Hey there, everyone. First update in a while. I hope I can explain it all to your satisfaction in this note. Please read through the entirety of the note or skip past the explanation, because I have an update on the poll for the side story.
So first of, clearly I am not dead, nor is this project. I promised myself and a friend of mine who is reading it that I would see it through to the end and I don't go back on my word. The reason for my long intermission is rather personal. A good friend of mine that I have known well throughout my high school life (I am in college now) passed away last November. Shortly after the last chapter went up, a memorial service was held for him, which I attended. I miss him every single day and attending that was very difficult to say the least. For a while I didn't have the motivation to write. Before anyone asks, (apologies if this offends someone... somehow... it shouldn't) No, I was not, am not, and will never be suicidal. It was just something I had to cope with again. After a couple weeks we entered the end of the season at the pool I work at, a lot of people had to leave to go back to school and such, so I became very, very, VERY busy. I couldn't find time to sit down and write. This is part of the reason why I am no longer sticking to a set schedule. I can't promise something won't come up and I will be forced to take a break from writing. Until I am able to confidently say I have a much more stable schedule and amount of free time, I am going to update when I can. If you are disappointed, well I'm sorry, but there really isn't much I can do.
With that out of the way, It dawned on me that I never explicitly said that the poll for the side story was on my profile. Which is why only one vote was cast... yeah.
So I am taking that pole down and starting a new one, -WHICH WILL BE ON MY PROFILE-. One of the options has changed as I fell out of interest with it rather quickly. SO options are:
Coordinator story, OCxNinetails
Spice and Wolf homage, OCxReshiram
The third option will be an attempt at making my own world/region/whatever with a completely original premise. I am leaning towards a sort of sci-fi/cyberpunk or steampunk adventure type deal with an OCxLatias pairing. One of the few "official" ships in Pokemon that I very much enjoy and read a lot is altoshipping, the romantic pairing of Ash and Latias. Heros is one of my favorite movies and I have recently found a desire to use a Latias in a story. No it is not the Latias from Altomare. As I said this will not be set in the Pokemon Universe. Pokemon will just be apart of the universe I create. And, no, Ash will not be involved in any way, shape or form.
The poll will be live until the next chapter is posted. again it -WILL BE ON MY PROFILE-
Enjoy the chap
Disclaimer:
The following is a fan-based story.
Any songs, books, videos, characters, etc. that are used, and are not explicitly stated to be of my own creation, fall under the guise of the Fair-use Policy. Any and all credit for what is used goes to their respective owners/creators.
The Pokemon Franchise is owned by:
Satoshi Taijiri
Nintendo
Gamefreak
The Pokemon Company
Please support the official release
January 1st, 7:30 am age 2208, Streets of Driftveil
The morning air blew crisp and cold, wisps of snow picked up off the ground in the wind. Nathan trudged through the snow, wading his way to the center. Grace followed closely to his side, floating just above the surface of the snow, wrapped up in one of Nathan's old jackets.
"You know it hardly seems fair that you can float while I have to freeze walking through this shit," Nathan grumbled.
"Oh is poor baby a little cold. Why don't you just make yourself float?" Grace giggled as she teased him.
Nathan glared at her, debating how he should get back at the gardevoir. Weighing his options, he finally grinned after remembering a certain complaint she had the other day.
Grace noticed the evil smile that had spread on the boys face, gaining a sinking feeling in the pit of her stomach.
"Uh, Nathan… what's with the creepy look?" Grace gave him a nervous laugh.
"Oh nothing, you'll find out later," Nathan said, not even trying to hide the evil undertone.
Grace swallowed, breaking out in a nervous sweat.
The two rounded the corner of a hotel, the Pokemon center now in full view. They approached the door and stopped, hearing Joy yelling inside.
"THE HELL DO YOU MEAN YOU CAN'T COME IN TODAY?!" She screamed.
Nathan and Grace glanced at each other before stepping in the building, praying that they were not noticed.
"WELL THAT'S YOUR OWN GOD DAMN FAULT, NOW ISN'T IT! MAYBE NEXT TIME, YOU DON'T GET SO HAMMERED YOU… hello?"
The voice on the other end had been replaced by a beep, indicating the person on the other end hung up. Joy threw her phone across the room, landing just a few feet from Nathan. She pinched the bridge of her nose, resting her head on the heel of her hand.
"Good thing there aren't any other people in the lobby right now. You'd of scared everyone off." Nathan teased. He instantly regretted it.
Joy turned her eyes on him, her eyes filled with rage.
