked nearly completely despondent as she sat down next to him on the bed. He reached over and took her hands in his.
"It really isn't that bad…I mean, for your first time and all."
"Sure, okay," she replied meekly.
Lunick's frown deepened and he inhaled and exhaled softly.
"Hey, Solana. Are you okay?" he asked calmly but concerned.
"Mhm," she answered simply. "Why do you ask?"
Lunick nodded slowly and looked down at their clasped hands, gathering his thoughts before speaking.
"It's just…I've noticed you've not been quite your usual, confident, badassery self lately. You've been downcast, depressed, dispirited, mumpish."
"Mumpish?"
Lunick shrugged slightly. "And maybe…even a little emotionally dysregulated."
Solana stared hard at him. "Where is all this coming from?"
Lunick waited before answering. "Solana, I know you. I know everything about you. The things you love and enjoy. The things that make you sad…The things that have hurt you…" he paused before continuing again. "Ever since you had that video call a few weeks ago, the one where you said you briefly spoke to Nate when he interrupted your conversation with your mother…You have not been the same confident self-assured young girl I've grown with these past few years."
Solana's eyes lowered and she averted he eyes away from him slightly.
Lunick continued. "I adore you, Solana. I love you with everything in me, as much as a man can ever love a woman. That day, you had an emotional and visual flashback. And I know we don't talk about it much, but there are times I hear you screaming and crying and when I run to you, you're locked in a fetal position uneven able to talk, just sobbing and wailing. And all I can think of to do to console you is to hold you, rock you, remind you of the present and that you are safe."
"Are you asking me to talk about these things with you, Lunick?" she squeaked.
Lunick placed his hand gently under her chin and turned her face so that they were locking eyes.
"No, I am not Solana. I would never ask you do to anything you are not ready or comfortable yet doing. I am saying that I've noticed some changes in you. Your decreased appetite, your excessive exercise routine, your lack of energy, your anxiety, your depression...Hypercriticism, an increasingly low self-esteem and emotional responses to things that seem atypical for the context. You're hurting, Solana. And I see that."
"Lunick, this runs a lot deeper than you think."
"I know it does. And I'm not asking you to share anything with me. I just want to emphasize again that I love you and that I am here for you. You don't need to act strong. But you don't need to go through this alone either. You can be vulnerable."
"No, I can't," she said hastily, letting go of his hands and standing up.
"Solana –"
"Baby, I'm fine. I promise you, I will tell you if and when something is bothering me. I will deal with that stuff when I am ready to but it is not in the forefront of my mind. So, thank you for your concern and I love you so much for that. But if it gets to that point, I promise, I will let you know."
Lunick nodded slowly. "I know you will. I trust you, Solana. I just wish I could do more for you, that's all."
"You already do plenty." Her eyes drifted back down towards the tray of food she prepared for Lunick as she meekly crossed her arms. "So…you're not gonna eat this, are you?"
Lunick grimaced before smiling weakly. "You know, you worked so hard on this for me, I will take a bite."
"Knowing your culinary knowledge and efficiency, it's probably gross. You don't need to, Lunick, it's okay. I just wanted to do something nice for you."
Lunick held up his hand. "No, no. It's fine. I have to at least taste what my amazing girlfriend made for me, right?"
Eyeing the ramekin bowl cautiously, years of cooking told him the kamaboko was terribly overcooked, the onions undercooked and stiff, the carrots raw and not seasoned, and stringy strands of egg white were, in fact, floating around in the bowl. The egg though…was less of a smooth custard and more some weird glop.
Gulping, Lunick picked up the ramekin bowl.
"Itadakimasu," he cheered quietly as he brought the bowl to his lips for a sip. As soon as the egg mixture entered his mouth, Lunick uncontrollably gagged and put one hand to his lips and placed the ramekin bowl back on the tray with the other. The flavors did not blend together well, and the curds and the rubbery egg swished nauseatingly in his mouth. His eyes slightly tearing, Lunick forced himself to swallow the distasteful food and exhaled afterwards, almost retching once again.
"It was gross," Solana repeatedly plainly.
Lunick tried his best not to cough, not wanting to taste any of the contents that were in his mouth before.
"Chawanmushi is not the best starting dish when learning to cook, but it was a valiant effort, Babe," he nearly burped.
"What about the tea?" she asked. "How many ways can I mess up tea?"
Lunick looked down to the white floral teacup also on the tray. "Honestly, I'm not the biggest fan of matcha tea."
Solana gasped.
"Blasphemous, I know. But you can have it. It's super healthy as you know."
"No thank you. I'm good."
"Are you sure?"
"Yep."
"Alright then," Lunick moved the tray to the side and moved to the edge of the bed, his bare feet touching the floor as he looked up at Solana. "How about I make us a full garden breakfast. Tamagoyaki with garlic, kale, onions, sauteed carrots, cherry tomatoes, apples, and tempeh drizzled with soy sauce and topped with honey and brown sugar, all over freshly steamed rice. Now that is a hearty energy-rich meal to start the day."
"You show off," Solana smirked.
"No," Lunick stood up and wrapped his arms around Solana's waist. "I just enjoy splurging my badical GF. My time to cater to you."
Solana smiled weakly and they shared a small, sweet kiss. "You make it for yourself, Baby. I'll just stick with some water and go freshen up before we head over to the base."
"You're not gonna eat?"
"I'll eat eventually. Just don't have much of an appetite right now, especially after the mess I just made."
"I guarantee my breakfast will have your tummy grumbling and you will be satiated with loads of energy."
She pressed her forehead against his and kissed him a little more intensely on the lips. "I have another way you can satiate me," she whispered before playfully slapping him on the tush, which itself was comical since he was taller than her, "You go do your culinary thing and when I get out the shower, I'm gonna want some Lun-shine before the workday hits us both."
"Whatever my lady wants, I aim to please," he whispered back. "But I'll need to shower myself."
"After our play, you can wash the muskiness all off of you but not before. I love my Lunie's natural scent in the morning."
"Sexy Liepard instead," he meowed.
They kissed one more time before releasing their hold on each other. Solana watched as he exited the bedroom with their pokémon, also hankering for some of Lunick's esteemed homemade Pokéfood. She waited until she heard his footsteps hit the bottom level beyond the staircase before walking into the bathroom by her mirror cabinet.
Scanning herself over in the mirror, she turned to the side and pinched the skin on her side near her ribcage, then she flapped her upper arms before returning her hands to her face, scrutinizing her cheeks and flat skin underneath her chin. She paid careful attention to the bone structure in her face and compared it to the tiny folds of skin in her neck, arms, and sides.
