The trip to Saffron was quick, mostly because they once again used Xavier teleportation abilities.
Claire and the others headed straight to the Magnet Train, purchased their tickets (Tony had a little more left over money), and waited in the lobby for the train to arrive.
"So," Tony said, after they found a couple seats. "We might as well get to know each other, since we're probably going to be travelling together for a while. So, why don't you tell me a little more about you?" Tony smiled kindly.
But he received no response. Claire was staring at the ceiling, her mind lost in thoughts.
Tony's smile disappeared. "Claire?"
No reaction.
"Hello?"
Claire still didn't respond.
The light brunette sighed, deciding to give up, and staring off into the distance as well.
Just like his trainer, the psychic and flying type was trying to strike up a conversation.
"So…" Xavier said, looking over at the poison type, who had settled down near Claire's feet, and shut his eyes. "Have you known Claire for long?"
"Years."
Xavier nodded. "That's cool. Tony and I have only known each other for about a year, but we're really close."
"That's nice."
Xavier sat down next to Maxwell. "I've always wondered what it's like to travel…" The Xatu mused.
"Well, I'm sure it would be more enjoyable if people weren't trying to kill my lady at every opportunity." Maxwell replied curtly.
Xavier blinked. "Oh, yeah… I guess that would make easier to enjoy…"
Maxwell sighed. "Ok, what do you want?"
Xavier looked over at the Ariados and blinked. "N-nothing! I just wanted to get to know you better…"
Maxwell opened one eye. Is he serious? "Why?"
"W-well, I figured that sense we'll be travelling together for a while, we might as well get to know each other…"
This gave Maxwell some pause. This… is weird. No body besides Claire has ever tried to find out more about me. Though, granted, I've only really met a few people besides Claire…
"Alright, what do you want to know? Though I maintain my right to refuse to answer questions."
Xavier perked up. "Oh, really? Well then… Um…" He paused thinking.
Maxwell chuckled. "How about I ask you a question?"
Xavier looked back at him and blinked. He got a mischievous glint in his eye. "Of course, but didn't you just ask me one?"
Maxwell chuckled. "Not bad."
Xavier smiled. "Thanks. Now go ahead."
The two Pokemon chatted for a while, sharing a few laughs until the call for their train went out.
Finally snapping out of her thoughts, Claire stood up. "That didn't take that long." She remarked as she headed towards the train.
"Says the girl who stared off into space for the last forty-five minutes…" Tony muttered as they entered the train and found some seats facing each other.
The train started out, and Claire looked out the window. "Approximately how long will it take for us to reach Goldenrod?" She asked, looking back at Tony.
Tony looked over at one of the clocks on the wall. "It's about one… so we should be there by four, at the latest."
Claire sighed. "I suppose we have no choice but to wait."
"Could you do me favor, though?" Tony asked, smiling slightly.
Claire looked slightly confused. "What?"
"Don't zone out on me. It was bad enough waiting for forty-five minutes without someone to talk to."
Claire only offered a half smile before looking back out the window. "I've just been… thinking."
"About what?" Tony asked.
Claire looked back at the blue eyed boy. But before she could respond, he waved his hand.
"Wait, stupid question," He said shaking his head. "You don't talk about yourself. Never mind."
Claire looked down at the floor. I suppose it wouldn't hurt…
A sigh was released as the girl's orange eyes closed. "My family used to go to Bell Tower a lot when I was younger."
Tony looked at Claire quickly in surprise. Was Claire was actually telling him a little about herself?
"In fact, we lived there for a while. The people of the tower were kind enough to let us stay there for a few years.
"I have a lot of memories around that tower. Happy ones, with my family. It was probably one of the happiest times of my life.
"Then… Something horrible happened. And everything about the tower reminded me and my parents about it. We just couldn't stay there any longer.
"So we left. Packed our thing and moved to a secluded area far away from others."
Claire sighed again. "That was around eight years ago. I haven't been to back there in all that time."
Tony blinked. Claire just told me something about herself… He thought in shock.
Claire drew her legs up and wrapped her arms around them, bringing her knees to her chest. "I'm both excited to be going back and dreading seeing things that will remind me of… that event."
Tony was silent for a few minutes. Then he stood up.
Claire looked up as he walked over, sat next to her, and gave her a hug.
Orange eyes widening, she opened her mouth as if to say something, though no sound came out.
"I can't say I know how you feel. And I can't really offer much in the way of comfort. But even though you only agreed to let me travel with you to keep me from being captured by Xenas, we're still travelling partners. And that means if you ever have anything on your mind, as long as it isn't a threat to you, I'm here to listen."
Claire blinked. He's… hugging me… I haven't been hugged in… forever…
Claire leaned into the hug, and showed Tony a small smile. "Thank you."
Maxwell smiled from his position a few feet away. It's nice to see Lady Claire opening up a little, even though I know it won't last for long. Though maybe one day here barriers will fall
A few hours later, the magnet train pulled into the station in Goldenrod.
Claire stepped off the train, back to her old self, Tony and the others behind her.
"Well, let's get going." Claire said, beginning to walk towards the edge of the city.
"Hey, wait." Tony called out, stopping her.
Claire turned around. "Yes?"
"It's already four, and you've had a pretty big day, whether you think so or not. Why don't we get a room at the Center for the night and go to Ecruteak first thing in the morning?" Tony suggested.
Claire crossed her arms, thinking. That's a valid enough point. I doubt I'll be able to accomplish all that I wish to in the time left in the day…
Claire looked back at Tony and nodded. "Very well. Let's go the Center then."
It only took a few minutes to get to the Center and get a room. They were both going to share a room again.
They took turns showering and getting ready for bed, once again sending their clothes to be washed.
Both relaxed on their separate beds, Claire staring off into space, mentally reviewing her battle techniques, and Tony randomly flipping through channels.
Suddenly Tony's eyes widened and he snapped his fingers, catching Claire's attention. "Oh! I almost forgot!"
Tony got up from the bed and began rummaging around in his backpack while Claire watched his actions with mild curiosity.
"Aha!" Tony cried, pulling out a box. He walked over and handed it to Claire, who was now sitting on the edge of her bed. "Here." He said, handing it to her.
Claire raised an eyebrow at him before opening the box. Picking up the item inside, her eyes widened.
Is that-
"I found the stone at a shop in Cerulean, and it reminded me of you. So I got it and had the lady turn it into a hair clip so you could wear it." Tony explained, smiling now.
Claire didn't respond and just blinked at the stone.
"Here, I'll put it in for you." Tony said, interpreting Claire's silence as one of joy. He picked up the clip and fastened it into her hair, so it held part of her bangs back.
Tony grinned. "It looks great on you, almost like you were destined to wear it."
Claire forced a smile, though it looked natural to Tony's untrained eye. "Thank you, Tony."
"No problem," He replied, still smiling. Then he reached his arms above his head and stretched, yawning. "I think I'm going to go to bed now. Night Claire."
"Good night," she replied Shifting back to rest against the head board, as Tony climbed into his bed and fell asleep.
Claire remained still for a few more minutes, Maxwell already asleep next to her, before getting up and walking to the bathroom.
Flicking on the light, Claire stared at the mirror, her eyes on the clip in her hair.
Her hand reached up, almost touching the stone, before she shook her head and let her hand fall back down.
No… It's impossible. She thought, turning the light back off and walking back to her bed.
There's no way it could be that stone.
She climbed in, falling asleep quickly, not removing the flickering stone clip from her hair.