"Oh really Nathan, am I really lucky? Because right now, our shipment crew are currently all out sick and I need a replacement part for the healing machine brought up from Castelia, and unless we pick it up by the third, we pay double. So please, tell me how in the hell I am lucky?"
Nathan stood there silent. He wanted to say something, but he also liked his head right where it was. He decided it would be best not to say anything, not risking pissing her off even more.
Joy let out a long sigh, and closed her eyes.
"I'm sorry I snapped, I am really stressing over this part. The new healer broke down yesterday and we have had to resort to the previous model. It takes three times as long to heal and that's just not time we can afford to give up here." Joy groaned once again, resting her chin in the palms of her hands.
"Anyway, what are you two here so early for?"
Nathan glanced at Grace, flashing her a small grin. She gave him a light smile and poked him with her elbow. Nathan turned back to Joy, the grin never leaving his face.
"I need to register as a trainer so we can properly register Grace to my name. We came to an agreement on how to handle her situation."
Joy gawked at the boy in front of her.
"Hold on, let me get this straight. You," Joy said, pointing at Nathan, "caught her," Joy said, moving her finger to the gardevoir next to him, "and now want to be a trainer."
This time Grace was the one to speak.
"Well, yes and no. Yes he did technically catch me, though it really was more my decision. But, no, he doesn't want to be a trainer, per say. We did this so that I wouldn't be considered wild anymore. He and I hold pretty much the same view on battles so that was never really an issue. Besides," she paused, slinging an arm over Nathan's shoulder, "I trust him to take good care of me."
Of course to Joy, all she could here was the Pokemon saying it's name over and over. Nathan covered his mouth to keep from laughing hysterically. Grace looked at Nathan, trying to figure out what he was laughing about. She turned and saw the look on Joys face, remembering only Nathan could understand her. She looked down, face now completely flush.
Nathan collected himself, deciding to translate.
"She was saying that, yes I caught her, but it really was her decision. It was really just to make sure she wasn't seen as wild. I don't really have any desire to battle and neither does she."
Joy gripped the counter in a white knuckled squeeze, doing her best to suppress the jealousy raging through her right now. This Pokemon had her arm draped over a boy she had fallen for long ago like she owned him. She put on her best fake smile, feigning a calm exterior.
"That's good, I'm glad you two figured this out. You wouldn't believe how annoying he got Grace, calling me in the middle of the night and begging for my help. It was precious." Joy said.
"Awwww, Nathan, you cared that much. That's sweet." Grace pinched his cheek, squeezing and shaking his head from side to side.
Nathan swatted her hand away and glared at her.
"Keep that up and it's the last nice thing I do for you." Nathan growled.
"Fine, fine no need to get so defensive Nathan," Grace said, removing her arm from his shoulder.
Nathan rolled his eyes and turned back to Joy, now slightly irritated.
"Anyway, can we get this done so we can out of here. We wanted to head to the gym and see if we can talk to Clayton."
"Wait I thought you weren't going to actually be a trainer," Joy wondered.
"I did, but she is still curious about the league challenge, and I promised I'd help her learn about it. Figured I might as well go and see a leader for that info."
Joy stifled a giggle. "Yeah, good luck with that Nathan. I doubt you will get to Clayton without a battle. He isn't one for small talk."
Nathan shrugged. "It's worth a shot. If he doesn't want to give up the information without a battle, then I just go find another source."
Joy crossed her arms and gave him a quizzical look. "You do realize that you can just look it up online, right?"
"Well no shit Sherlock, but where's the fun in that. Besides, I'm pretty sure a gym leader would be a better source of info."
Joy rolled her eyes, giving a bored sigh. "Whatever, come with me, we can get the paperwork and get your license."
January 1st, 9:20am age 2208, Driftveil Pokemon Center
Nathan walked out of an office, trainer license in hand. The picture wasn't the best shot of him, but also was nowhere near the worst.
"Alright, you should be set. Grace is now registered to your name and you can legally use her ball." Joy looked up from the paperwork they just finished. "I don't think I need to tell you this, but if she ever gets hurt, bring her to a center and the machine will heal her."
"That may be a bit difficult. She hates being in there," Nathan said. Grace flushed a light pink, slightly embarrassed.
"That's fine. We can still provide medical care, it would just take longer."
Grace brightened up at that. She wouldn't have to be forced into that prison, which was enough for her.
"Thanks a ton Joy. I appreciate all your help." Nathan smiled. "Ready to go Grace?" He turned to his gardevoir partner. She nodded and turned to leave, only to be stopped by Joy.
"Hold on Nathan, I gotta ask you something."
Nathan peered over his shoulder, seeing Joy motion him over to the counter.
"What's up? There some wise advice you want to give me?" Nathan teased.