"You are a disgusting creature," she muttered to herself as she reached for her unlabeled prescription bottle she had hidden amongst her makeup. She dumped out three pills in her palm and downed them instantly before snapping the bottle shut and slamming it back down. "Lunick deserves better. And I'll make sure he gets what he so deserves. So work harder, bitch. Stop slacking and work harder. You…can…do this."
As the sun moved through its path high in the sky its light shone down upon the niveous Wintown, creating an enjoyable atmosphere for humans and pokémon alike. Unlike the other major cities in Fiore, it snowed year-round in Wintown. But during the warmer seasons, the brumal city transformed from fleecy and frigid into sweater weather with brisk flurries whirling and just hints of frost on the grass. Soothing aromas of cool eucalyptus and juniper berries filled Freddie's nostrils – white woods, sparkling clementine, spiced cloves as well as rich mahogany, black teakwood and frosted lavender – all conglomerating as a fragrant medley of sweet natural aromas from nature and candles lit throughout the various shops and parks. Many frosted pine and maple leaves formed a path on the ground, creating a carpet of ice needles and powdery browns, yellows, and golds with blue undertones.
For the first time in a long time, Freddie felt an emotion he thought had left him long ago – joy. Spending the first half of the day uninterrupted with his little girl had Freddie smiling so much his cheeks burned from the constant flexing. They started off the day with a long late morning breakfast of pancakes, bacon and eggs and Freddie was enamored, going back and forth with Niema with playful teasing, telling silly jokes, and a solace washed over Freedie like a blithe waterfall as he watched his baby girl giggle and laugh like the happy, carefree child she was supposed to be. Maybe Freddie's own despair had him so lost in it, he didn't immediately notice the trickledown effect of Niema's own happiness being compromised as well. It was slow and gradual, and she was very very young…but it was discernable, and it was there. And Freddie had spent too much time trying so hard to maintain the illusion that everything was fine and well, that he didn't stop to validate his own daughter's disheartenment, melancholy grief, and confusion. Of course she was stressed too. It just manifested differently with her being a young child just on the cusp of entering school. She had to figure out how to cope and grapple with confusion and feelings she couldn't even identify or verbalize. Freddie couldn't believe he allowed himself to become so lost in his world of grief, that he didn't think to check-in on his daughter's or include her in his. He just wanted to keep the illusion going. But it was clear, the smiles she flashed before, the laughter – there were holes permeating through. He was just seeing the surface level, afraid that the truth and reality would shatter both their worlds. The truth was Freddie was the one who was disillusioned and Niema knew a lot more than he thought. She may not have understood what was going on, but she knew her Daddy was hurting, and she felt some forlornness in the darkness. But after today, seeing her mirthful, sunny, pure and genuine smile – the smile Freddie he himself lost years ago – he was affirmed. As Lunick said, he would have to tell Niema something to help fill those holes in heart. But for today, he was going to bathe in his daughter's sunniness as her warmth completely melted all the snow in the city.
"It turned out to be a pretty nice day," Freddie commented as he and Niema walked through the town. "Enjoying your caramel hot chocolate?"
The tiny child nodded enthusiastically as she looked up from her drink, unveiling the whipped cream mustache that drooped from her upper lip. "My tummy feels all warm and cozy-like." She giggled.
"It does?" Freddie smiled back.
"Yeah," she breathed as she took another sip from her disposable cup. "Daddy, can we go to da park today?"
"Fall City's pretty far to go at this time but maybe –"
"No, Daddy. Da one's up near da mownteen."
"The Sekra Mountain range is a little too dangerous for you to go. Even when we went, we stayed closer to the recreation centers."
Niema hung her head, poking out her bottom lip.
Freddie put his left hand to his chin briefly as he pondered. "Though I guess we can go to the Aurora Mist Regional Park or head over to Ice Body Meadow or Snow Cloak Plaza? Aurora Mist does have that nice frozen lake with the icicle fountains? But Meadows has that beautiful ice flower garden."
Niema's head snapped back up, and she flashed the brightest smile. She started hopping on her heels. "Ooo! Ooo! Da one wit da Lapis statyu an da Seacoon?"
Freddie chuckled. "You mean the one with the Lapras ice sculpture in the center of the lake bowing while being adorned with an ice crown by a family of Feebas shooting beams of pastel colored ice that curves into the frozen lake? With Suicune perched on the top, giving her blessing to the Plesiosauria pokémon for her generous heart and benevolence to mankind?"
"Yeah, yeah!" she cried excitedly.
Freddie's smile widened. "Aurora Mist Regional it is."
"Yay!" the little girl cheered before giving her father the biggest hug she could manage around his thighs. "Daddy, if Mommy never comes back, I'm gonna marry you, okay?"
Freddie's eyes twinkled. "Okay."
"But Daddy, we gotta get engaged fore we get married because we no wanna break da law. You know dat, right?"
"We sure don't want to break the law," Freddie answered. "I guess we better get married right away after Mommy's gone, but we have to wait till you turn forty before we get married. That's the law too."
Freddie could almost see the wheels turning in Niema's head and almost burst out laughing when Niema's eyes widened.
"Forty is old, Daddy!"
"I certainly hope not. Otherwise, I'll have to let Grammy Chevelle know. She'll be knocking on forty's door in a few years."
"No tell Grammy!" Niema pleaded.
Freddie chuckled once more. "Forty isn't old, Baby. Think of it this way: forty is like being twenty twice. I'll be twenty soon. You don't think I'm old, do you? Twenty isn't old right?
"No, but twenty twice is!" she insisted as she skipped away happily.
Freddie held his belly with his left hand from the rapid exertion of his diaphragm as he tried to contain his laughter. He belly laughed as he watched his little girl skip up the path ahead of them. He was truly enjoying the man his daughter had awakened.
"This girl's is hysterical," Freddie finally was able to get out once he stopped laughing. "And she's such a different kid." He kept his eyes on Niema, who had stopped at the corner to wait for him.
"Hurry up!" she called.
Freddie picked up his pace and took Niema's hand when he reached her.
"I see you remembered not to stand too close to the curb."
"You taught me dat, Daddy."
"Yep, but remember to always stay nearby in strange places and always hold my hand. Everyone knows us here so Wintown's a little safer for you to walk ahead of me."
"Ugh, I know, but you so slow, Daddy!"
Shaking his head, Freddie held his daughter hand as they crossed the street at the change of light. Once they reached the other side, Niema excitedly took off running again, stopping at the ice-tipped lavender Wisteria flower garland twined and adorning the silvery archway.