Joy flicked his forehead and narrowed her eyes. "No asshole, I have a favor to ask."
"Okay shoot."
"First, how are you feeling? Think you'd be able to work?"
Nathan thought for a second. He hadn't felt the symptoms of the concussion for a couple weeks. A doctor may say otherwise, but Nathan felt fine.
"Sure, I can work." He responded.
"Good. Would you be able to head to Castelia and grab that part for me. Without the shipping crew-"
"No way, absolutely not." Nathan shook his head vigorously, a hint of fear hiding behind his eyes.
"Nathan please, you know just as well as I do how important this is."
"And you know exactly why I cannot and will not go back to that shithole of a city." Nathan growled, his voice quickly growing more and more hostile.
"I know this is asking a lot Nathan, and I wouldn't do it unless I was out of options, but that is exactly what I am. I don't have a choice."
"The answer is no Joy. That's final." Nathan spun around and started storming to the door.
Joy was furious at this point. After all she had done for him over the past month, this is how he treats her? What kind of bull shit is that?!
"Nathan either go to Castelia, or I will be forced to fire you," she threatened.
"Then do it!" He turned around, his eyes boring into her.
Joy flinched, suddenly feeling very small.
She stood there, debating whether to follow through or not. If she did, what would he think of her… No, that doesn't matter, she needs to follow through. She can't be weak.
"Nathan, you're fired. I will not tolerate insubordination. I understand that you don't want to go back there, but I need to think of other trainers first. I'm sorry."
Nathan was left shellshocked. He hadn't expected her to actually follow through on the threat. He didn't know whether to be angry or not. Instead he just turned and proceeded out the door.
Grace had watched that entire ordeal in a state of shock. She had never seen Nathan snap like that. And now because of it he was out of a job. The day had been going so well, but now it had been torn apart. She was… angry. Very angry. But… the feeling wasn't her own. The only feeling that was her own was this overwhelming sense of worry. She took one last look at Joy, who looked like she was fighting back a torrent of tears, before bolting after Nathan. She didn't know where he would go, but she had a good guess.
January 1st, 11:00 am age 2208, Chargestone Cave
Grace entered the mouth of the cave, peering around the corner in hopes to see him there. When she didn't see Nathan, she let out a pained sigh and continued further into the cave. It had been almost a month since she had been in here. And while the last time wasn't the happiest memory, she was glad it happened. She wouldn't have met Nathan otherwise.
She searched the cave top to bottom with no sign of him. She knew she was somewhere in here, his emotional state was overwhelmingly strong, she could feel it even if she weren't looking for him. She needed to focus, to think. Follow the emotion to its source. She closed her eyes and touched her gem, focusing solely on his emotions, feeling nothing but him.
It took a second, but she blocked out the other sources of emotion in the cave. It took a lot of focus and energy. She staggered a bit as she opened her eyes and began walking.
After what seemed to be hours, she came upon the room they had first met. Well… more like where he met her and she… threw rocks at him.
There, on a small overhang on the opposite end of the room sat Nathan. She face-palmed, feeling stupid for not coming here first. If course he'd be here.
Grace shook her head and refocused on her objective. With tentative steps, she stalked her way to Nathan.
She felt his rage, his grief, coming off him in waves. His emotions had been overwhelming before, but now up close they almost knocked her off her feet.
Grace closed the distance between her and her friend. She couldn't fight this sense of worry, this unconscious want to help him. To do whatever she could to be there for him and show him she cared. But before any of that… she had to find out what caused that outburst of his.
She sat down next to the boy, not taking eyes her off him. He looked up, meeting her gaze. What she saw shook her to her core. Nathan looked entirely different. His hair while normally well kept was so ruffled and messy, like someone had been scratching the top of his head. He wore a sullen expression, both his eyes and mouth seemed to sink. His eyes were the part that bothered her the most. The stunning lavender iris surrounded by a sea of red, bloodshot and distant. He seemed to look right through her.
She had yet to see him cry. She didn't want to see it anymore. She didn't want to see it ever again.
Grace placed her delicate, petal like hand on his shoulder before pulling him into a hard embrace. She held him, squeezed him, refused to let go. She had never felt like this about anyone before. It scared her, but she didn't care. She needed to be here for him right now.
He was slow to return the hug. At first he was shocked at the gardevoirs rather forward behavior. When the initial shock passed, however, he slowly wrapped his arms around her waist, pulling her in close.
"I'm sorry Grace," he started, "for how I acted. It's just-"
"Stop," she whispered. "You don't have to apologize. Not to me anyway."