By the entryway was a man who appeared to be in his mid-fifties, dressed in a knee length bane brown leather jacket with faux fur and traditional gray sweatpants. A large quadrupedal canine pokémon with an orange pelt marked by jagged black stripes and very shaggy beige fur on its head, muzzle, and chest sat beside him. It had diamond-shaped ears with beige inners, sharp black eyes, and a round black nose with two nostrils divided by a cartilaginous and bony septum. Two pointed teeth could be seen protruding from its upper jaw. Long tufts of beige fur grew behind its elbows and around its ankles. Its underside was black and it had a billowing, beige tail that bent in the center. It had three toes on each paw.
Niema's eyes grew wide with wonder.
"Lookie, Daddy!" she pointed. "A pokémon!"
The older man chuckled. "This here is my partner, Arcanine. Say hello, boy."
"Groarf!" It barked confidently, the forceful air of its breath nearly blowing Niema back against her father's legs.
"It's bigger dan my Daddy!"
"Well, he is over six feet. And he's a hefty fella, aren't ya, boy?"
"Gruowl! Groarf!"
"Strong, sturdy and dependable. We've been together since I was a kid just starting on my pokémon journey."
"But he's bigger dan you!"
Again, the older man chuckled. "Well, he wasn't the big mastiff he is now in our early days. Back then, he was just a cute little Growlithe pupper."
"He's bigger dan our house!" she gushed excitedly.
"Niema!" Freddie hushed. "I'm sorry for my daughter's rudeness, Sir. Niema apologize."
"No need, son. Gal's just excited. Name's Pete Pebbleman. I'm betting she hasn't seen many large pokémon before?"
"No, Sir."
Niema hopped up and down. "My Daddy's a Pokémon Renja! We gotta pokémon too! But Weavie like to hide sometime in public."
"Is that so?"
Freddie explained. "I go on a lot of stealth missions, so it helps for my Partner Pokémon to not always be too close in the case of an ambush or threat."
"Like a ninja?"
Freddie shrugged. "I guess you can say that. But right now, she's just resting at the Pokémon Center. Niema and I just went for a short little walk and then maybe spend some time in the park. But my Weavile will join us shortly. She's excellent at tracking and knows where her family is."
"Can I pet it?" Niema hastily asked.
"Niema."
"No, it's okay, Freddie." He bent down on his knees to meet her on eye level. "Would you like to sit on top of him?"
Niema's eyes sparkled. She quickly snapped her neck back at Freddie. "Can I, Daddy? Pwease? Pwease? Pwease?" she begged as she clasped her fingers as best as she could holding her empty disposable cup.
"I suppose so long as Mr. Pebbleman and Arcanine are okay with it. But be gentle."
"Just Pete's fine. And yes, go on ahead young lady. My partner loves to help people just like your Daddy here."
"Groarf!"
Pete's Arcanine then laid down on his stomach and Niema timidly approached the intimidating creature. She tentatively reached her hand out and touched his fur on his upper back near his neck before smiling widely.
"Wow! It's so soft and warm!" she exclaimed.
"Here, let me help you," Freddie started as he put his hand on her back and under her armpits.
Niema squirmed away. "No, Daddy! I can do dis by myself! Imma big gurl!"
Freddie held his hands up. "You're right. Yes, you are."
Pete chuckled. "Girl's got a lot of spirit in her. I like that."
Putting both of her hands on Arcanine's pelt, Niema struggled to hoist herself over as if she were mounting an equine pokémon. She tried to climb but when she didn't have the upper body strength to pull herself up, she shimmed her way across the large fire type pokémon. Freddie couldn't help but laugh as he watched his daughter wriggle around on the canine's fur like a Wurmple.
Once she was completely on his back, the Arcanine started moving from his laying position to standing up. Niema cried out as she was startled, unprepared for the movement. Despite her protests earlier, she let Freddie support her as the Arcanine stood to his feet. Once she was steady, Niema's eyes dazzled.
"So high up! An Imma on a pokémon, Daddy! Lookie, lookie! I'm widin' a pokémon!"
Freddie smiled and nodded.
Pete patted his Arcanine on the rear. "You know, Arcanine are fiercely brave and extremely loyal pokémon, as most Canidae are. But they are also extremely fast, hard, and tenacious, and are capable of running 10,000 kilometers in less than 24 hours without getting tired."
"Wow, really?!" Niema asked in awe.
Pete nodded "They have a speed, agility and grace reminiscent of flight. They are beautiful, revered pokémon, once even thought to be a Legendary."
"A Legendrby?" she cried. "Like Ho-Oh?"
"Yes, but that's only because of its amazing feats and strength and because it was once depicted on an ancient engraving along with the Legendary Bird trio. There appears to have been information lost in translation and transcription over the years. But what remains the same is the respect folks have for this magnificent creature. You'll always be legendary to me, eh, buddy?"
"Groawl!"
Niema laughed gleefully. "You mus' be a willy good researcher like da Professor tah know so much!"
Pete shook his head. "No, I'm actually just a retiring Pokémon Trainer."
"Pokémon Twainer?" Neima repeated questioningly.
"Yes. I've sent many years traveling with my pokémon, competing in many competitions, tournaments and leagues. I'm ready to just slow down and enjoy the world I was so quick to traverse. Though you do learn a lot on the road."
Freddie nodded. "What made you decide to settle in Fiore and Wintown? It's nice weather now but this town has a history of terrible blizzards, blackouts and snowstorms. It's colder a lot more than it is warmer."
"Oh I bet it is. I'm not too worried about the temperature. I've got my trusted Arcanine here with me. The flame blazing wildly inside of his powerful body has saved me from many a frigid and icy nights. I'm none too concerned about the weather. I've lived through a few things on my journeys. What's draws me is the quaintness. The togetherness of this beautiful city. I see nature as the focal point more here than the other major cities, and they are all gorgeous. But the snow and ice is the very reason I decided to stay here. There is such beauty in snow, but most folks while they'd agree will not subject themselves to the harsh temperatures. And they have every right. But the folks I've met here. The way Wintown's residents have not only adapted but accept and learn how to cohabit and live with the weather shifts, with the ice-types that no doubt make it more frigid. It reminds me a lot of what I initially wanted to do in my goal as a trainer. To see this whole town as an homage to the pokémon that live here as well…It just touches me deeply, you know? To have that kind of appreciation and love for nature and pokémon."
"You're preaching to the choir here," Freddie chuckled.