He stopped and stared at the mint haired girl wrapped around his torso. She acted like this when he had woken up. She was genuinely worried about him. It was… humbling to know how much she actually cared for him. And so he stopped. He stopped talking and just nodded into her hair. He took in her scent, her feel, her warmth. He could really get used to this.
After a few minutes they broke apart. There was no laughing this time however, only silence. It permeated the room, filling its caverns with a deafening stillness.
Grace decided it was time to be rid of the stillness.
"But, you are going to tell me why you acted that way. I've never seen you like this before Nathan. It's freaking me out. I want to know if there is anyway I can help."
Nathan returned his gaze to the floor. He was dreading this. It was bound to happen at some point, he just wished it hadn't been so soon.
"Can you erase the past, Grace?"
"No," she replied shakily.
"Then there is no way you can help. The damage is done."
Grace's face quickly grew sullen. She has failed to help him multiple times. Not this time though. She would not fail again.
"Then let me help heal that damage. I hate seeing you like this, Nate. I want to help you. You're too important to me not to at least try," she pleaded, gripping his arm in a tight squeeze.
Nathan closed his eyes, remaining silent. He did not shy away from her touch, but he didn't acknowledge it either. He let out a long sigh. Maybe it was time to let someone in. To let someone help.
"Fine, but… it's a very long story that is very hard to tell."
"Then why don't you show me instead?"
"Show you? What do you mean?" Nathan gave her a confused look.
"Lay back and relax Nathan. Let me work."
Nathan did as she said, laying flat on his back, gazing at the glittering blue of the stones in the ceiling. Needless to say he was rather startled when Grace straddled over his stomach, placing one of her soft hands on his sternum, and placing the other on the center of his forehead.
Grace then closed her eyes and inhaled, soon being enveloped in a soft pink light. Not seconds later, Nathan slipped into unconsciousness.
? Time ? Date age ? ? Place
Upon opening her eyes, Grace found herself amidst a pitch black darkness. It entirely encompassed the area around her, seeming to go on forever. She couldn't tell where it ended, or where it even began.
"Grace?"
Grave jumped, startled by the sudden appearance of the voice. She looked around scanning for the source. It was clearly Nathan, but she couldn't see him. She was once again startled by a hand dropping down on her shoulder. She turned, coming face to face with Nathan. Though he had an almost ghost like appearance.
"What are you doing here? How are you here?" the ghost Nathan asked.
"To be honest, I haven't done this before so I wasn't sure it would work. I entered your mind and am projecting a physical representation of my consciousness," she replied.
Ghost Nathan stared for a second, completely dumbfounded.
"Um, how exactly?"
"I." She paused, "I don't really know. I just… did. Point is, this is the first time I have done this, so I'm not sure how long I can hold it."
Ghost Nathan sighed, returning to a sullen expression. "Then follow me."
"Where are we going?" she asked.
"A place I'd rather not go back to."
They walked for what felt like hours, silence only permeated by the never ending echo of footsteps. It was ominous, the sound reverberating from all direction, putting Grace on edge.
She watched the back of the ghost Nathan as they walked, he looked different than the Nathan she knew, standing taller and having a slightly more imposing figure.
She was curious. "So, why do you look different than you do in the real world?"
He glanced back at her momentarily before turning back around. His eyes were cold and lifeless, lacking the usual warmth she had become so accustomed to.
"I suppose that would be because I am not exactly Nathan. I'm his subconscious. My physical form is a manifestation of what Nathan unconsciously believes would be the ideal version of himself."
"Oh." She replied, not knowing what else to say.
After a few more minutes of walking, Grace began to see something in the never ending darkness. It was hard to make out, melding into the darkness from the distance.
Upon coming closer, the object revealed itself to be a large, purple door, wrapped in chains and a padlock. A dark purple haze seeped through the doors edges, forming into distorted faces and shapes. It chilled Grace to her very core.
"What… what is that?"
"A barrier, so to speak. A barricade made of Nathan's own willpower, holding back memories he wishes to stay repressed."
Ghost Nathan pointed to the haze leaking out of the door.
"As of late, the memories have been leaking through the barrier, infecting his dreams and fiddling with his mind."
Grace was shell shocked. This was the barrier she felt. This is what was pushing her back. A door made of Nathan's will. A will to keep these memories secret.
"If you truly wish to help Nathan, then that is where you must go. I shall open the door for you, but that is as far as I can go."
"Wait… is," she hesitated, "is it really okay that I do this? These are his deepest secrets. Is it really okay that I learn them?"
"I would not have led you here if I didn't already know your intentions were good. Besides, Nathan trusts you more than you'd ever know. He trusts you with his very life. A secret or two is poultry in comparison."
Grace's face flushed momentarily, overcome with flattery. She shook her head. She needed to focus. She looked at the ghost, nodding her head in acknowledgement.
Ghost Nathan turned to the door, raising his hand and pointing at the lock.
"Oscailte," he whispered. In a bright flash, a key appeared In front of the lock, slowly inserting itself and turning. The lock opened and disappeared. The door flung itself open, bursting with a dark haze. Grace felt her stomach drop, an unbelievable amount of negativity washing over her.
She turned to where the Ghost Nathan had been, but saw he had already gone.
Swallowing, Grace steeled her nerves and walking into the haze.
Time seemed non existent in the haze. Grace had no clue how long she had walked. It's almost as if time itself wasn't a factor on this plain.
She walked. She walked and walked and walked. She began to worry whether she would find anything. Not thirty seconds after that thought, she began to see a light. It's intensity only growing as she got closer, until it was all encompassing. Grace had to squeeze her eyes shut, the light was too intense. Suddenly, she felt herself falling.
October 27th, 1:45 age 2202, Castelia city
"Come now, lass. We already know you are the one in possession of the master ball. So just hand it over and we shall give you back your boy and take our leave."
Grace's head was pounding. The voices she heard were not helping. Slowly she opened her eyes, squinting as they adjusted to the light.
"You… you people make me sick. Threatening a thirteen year old boy just to get what you want. Fine. I'll tell you where it is."
She saw four figures, too blurry to make out exact details. Three on the left, one on the right. One of the figures on the left was shorter than the others.
"Mom…" a younger sounding voice started, sounding very groggy, "what's going on?"
"No worries, laddy, your mommy was just helping us out. Won't take but a minute."
When Grace's vision finally cleared, what she saw made her catch her breath. Stood between two men in black and grey uniforms stood on either side of a young boy, pointing some metal object to the back of his head. Their hair hidden by large black beret, uniforms adorned with a strange looking coat of arms, black and white with a P through the middle.
On the right, a young woman, her long purple and white hair flowing down to her waist. A loose tank top and long jeans covered her pale form. She was gorgeous.
Grace turned to look at the boy. She studied his face, what he wore, his figure. He looked like a smaller version of Nathan. In fact, that's exactly what he looked like. The hair was undoubtedly his, purple tips and all.
She felt the knot grow in her stomach grow as one of the men pressed the metal item against Nathan's head.
"All righty, lass, you got five minutes to get that ball and put it in my hands. I'd suggest you get going."
The woman made a mad dash out of the room. She looked to be in tears. So why is it that the only emotions Grace could feel are the ones coming from Nathan? And why were they still so overpowering?
She felt fear more than anything. He was beyond terrified. She tried to reach out to him, tried to call out. But not a sound was uttered from those lips of hers. Not a noise was heard. In this world of memory, she couldn't interact. She could only watch.
The young woman came rushing back into the room, an object now in her hand. It looked like a pokeball of some type, only the top was purple and was engraved with the letter M.
"Here, just take it. Take the ball and leave us alone," the woman pleaded, holding the ball out to the two men.
The man without the metal object reached out and snatched the ball from her. A small grin lit up the other man's face. He pointed the metal item at the woman's head.
"Thank you, lass. You've been a big help."
There was a bang and a small flash. The woman's head snapped back as a red mist of blood shot out of the back of her head. She fell to the ground, unmoving.
"MOM!" The young Nathan screamed, breaking free of the two men. The larger of the two attempted to grab him, but Nathan was too quick. He ran over to his mother, sobbing uncontrollably.
The larger man started walking towards Nathan, but was stopped by his partner.
"While I'm not above killing the lad, we are on a rather delicate time frame, and we don't want too many bodies added into the mix," the shorter man said. The larger man simply nodded, allowing his partner to walk up to Nathan. Grabbing the metal item by the other end, he swung the but of the item into Nathan's temple. Nathan crumpled from the blow, losing consciousness, and ending the memory.
Grace was thrown back into the darkness. She shook violently and clutched her stomach, holding back the urge to vomit. What she just witnessed… was something no living being should have to go through. Suddenly, she was falling again, only this time she saw brief flashes of memory. Nathan and another man, watching as an ornate wooden box was lowered into the earth. Nathan, sitting alone in the corner of a room, sobbing. Nathan, screaming at an older man who was clutching a bottle of brown liquid. On and on it went, seemingly endless amounts of dark, terrible memories.
Grace felt her fall come to an abrupt end. Her head was spinning, she was shaking, tears were falling from the corners of her eyes. What this boy had been though was… indescribable. Even through the three years of hell she endured, he had been through just as much if not more.