Pete also laughed. "Yes, I suppose so. But I suppose the same can be said for any region or city that has their customs."
"Um, 'scuse me," Niema's soft voice snapped the two men back to focus on the little girl mounted on the Arcanine.
"Yes, dear?" answered Pete.
"Um…you'se said you'se a Pokémon Twainer?…But don't Pokémon Twainers hurt pokémon? Don't you have your pokémon battle each oda?"
"Well, that is a very interesting question. And I respect you for asking it. Not all folks who become Trainers become them for the right reasons or even understand the responsibility that comes with being a Pokémon Trainer. But I'll do my best to explain it to yah, if your father doesn't mind?"
"Not at all. Go right ahead. It might be nice for her to hear it from a different perspective," Freddie encouraged.
"Very well," Pete nodded. He turned back to face Niema, "As I said, there is a very large responsibility that comes with being a Pokémon Trainer, as there is with any job or career involving Pokémon – Idols, Coordinators, Breeders, Rangers like your dad here. But my pokémon are not scathed in battle. In fact, perhaps there is a better way I can put it." Pete sat up and positioned himself more comfortable on the white bench he was initially sitting on. "As your father has probably told you, there are rules and regulations when it comes to working with pokémon. No man can just do whatever they want. Our very ecosystems depend on pokémon. Without them our world would fall into shambles and chaos. That's where the International Union for Conservation and Preservation of Pokémon, Nature and Natural Resources comes in."
"Da ina wha?" Niema asked confused.
Freddie cut in. "International Union for Conservation and Preservation of Pokémon, Nature and Natural Resources monitor and documents all fields and professions with Pokémon. Pokémon Trainers, Pokémon Coordinators, Pokémon Idols, Gym Leaders, Champions, and Stadium Events all have to be licensed, certified, and registered. Not only so that it was legal for these people to capture pokémon, but also so that the IUCPPN can scrupulously document and register the pokémon under the care of individuals comparatively to those living in the wild and best assess which species of Pokémon and fauna may need more protection. Both Pokémon Breeders and Pokémon Rangers serve directly under the IUCPPN. Rangers file reports to the Ranger Union, who then give final accounts and status to the IUCPPN from each of their respective regions, while Breeders work to conserve and preserve pokémon before either reintroducing them to the wild or a pokémon sanctuary, based on the species and individual pokémon's needs. Both professions work with the global organization to ensure the preservation, maintenance, and protection of wildlife. Under that context, it is more than understandable why Pokémon Rangers specifically are not allowed to 'own' or remove any pokémon or fauna from nature."
Niema scrunched her face up in confusion. "But den, why are Pokémon Twainers allowed tah fight an own more dan one pokémon?"
Pete spoke this time. "Because the IUCPPN also recognizes the bond between Pokémon and mankind. Pokémon Trainers, noble and ethical pokémon trainers, we do not simply just pit pokémon against each other. Pokémon Trainers ordinarily start their journey under the supervision of a servicing Pokémon Researcher, such as Professor Oak or Professor Elm. The goal of is usually to help further that professor's work and reestablish connections and bonds that have been lost or broken between mankind and pokémon for eons. We collect data for the professors, and we also get to learn more about pokémon, forge bonds and friendships with them, and can take on leagues and tournaments to showcase our bond with our pokémon. On surface level, it may seem like a sport, using pokémon for entertainment. But there's a field for that too, such as the circus and Pokéathlon races. For instance, above them all and the first to really delve into pokémon research to improve human-pokémon cohabitation is the esteemed Professor Oak of Kanto who concentrates on Pokémon and human relationships as his profession; Professor Elm of Johto studies pokémon breeding patterns; Professor Birch of Hoenn studies pokémon habitats; Professor Rowan of Sinnoh studies Pokémon evolution; Professor Juniper of Unova studies the origins of pokémon; Professor Sycamore of the Kalos region made a major breakthrough in his studies and discovery of Mega Evolution and change; Professor Kuiki of Alola studies pokémon attacks; and Professor Willow, a wandering pokémon professor studies the regional distribution of pokémon. All these well-renowned and well-respected Professors have made enormous contributions to uniting mankind and pokémon and bettering the human-pokémon relationship, and as different as their fields are, all of these professors all share the common goal and collective mindset that by better understanding pokémon in our world, with the primary focus of gathering data and recording it, we can establish, rebuild, foster and preserve healthy human-pokémon relations."
"But isn't fightin' pokémon bad, Mista Petey?" Niema asked worriedly.
"Fighting pokémon outside of the legislation and regulation the IUCPPN mandates is bad. In fact, it is illegal and against the law. As I said, the natural order would be disrupted and destroyed. And the population of pokémon would greatly decrease and run the risk of endangerment and extinction, which would also include the fauna in wildlife. That is why I said you have to be moral and ethical with careers involving pokémon in addition to being certified. Battling with pokémon, as we trainers do, is not with any intent to hurt or mistreat them. It is to strengthen the bonds we have with our pokémon, and in a fair regulated fight, the pokémon are always safe, treated, and willing to do what they believe will help as well. The purpose of Pokémon Trainers, is to help foster the relationships, connections, and bonds between man and pokémon, as bestowed upon us by our supervising professors."
Niema played with the fur on the top of Arcanine's neck, who had gone back down to laying down beside his trainer.
"But…don't pokémon fight each oda too? Can pokémon be…bad?"
Pete shook his head. "There is no such thing as a good, bad or evil pokémon. Or even necessarily pure, good or evil, even as it pertains to people. Pokémon do not think as humans do. Everyone has their own individual motivations and desires for why they do things, even if others cannot understand or agree. Pokémon are much more durable and sturdier than human beings, that's why they are usually the first line of defense in rescues. A Pokémon can outlive a human being by 20 – 40 sometimes 80 years; Mythicals – such as Azelf, Mespirit, Celebi, can live for millennia, thousands upon thousands of years, being a subset of legendaries themselves. And the mighty Legendaries – the legendary birds, legendary dogs, Lugia, and Latias – can live for millions of years. Some even believe they are immortal. But all Pokémon will eventually die, be it from natural causes which is ideal, or through more not so nice means."
"N-Not so nice?" Niema said timidly as she hugged the Arcanine.
Pete looked up to Freddie to ask is he should go on, but Freddie nodded. So long as he wasn't explicit, he had to allow Niema to see the very harshness in reality he had tried to protect her from. He was going to have to talk to her about their own struggles eventually, and this was giving him good mental practice on how to approach her with it.
Pete turned back to face Niema, who was nestled in his Arcanine's shaggy fluffy overcoat.
"Unfortunately, sweetheart, there are those individuals out there who do not abide by the laws intended to protect pokémon and who, because they do not have the ability to be responsible and moral, end up hurting pokémon for their own desires, which they believe are superior."
"But who would wanna hurt a poor pokémon?" the little girl teared.
Pete sighed. "Pokémon are the purest of all living beings and nearly all are able to sense the purity and aura in a kind human soul, some, particularly the Legendaries, moreso than other Pokémon. But should they sense malice in a human, they will do what they can as Legendaries to strike down whom they see as a threat to our world. Even a Mythical like Shaymin, who dissolve toxins in the air to transform ruined land into a lush field of flowers, and non-legendary pokémon like my Arcanine or your father's Weavile, or even that Wurmple over there – can be manipulated. Pokémon who are mistreated may end up rebelling not only against their caretaker whom they trusted, but against humankind itself, believing all humans will hurt them or any Pokémon and are even willing to fight their fellow Pokémon who try to pacify them."
Niema gasped.
"And some Legendaries do not believe mankind is capable of ever being pure and rise up to destroy them." Freddie interjected. "But others are still able to see the purity of a few and believe even those few in their eyes are worth saving. Even Pokémon have different viewpoints and perspectives of what they feel is right and just."
Pete nodded. "But there are those impure humans who seek to use Pokémon as weapons or monetary gain and do cause them harm. Skulking around in several black markets scattered through the regions and the world. But then, that's why we have the International Police or Interpol and Pokémon Rangers like your father. Even us trainers when banded together in large numbers can try to do our part as well."
Freddie put his arm around his daughter. "Our job is to help foster and nurture the relationship of Pokémon by exposing them to the pureness within us, so that we can create and live in a Human-Pokémon world where we'll be able to coexist without fear, wars, or destruction."
Niema got on her knees and hugged her father tightly. He picked her up off the Arcanine and the little girl wrapped her legs around his waist as she burrowed her head in the crook of his neck.
Pete frowned. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to upset your daughter. I was just trying to answer her question as best as I could. I should have been more mindful of her young age and tender ears."
"No, no. I've kept a lot of information from her in an effort to try to protect her. She doesn't know what threats are out there. So when she hears that there can be any bad or ill-will, she panics and has anxiety. We've been through a lot on our own. But I thank you for at least sharing this bit of information with her."
"She seems really enthralled and interested in Pokémon. Ever thought about getting the girl a pokémon herself? asked Pete.
Freddie shook his head. "She adores pokémon, but she's not ready for the responsibility of one. Though she spends a lot of time at the Day Care in Fall City and has bonded with a lot of the pokémon there."
"I see."
It was then that Freddie's Weavile sprinted up to them and greeted her Ranger.
"Weavile! WeWeavile!" she said with a salute.
"You found us. Good job. I take it you enjoyed your spa and massage treatment?"
"Weavile!" she cried cheerfully with a toothy grin.
Hearing Weavile's familiar cry, Niema perked up and lifted her head to see her father's Partner Pokémon standing beside him.
"Weavie!" she cried happily. Freddie gently placed her down on the ground and she circled around her father's pokémon before hugging her tightly.
"Let's go play by da fountain, Weavie!"
"Weavile."
"It was nice meetin' you, Mista Petey, Sir! Tank you fo all da tales an stories!" she smiled and waved.
Pete smiled back. "Well, it was very nice talking to you, Niema. Thank you for indulging this veteran Trainer. You were a complete delight to talk to. If you're ever interested in more stories or even just pokémon facts, I have a lot to share."
"Okay!" she turned to Freddie's Pokémon. "Let's go, Weavie!" she giggled as she took off into the park under the archway, which was already teeming with a horde of gleeful, playful children.
"Go on, Weavile. Keep a close eye on her," Freddie commanded.
"Weavile!" she saluted before swiftly sprinting off into the park.
"And stay within my line of sight, Niema! Where I can see you!" Freddie called, noting that she never once looked back to see if he or Weavile had followed behind her.
"You're not going to follow her?" asked Pete.
"I will. But with Weavile's speed and dedication, I can depend on her to keep a watchful eye on Niema and keep her safe when I'm not immediately close by."
"She's a good kid."
"She is."
"Curious too."
"About a lot of things."
Pete stretched his arms before resting his hands on his slightly distended tummy. "You know, it is said that God created Arceus, who created the time and space trio and Mew, and that it is through the ancestor of all Pokémon, that being Mew, through which all modern day pokémon were born, be they Legendaries, Mythicals, domestic and wild non-legendaries. So, in a way, I guess all of our pokes share some kind of bloodline and culture we humans have just been trying to solve for decades."
"I suppose so."
Pete reached into his leather bag and pulled out a medium sized brown and purple book and held it out to Freddie. "She seems really excited and interested in Pokémon lore. I take it she doesn't have any books on this kind of information at home. Maybe read a couple of passages to her about the history of our world. You both may enjoy what you learn." Pete asked Freddie.
Freddie shook his head gently. "I appreciate the offer, but as I said, I want to be able to keep her safe and protected from the hardships we've had to face so far. Learning more about the pokémon world will either increase her sadness, or further fuel her desire for a pokémon all that more to try to change it. And she's too young to be worrying about these kinds of things right now."
"I understand. I still would like if you would hold on to the book. Just as a token of gratitude for listening to an old man's tale."
"You're not that old, man. But thank you. I'll figure out something to do with it." He said as he graciously took the book from him. "Thank you."
"You know, as much as we protect our companions and loved ones, Pokémon see us as their pack and pride to protect as well." Pete followed.
Freddie glanced ahead of him. He could just make out Niema sitting on the edge of the frozen fountain, his Weavile making sparkles in the air with her Icy Wind and dazzling her. He smiled at seeing her clap in delight from the frozen crystals.
Pete achingly stood to his feet "Well, I best head back on to my home now. I'm sorry to have taken so much of your time with you daughter."
"No, thank you for entertaining her. She doesn't get to have many days like this. By the way, I never told you my name. How did you know who I was? Was it just because I'm a Pokémon Ranger here?"
"Actually, it's because I recognize your picture from a young man I met not too long ago. Darrell I believe he said his name was."
"Darrell?" Freddie questioned.
"Said he was really proud of his little brother and missed his family. Hoped to see you again soon."
"Did he now," Freddie uttered as he looked away briefly.
"Yeah, but I did also recognize you as the top ranger here outside of Miss Elita. The picture just helped put a face to the name as well. You take care now, son, you hear? Come on, buddy. Time for some crockpot stew."