Grace curled up and closed her eyes. She didn't want to see anymore. She had seen enough.
January 1st, 8:30pm age 2208, Chargestone Cave
Grace groaned as she came back into reality. She had a splitting headache and felt her insides churn and moan. She felt like shit.
She moved her hands and gripped onto something soft. It felt like one of Nathan's shirts.
Her eyes shot open and she swiveled her head to see what she was laying atop of. She was currently sprawled on top of Nathan, her head had been resting on his chest, hands gripping at the hem of his shirt, one of his arms draped over her waist. She blushed profusely, but found herself reluctant to move off him. In fact, she didn't want to. She enjoyed the close proximity to him.
After a few minutes, Nathan began to groan, slowly opening his eyes and clutching his head.
"Good Lord, the whole world is spinning."
He felt something warm atop him, looking down to see what it was. His cheeks flared up when his eyes met a pair of Crimson gems. Grace was currently sprawled out on him and he had one arm draped over her protectively.
He brought his mind back to reality when he noticed something.
"Grace," he started, "why are you crying?"
Instinctively, he reached his hand up and wiped away the tears.
Grace hadn't noticed she was crying until he said that. When he tried to pull his hand away, she reached for it, grabbing it and pulling it back. She saw Nathan turn cherry red as she lay her head back down. She felt his hand start to pet the top of her head.
"I'm so sorry, Nathan." She said, her voice cracking, holding back choked sobs. "I'm so sorry."
Nathan lay his head back down on the floor, closing his eyes and letting out a long, exasperated sigh. "So, I'm guessing you saw everything, didn't you?"
Grace only nod her head, burying it into his chest. She had seen enough.
"So you understand why you can't help me?"
Grace raised her gaze to the boys face, giving him a questioning look. No, she had no idea why she couldn't.
"Nathan… I don't understand, what do you mean I can't help?"
"Just, simple as that, Grace. What's in the past is in the past, nothing we can do about it now."
"I already know that!" Grace snapped, causing Nathan to flinch.
"I already know that Nathan." She paused, changing her confused look to one of frustration. "But it's clear to me that you are still hurting in the present. Watching a parent die in front of you isn't something you just forget. I can feel your hurt, feel your sorrow. That pain is something I can, and will, help with." She took a breath, her glare softening. "I don't think I have to remind you of this, but my line can feel and understand emotion better than most any species on the planet. Whether you like it or not, after this time that I have spent with you, our emotions have become intertwined. Your sorrow is my sorrow. Your happiness is my happiness. So I'll be damned if I let the most important person in my life suffer this way."
Nathan just watched her, completely dumbfounded by her little rant. There was really no point in trying to fight her. She was bound and determined to be his rock, be his anchor.
So he could only imagine Grace's shock when he started laughing hysterically, flabbergasted at the boy's sudden change in demeanor.
"And what, pray tell, is so funny about what I said?" Grace asked, a little annoyed that this was the reaction she was getting. She was expecting him to tear up or hug her at least. Not laugh uncontrollably.
"Nothing, nothing I swear. It's just," he looked her in the eyes, "what the hell am I gonna do with you?"
"You're gonna sit down, shut up and let me be here for you, that's what." Grace huffed.
"Alright, alright, I suppose you've earned that much at least."
"Good. Now there is one more thing you have to do," Grace added.
"And that is?" Nathan wondered.
"You're going to go back to Joy, apologize, and take the job she asked you to. I'm coming with you, and I'm not taking no for an answer. You can't avoid going there forever, Nathan. It's the largest city in the damn region, eventually you'd go there for something."
Nathan was about to talk back, refusing the notion, but the sudden glow around the gardevoir's eyes told him the would be a poor decision.
Nathan let out a long winded groan, trying to get his distaste for the demand across.
"Fine, I'll go apologize and take the job, if she'll even let me. She did fire me you know. It might not go very well."
"Does it look like I give a shit, Nathan?"
A droplet of sweat rolled down the side of Nathan's face. "No, quite the opposite in fact."
"Good. Now let's go."
Upon trying to get up, it finally dawned on the pair just how compromising a position they were in. Both flushed a furious red, hopping up and off each other, muttering words of apology, before finally standing and exiting the cave.
January 1st, 10:13pm age 2208, Outside Driftveil Pokemon Center
The two stood outside the doors to the red building, each nervous for different reasons. Grace feeling like she may have been a little hasty on the apology idea, as Nathan was currently wound tighter than a drum. Nathan wondering how many fingers he is gonna have left after he deals with the vicious beast that was Joy's rage.
Nathan swallowed and began making a cautious approach.