"Growarf!"
"Yeah. You too, Sir."
Freddie only barely noted Pete as he hobbled away with his trusted Arcanine back into town. Could Darrell really be coming back? There's just no way. And even if he was…
Freddie looked back to the entryway of the park and started in. Seeing Niema cheerily running behind another girl whole was climbing the Lapras ice sculpture with Weavile right behind them calmed his nerves. The timid, doe-eyed little girl who screamed at nights in bed and scuffled around now running off eagerly to play with another child. Her joy was back. And so was his.
"One more, Murphy."
Murph nodded as he passed one more Potion to Leilani to heal the superficial injuries on the beaten Snubull. Leilani shook the bottle before spritzing about a third of the purple liquid on the bulldog-like pokémon. She then reached inside her pack on her hip and pulled out a roll of gauze, then began wrapping the thin translucent silk woven bandage around its torso, arms, and one of its ear flaps.
"There we are," Leilani said as she cut the gauze on its final wrap before securing it with medical paper tape. She then put the remainder of the bandage back in her pack. "All patched up and ready to go back home to your trainer. You've had quite the experience all the way out here, haven't you?"
"Snub Sunb!" the little pink pokémon cried.
"I'm just wondering how it ended up all the way out here in the Olive Jungle from Ringtown. A baby pokémon like this can't have gotten here on its own." Murph asked as he put his medical items away as well.
Leilani picked up the small, injured dog pokémon. "No water or fluid in its lungs and fur's not wet, so it definitely wasn't swept all the way here from the currents. Don't think it would have survived tides. From the testimony we've gathered so far, I think it's more likely it hitched a ride with some speedboater and booked it for the jungle to get to land as soon as possible. Then maybe got into a squabble with some of the native pokémon here. Injuries look consistent with Poison Stings from the Ariados line, bites from Ekans, and scratches from what looks like the claws of a three-fingered pokémon. We did find it cowering from a Primeape and Mankey troop. It's possible it was from one of them."
"You really have been through a lot, haven't you little one?" Murph said soothingly as he petted the Snubull gently on the head. She yapped cheerfully.
"Let's get her home to her trainer. When we reach the city, we can split up and you can go over our documents while I take this little guy to the Pokémon Center before we submit our final report. We can reinterview everyone again afterwards."
"Sounds good." Murph nodded.
Shifting, the Snubull to her left arm, Leilani reached for her styler at her hip and dialed the Ringtown Ranger base.
"Ringtown Ranger Base. This is Jenna. How may we help you today?"
"Jenna, it's Leilani. Murph and I have finished our mission. We're on our way back with the lost Snubull. Can you let the trainer know we'll be there in about an hour with her pokémon? I've treated some of its wounds but it's still going to need to be evaluated and treated at the Pokémon Center for a more thorough evaluation and care."
"Got it. Letting Ms. Grayson know now. Great job, Leilani. You too, Murph. See you both soon. And I'll let Leader know as well."
"Thanks, Jenna," replied Murph.
"See you soon," Leilani disconnected the call and cradled the Snubbul in her arms like a newborn baby.
"They were recently discovered to be a fairy-type, right?" asked Murph as they started to walk.
"Yeah, I believe by Professors Sugimori and Masuda and Dr. Tajiri. While they were visiting the Kalos region and met with Professor Sycamore. DNA testing showed the makeup of certain pokémon once believed to be a normal type was actually a whole other type entirely, one that was completely new and undiscovered. It's similar to the discovery of Steel and Dark types in Johto. Until the borders opened more, no one outside those regions even new of the typing's existence."
"The world is a funny place," Murph smiled. "Who knows how many more things there are out there yet to be discovered."
"Hey 90% of the ocean is unexplored. But not everything needs to be dug up and examined. Sometimes it's best to just leave things the way they are naturally. Curiosity can yield good things but at the same time, can also be very harmful. It's good to discover new things, but we don't need to disrupt everything all the time for science. That will throw the world off balance."
Murph glanced over at Leilani. Her strides were graceful and confident, but her face was placid, stoic even. Yet her shining brown eyes ironically seemed filled with so much emotion, he couldn't quite read what she was feeling in that moment.
"You know," he began. "I'm glad you let me come on this mission with you, Leilani."
"I'm surprised you asked," she chuckled lightly. "I know you don't like to leave the comfort of the base and that the field isn't really your thing. But I'm glad to have your company."
"Well, with Percy out on a separate mission and the base being flocked with so many calls, it didn't feel right to have you go solo on it."
"I've gone out on my own many times, Murphy."
"I know. But still. You're my friend. And you don't have Lucario with you on this one. And well…What kind of ranger would I be if I didn't have my comrade's back? Right Slowking?"
"Slowking," His Partner Pokémon cried gently as he followed behind them.
"And you know…I'm not so afraid of coming in the wild anymore."
"Really?" she asked as she glanced up at him.
He shook his head. "Ever since I was appointed as PR Rep and taken over for Professor Hastings, I've had to travel a lot more. I was always scared to go out because I know how tired I get walking, and I was always afraid I'd never be able to escape any threat or protect anyone because I'm just a bumbling, blubbery idiot."
"Murph!" Leilani cried.
But he continued to smile. "But that's all it was, Leilani. Fear. Fear that I would mess up. That I would get in my coworkers' way. Fear that I would get hurt because I wasn't physically fit. I still can't understand why the Professor chose me as his successor. I mean, what had I done of any worth to be promoted to such an esteemed position and be the face of the Pokémon Ranger profession? I thought it unfair to everyone of you who already work so hard in the field…But then, I realized, even though I don't understand or feel worth it, that I was gonna do my best to make Professor Hastings proud. And to tell you the truth, I had no idea what all being PR meant. And that scared me too. It still does. I'll never be like Professor Hastings, for sure. But now, I get to see and enjoy the world like you guys do. Being outside, smelling flowers, the air…seeing all the different kinds of pokémon. Some are intimidating but for the most part nonthreatening. I've learned more actually interacting with nature, than I could from any textbook or readings. And it gives me a sense of fulfillment somehow…Like, I'm actually making a difference. I'm not just some fat fool –"
"Murph," Leilani interjected calmly. Murph stopped prattling and turned to face her once again. Those eyes. Those glistening chocolate brown eyes. Murph found himself lost in them. He was snapped out slightly from the touch of her palm against his right cheek. "Please, stop saying that. Stop calling yourself big and an idiot and a fool. You're not dumb."