The doors opened on their own and Nathan took a peek inside. Nobody was in the lobby besides the Pokemart staff. The nurse counter was currently unoccupied, a small sign reading 'back in five minutes' hung over it's edge.
"J-Joy, you here? It's Nathan, can we talk?" Nathan asked, his voice shaking more than he was.
That's when Grace felt it. An almost crushing mix of anger, worry, sadness and fear.
That was rushing straight towards Nathan.
Grace raised her hand and was about to warn him when out of nowhere, she heard, "YOU GODDAMN IDIOT!"
The next thing Grace new, Nathan was flung through the sliding doors, landing in the snow. He grabbed his stomach, gasping for air.
Grace turned back, seeing a very pissed of Joy standing where Nathan had been. Best guess, Joy just slugged Nathan as hard as she could. By the sounds of Nathan's wheezing and groans, she assumed that was probably right.
Joy started to stomp towards Nathan again, only to be stopped by Grace's psychic. She tried to struggle, but the psychic grasp on her was too powerful.
"WHERE THE HELL WERE YOU! FOR GOD'S SAKE YOU LEAVE THE CENTER AND DECIDE 'OH FUCK IT, LET'S DISAPPEAR FOR SEVEN GODDAMN HOURS! THAT'S SURE TO GET SOME LAUGHS!' WHY DIDN'T YOU AT LEAST ANSWER MY CALLS! FOR FUCKS SAKE YOU HAVE A PHONE FOR A REASON!"
Joy began breathing hard, her voice beginning to falter towards the end. She was holding back her tears as hard as she could, but just couldn't do it anymore.
"I was so worried Nathan. You scared me half to death. I thought… I thought I lost you. When I went to check on you at your house and you weren't there… I…" Joy began sobbing uncontrollably.
Grace released the psychic grasp and let Joy amble over to Nathan. He had sat up at this point and seemed to have taken a keen interest in his shoes, but he still looked to be out of breathe.
Joy approached Nathan, trying her best to glare at the boy, to let across just how scared she had been. But when he looked up at her, meeting her stone cold glare with those warm purple gems, her anger melted away and the glare fell.
She dropped to her knees and wrapped her arms around his neck, pulling him close and resting her head on his shoulder.
"Don't you dare do that to me again," Joy said softly.
Nathan remained silent, and just returned the hug, pulling her in close as well.
"Never again, I promise," He replied.
Grace watched the exchange, and couldn't ignore the pang of jealousy that hit her.
January 1st, 10:50 pm age 2208, Joys office
After the little exchange out front, Joy brought everyone back to her office so Nathan could explain where he went. He told her about how he went to Chargestone Cave and how Grace had come to find him. He intentionally left out that Grace had entered his mind and what transpired in there, partially because he wasn't really sure himself. He just remembered a brief flash and when he woke up, but nothing in between. He'd have to ask Grace about it when they got home from this job, if they were even going that is.
"Well I suppose that explains why you didn't return my calls. No way in hell would you have service in there. But, how did Grace find you in that maze of a cave?"
"She followed my emotional trail. I don't know if mine feels different from a Pokemon but that's just what she told me."
"Okay, but there's something that's gnawing at me. Why were you guys in there for so long?"
Grace immediately flushed bright red and turned to hide her face, pretending to be interested in something on the bookshelf.
"We had…" Nathan started, fighting off his own blush, managing to keep it hidden, "a very long talk."
"A talk that took seven hours?"
"It wasn't exactly the easiest talk." Nathan sighed.
Joy flinched a little, understanding the context behind his words. She didn't know when it would happen, but knew Grace would eventually learn of his past. She nodded to Nathan, deciding to change the topic.
"So, moving on to the next most obvious question. Why'd you come here? I may not have wanted to do it Nathan, but I fired you."
"I know Joy, and frankly, I deserved that. I'm… I'm really sorry for blowing up at you. Like i said earlier, Grace and I had a long talk. While I can't stand the idea of going back to Castelia, it isn't something I can avoid forever. So, if you'd still let me, I'd e willing to take the job and go to Castelia. You don't have to give me my old job back, but I hope you'll let me do this. As a way of apologizing for making you worry."
Joy was shellshocked. Never, not in a million years, did she ever think she'd heard Nathan say he'd go back to Castelia of his own accord. She glanced over at Grace, giving her a look that screamed 'how did you do it'. Grace seemed to get the memo, as she just shrugged in response.
"So… would you let me do that?" Nathan asked, slightly hoping she'd say no.
She returned her gaze to Nathan, silently trying to process what just happened. She closed her eyes and let out a slow breath, before nodding her head. "Yes, I'd appreciate it Nathan."