He blinked a few times, his mouth slightly agape. "Oh, I didn't mean it, Leilani –"
"Yes, you did," she said firmly but gently.
"I was just trying to say I used to feel that way and that I've come so far since taking on this new position."
Leilani continued to stare deeply into his cognac eyes. "Yes, you've come a ways, but you still see yourself that way. I can tell. You wouldn't say it so easily if you didn't still harbor some of those negative feelings towards yourself…Murphy, I know this is a difficult thing for you. I know you've struggled since childhood about it, and probably will for however many more years. But believe me when I say, your friends, Solana, Lunick, Freddie, don't see you that way. I have never seen you that way. Murph, you got this position because you earned it and you deserve it. You may not know how or why, but the Professor chose you for a reason. I'm glad you're not as afraid to travel outdoors anymore. But you wanna know what I see? I see a man, who is kind, and caring, and jovial. A man who loves to make people happy. A man who throws himself in everything he does and tries his absolute best. A man who makes mistakes just like everyone else but is full of too much life to let that bring him down into despair. A man strong enough to admit his own faults and still smile through the pain every day."
Murph's expression softened considerably as he gazed at who was probably his closest friend.
Leilani continued. "Professor Hastings chose you because your vitality, your spirit, your perseverance – it's the very definition of what it means to be a Pokémon Ranger. To preserve and protect even when you are afraid of what you're facing and what will come next. Being afraid does not make you a fool. But you are a fool if you are governed by your fears. That's what separates you from most of us, and what makes Murph Ōshiro so amazingly special."
Murph held her hand that was against his check and gently brought it down in front of him, his large hands running gingerly over the tops of her delicate yet strong hand.
"Thank you, Leilani. I greatly appreciate your kind words."
"They're not just kind, Murph, they're true."
"Weird to hear you call me strong, when you are perhaps the strongest person I know."
"That depends on your definition of strength," Leilani quickly said. Ironic that she was telling him he was strong for pushing past his fears when she herself in her own words was ruled by them.
"Come on, Leilani. Everyone knows you're strong. You're a tough girl. You go for everything you want without care."
"Some would call that reckless."
"But that depends on our own definition, did you not just say so?"
Leilani sighed. "Murph, strength varies. There's all different kinds of strength."
"I agree. So what's keeping you from seeing yours?"
Leilani was quiet. Murph continued. "I can see that you're going through something. You're trying to keep it hidden and you do have a great poker face and a heck of a lotta grit. But your eyes tell a different story, Leilani. They're hurting. I see pain. I see tinges of fear and anxiety. I know because I had those eyes, I do still sometimes. And I know how much its sucks…I wanna help you, Leilani. But you gotta let me in. You don't have to go through whatever you are going through alone."
"I'm fine, Murphy."
"No, I don't believe that," he said seriously. "You want us to believe you are fine, but you're not. You're still a tough cookie, you are still a strong girl. The Leilani we all love."
Her eyes shot up ever so slightly. Murph realized what he said but tried to maintain his composure. "Don't…Please don't take that the wrong way…I…We all care about you, Leilani –"
"Murphy," she whimpered softly. Murph moved his head back ever so slightly and he could see the tears that were starting to well in her eyes and fall down her face. He knew it. He knew there was something else there. But he didn't know how to get her to open up.
He grasped her firmly on her shoulders. "Leilani, tell me what's wrong? Let me help you. I wanna help you. Please. I hate to see you like this."
Leilani wiped at right eye with the back of her right hand, still cradling the Snubull who had fallen asleep long ago. She wanted to tell him. God, she wanted to tell him. But she couldn't bring herself to form any coherent words outside of "Murphy".
Feeling helpless, all Murph could think to do was wrap his arms around his dear friend and embrace her. He could feel her tears wetting his shoulder but he didn't care. He had to figure out what was eating away at her so he could help lessen that pain if he couldn't take it all away.
"I'm here for you, Leilani…I'll always be here for you." He soothed as he held her head and rubbed her back gently.
Leilani wanted to scream. She wanted to confess everything to him. She felt so weak but comforted in his strong arms. She felt like she could let herself collapse and he would hold onto her fiercely.
"Murphy…"
"What do you need? How can I help you, Leilani? Please? Tell me what's wrong?"
"Leilani." A voice called ahead of them.
Murph and Leilani both looked up to see a man standing near the entrance to the Olive Jungle. They hadn't realized how far they had walked.
"Alejandro," Leilani uttered as she straightened up and wiped her tears. The Snubull started to squirm in her left arm. Murph glanced at Leilani worriedly as shrugged out of his embrace.
"Who are you?" Alejandro asked shifting his stare to Murph.
"I'm Murph. I'm a Ringtown Ranger and PR Rep. I'm completing a mission with Leilani."
"We just finished and we're reporting back to the base." Leilani followed. "Did…someone tell you I was here? I told you not to go to my base when I am working."
"No," he answered plainly. "Just exploring the jungle. Taking in more of this luscious region."
"Right, well, we still have a mission to finish," Leilani said as she glanced briefly at Murph and signaled him to resume walking.
"Actually, since you're here can we talk for a moment?"
Leilani glanced nervously at Murph one more time before looking back towards her boyfriend.
"I'm still on-the-clock, Alejandro. Is it something that can wait until I finish? I can come straight after –"
"It's really important, Lani. It's serendipitous that I ran into you here. Please."
Her heart sinking, Leilani exhaled nervously and turned to face Murph. "Hey, Murph. Why don't you go ahead and deliver Snubull to Ms. Grayson. I'll stop by later to check-in with you."
"Are you serious?" he asked, a little surprised. "Leilani, we were just about to –"
"Please, Murph. This is something I need to handle privately. We'll compare notes later and finish our report afterwards. It'll be submitted on time, I promise. Just take Snubull and let Leader know I'll be there soon."
Murph looked hard in Leilani's eyes, searching for any sign that she may want something else. But she looked serious and stern, though he thought he detected a tinge of pain behind her stare. Was she masking it like she was earlier?
Alejandro cleared his throat.
"Here," Leilani held out the Snubull to Murph. He reluctantly took the groggy baby pokémon and cradled her in his arms.
"Lucario will be wondering where you are?"
"He'll be fine. Just tell him I'll see him soon. He was needed for Percy's tracking mission."
"Call me tonight? Please?"
"You'll hear from me. Now go, Ms. Grayson is waiting."
Murph continued to stare worriedly at Leilani as he and Slowking started for the Olive Jungle's entrance. He glanced at Alejandro who waved cheerily at Murph. "It was nice meeting you."