Nathan, hiding the small amount of disappointment now trying to climb to his face, nodded in return. "Great, Grace and I will head out first thing in the morning." He stood to leave.
"Sounds good, I'll text you the address of…" Joy stopped, it now dawning on her what he said. "Wait you AND Grace?"
"Well… yeah. I'm gonna be gone a few days and she doesn't want to be cooped up in the house the whole time. So she said she was coming with."
"Oh… alright, I guess." She paused. "Understand Nathan, this isn't me giving you your job back. But… I am considering it. Keep that in mind."
"I sort of figured as much. Though, Joy, when we get back, do you think you could do me a favor?"
"No, I'm not getting you that BMW we saw on craigslist. I have told you that a hundred times and I'll say it a hundred more."
"That isn't it, blockhead. I'll tell you about it when we get back." He turned to walk out of her office, stopping in the doorway to say, "And for the record, it was an audi, not a BMW. I'll see you in a few days."
Joy gave him the finger as he and Grace left the center.
'Once again, the Pokemon does something I can't.'
Joy sighs as she glares at the papers on her desk.
How… just how after all the months she has tried to help him get over this ridiculous fear of Castelia, how has that gardevoir done it in an afternoon. She just didn't understand. What was she doing wrong? How is it not HER that Nathan is enamoured with.
Joy tensed up at that last thought.
Was that really what she felt for Nathan? This yearning to be beside him, that gnawing that she felt when she fired him? Was that the result of her… falling for the boy?
But… he's such an asshole! He's constantly sarcastic, he teases her about everything he can, he can be such a goof it makes her laugh, he always manages to make her smile, she felt so warm in his arms…
'AAAAAAHHHH SHUT UP, SHUT UP, SHUT UP!' She screamed internally, her face flushing a cherry red.
Joy returned to glaring at her desk, as if trying to will it to clean itself. Her eyes began to water.
She should be happy for him. He is one of if not the most important person in her life. He has found someone who makes him happy, who can be there for him when he's not happy, who will love him unconditionally, and he isn't even aware that she loves him yet! Hell, Joy isn't even sure if Grace knows she's fallen in love with Nathan. She can see it plain as day.
The tears finally spilled down her cheeks.
So why is it that this only makes her feel… so full of pain.
January 1st, 11:30 pm age 2208, Nathan/Grace's home
"Oh, good lord, thank you for blessing us with the gift of pillows," Nathan mused, only now realizing just how exhausted he was.
Grace snickered, leaning on the frame of the door. She was just as exhausted, having not fully recovered from their little mental outing this afternoon. It was strange. Along with being beyond tired, Grace felt something else after leaving Nathan's mind. She felt closer to him. It reminded her of when they were originally linked. It was different then, as the link wasn't stable, but it felt strangely similar.
"Grace, I don't know if you feel it, but I am thinking you should probably hit the sack too. We have an early wake up tomorrow, and the walk to Nimbasa city takes a day at least. We can take the trains from there to Castelia, but the maps sort of exaggerate just how close Nimbasa is to Driftveil. We are gonna need as much energy as we can muster, it's gonna be a long day."
Grace nodded. "Trust me, I had every intention of going to bed. I'm still exhausted from this afternoon." Grace slapped a three fingered hand over her mouth the moment she said that. She was so tired she couldn't help it, even knowing how touchy a subject it was.
Nathan's face fell, his eyes dropping to the floor. Grace opened her mouth to speak, but was interrupted when Nathan raised a hand.
"You don't have to apologize Grace. If anything… I'm glad that this afternoon happened. How it played out as it did. I don't know if I would have been able to find the courage to tell you about my past otherwise. It's never easy to talk about. But, I trust you, and you deserved to know. So, really, no harm done. Don't beat yourself up about it, okay?"
Grace blushed… hard. His words were so genuine and were delivered with such warmth. She didn't know why she had reacted like this, and was quickly becoming embarrassed of her sudden flustered appearance. Why was he making her heart beat a mile a minute.
"Grace?"
Grace was brought back to reality with staggering force, almost collapsing as she was brought back to her body. She quickly nodded and turned to leave the room. She needed to leave, like, right now. When she stepped through the doorway, however, something occurred to her. Something Nathan deserved to know.
"Hey Nathan." She said, her voice strained and timid.
"Yeah?" Nathan replied, oblivious to her tone.
"When we get back from this job… Can I tell you about my past? About… why I left Hoenn?"
"Uh… yeah for sure. You don't need to ask."
With that, Grace gave another curt nod, before leaving the room, closing the door and entering her own.
Sleep would have to wait. Now she had to figure out how she would tell him… exactly who she was.