"Likewise," Murph answered uneasily. He glanced back at Leilani one more time before finally heading out.
Alejandro then turned back to face Leilani and slowly approached her.
Leilani stepped back slightly.
"You couldn't wait until later to –"
"How deep is this forest, Lani?" he asked calmly interrupting her. He circled around her, staring up at the many overgrowths and cliffs he could see in the area as well as the mossy rocks and trees. "This is known as the Jewel of Fiore, right?"
"Alejandro –"
"Largely underdeveloped. 60% of Summerland is covered by this dense jungle, didn't you say? But I read it was 90%. Paradisical beaches, an untouched rainforest, lush mangrove rivers and home to one of the largest healthy coral reef systems."
"Alejandro –"
"It's so easy to get lost in here, right? You have what, maybe twenty rescues a day at least just for this mammoth of evergreen."
"Alejandro –"
"And yet, you still somehow manage to find time to smooze with your cowrkers all the while ignoring me?"
Leilani's eyes widened as she saw it coming. She thought she raised her hands to block it, but they stay clasped in front her chest, leaving the right side of her face completely open to receive Alejandro's backhand. She fell on her left side and held her right cheek from the sharp stinging, bringing her knees to her chest as she curled into a fetal position. She then felt him grab a fistful of her braids as he started dragging her deeper into the jungle, away from the entrance.
"Alejandro, please! Please –"
"Shut up!" he barked dragged her further.
"You're hurting me! You're hurting me!"
"You lied to me!"
"No, I didn't! I told you I was working today! I told you my hours!"
"You said you weren't working with your partner. But I see you had time to fraternize with that disgusting ass butterball."
He dragged her inside a cove that was to the far west of the jungle, near the coast. He threw her down in the center, her head rocked as it hit the glossy black sand.
"I knew you were sleeping with them! I knew it!"
"I am not!" she cried as she sat up on her knees.
"Don't lie to me!"
"I am not! Why are you so damn insecure?!" she shouted back. "I work on a force, I have teammates and colleagues outside of Lucario. You know what my goddamn job is! Why do you keep putting your hands on me?!"
"Do you think I want to?!" he snapped as he spun around to face her. There were streaks of blood seeping down from her scalp and the side of her face. "Why you always gotta make me hurt you?"
"Excuse me?!" Leilani breathed incredulously.
"This wouldn't happen if you would just shut your damn mouth full of nonsense and tell me the truth!"
"You want me to be quiet and talk at the same time? You're full of contradictions and you make no sense!"
Alejandro hollered.
Leilani finally was able to stand on her feet, though she was shaking all over. "Alejandro, I can't do this anymore."
His eyes bulged out of his head as he glared directly at Leilani.
"I admit, I fell hard and fast for you. But we didn't give this nearly enough time. I don't want this anymore. I'm done with you. It's ov –"
Alejandro ran so fast to Leilani he moved in a blur. He snatched her arm so hard she thought he might've broken it.
"Ahhhh!" Leilani cried out.
"This is not a child's game," he growled.
He pressed her flesh into her bones and she grimaced and cried from the pain. Gasping from the pain, she fought to keep from crying.
"How many fucking times do I have to say it – your ass is mine. But maybe that's a bit of a lie too. You spread your legs for that potbellied Snorlax didn't you? That's what you were doing before you noticed me? You let him lick you all up and down, didn't you? Nasty ass Granbull."
"You're crazy!" Leilani shrieked.
"You still a virgin?"
"That's none of your damn business!"
"Is that so? Well let's fucking find out!"
He tossed Leilani to the side and slammed her right into one of the eastern walls of the cove and she flopped onto her stomach. Her head spun rapidly as she felt Alejandro creep up behind and violently pull at her shorts.
"Wait, wait! Stop it! What're you doing?!" she shrieked as she struggled to crawl away and kicked.
"I wanna see how much of a fucking liar you are." He roared as he managed to rip her olive pants at its back seam and tore the fabric away, revealing the lime green panty she wore underneath.
"No! Stop! Please don't!" she screamed.
"Why not? You spreading it for every other man, right?" he said as he grabbed her thighs from behind.
"No, no! I haven't! I promise!" she shrieked, the tears gushing from her eyes. "I'm still a virgin! I'm still a virgin! Don't do this!"
"You're lying!"
"It's the truth! Please! Please don't! I'm sorry! I'm sorry, please! Please don't! Please!"
Alejandro stared hard at her, examining every tense muscle in her features, the tears and mucus that flowed endlessly from her eyeballs and nostrils, her face scrunched up in terror.
Scoffing, he let go of her thighs and slapped her behind so hard it burned. "Pathetic. You're just pathetic, Leilani."
He got up from behind her and walked over to her side, where he then kicked her hard on her left side. Air whooshed out of Leilani's lungs, but he grabbed her before she could even recover. He held her up by her blouse with his left hand and jabbed her on the left temple with his right index and middle finger.
"You're not going anywhere. Got that, dumbass?"
Cowering from the assault, Leilani tried to crane her neck and turn away from him but he didn't stop.
"I don't want –"
Slap!
Leilani's head snapped right hard, hitting the wall behind her. She cried out from the pain that shot through her jaw.
"Maybe I wasn't clear."
Click!
Leilani's eyes stretched wide as she looked down and saw Alejandro reveal a black pistol he had hidden in his jacket. He cocked the gun and held it front of her face.
"No, no, no!" Leilani cried squeakily.
"So, you understand, right? No more of your fucking nonsense?"
Leilani nodded without saying as word.
"Good," Alejandro muttered. He then raised the gun and smacked Leilani across the face with it. She fell back to the ground. He put the gun back inside his leather jacket as he stood over her. "Let's make sure of it."
Slap! Slap! Slap! Kick! Kick! Slap! Slap!
A/N: So again, this story will not shy away from very serious and dark topics. This story is also a way for me to give a voice not only to myself but for everyone who may go through these struggles and don't feel safe enough to talk about it. Without giving away spoilers, this story will involves subjects of abuse, eating disorders, addiction, anger issues, negative coping skills, body dimorphism, body shaming, homophobia, mental health struggles and healing from all four kinds of abuse (physical, sexual, emotional, and mental). It is overwhelming but these are things that I think needs to be represented more and one my goals, God willing if I be granted that opportunity to be able to publish my own story, including my personal ones, I will utilize that to help spread awareness. Time to stop running away because we it is uncomfortable, because it only through education and representation can we not only protect those we love from these atrocities and illnesses, but so that they also do not feel so forlorn as well.
Always Do Everything With Love,
XyKPfan
