Swarm Knight
Synopsis: Famous for their rapid growth, overwhelming populations, and often being in newbie or detestable hands, the infamous Bug types find a home in the Bid Family's Sanctuary. They return the ancient favor, since this overlooked type had safeguarded humanity, accidental or not. Their latest heir had just been born, in hopefully the most peaceful period for the regions.
Note: A bit of violence not suitable for the anime, lol
…It took a year and a couple of months before Roger trusted Saori's condition to recover. The first thing she wanted to get out of the way was their marriage.
It wasn't that she was vain. She had even tried to convince him that they didn't need a whole ceremony and could simply walk up to the marriage offices to fill out forms. After all, she would be able to leave the house earlier because it wouldn't be physically demanding.
However, her husband-to-be would have none of it. Having shared their dreams and wishes, he wanted to fulfill one: to get married like a normal person. She was an orphan, and despite her pragmatism, those dreams of old and hope stayed.
The warm feelings that bubbled and reddened her face at the thought were enough to allow herself to stay house arrested for a little longer throughout the year. It certainly helped that she could finally be up and about the fields for short periods. Be it to play with her children, catch up with half of her team, or to feel less claustrophobic.
Her Bug Pokemon now roamed the lands like they owned it and nearly trusted her family (they especially adored Rayol) as much as they did her. They could see how well they treated their master after all. That, and once experiencing the full brunt of Esmeralda's aura, following her orders was a matter of seconds.
Life went on. She learned more under the Bid family, gained further tutelage about Bug Type Aura, kept up to date with her team through the computer (she finally got around to learning how to use the darn thing!), got to interact with her children more and more.
Perhaps most pragmatically, she had overcome a barrier in her Psychic abilities. The many days and nights spent bedridden left her no choice than to meditate, else she lost her mind by being still and useless. Maybe, it was her burning desire to bond with her daughter that triggered the advancement. Or, the studying she made with her future mother-in-law gave her the knowledge. It was probably a mix of all three.
Her telepathy now extended beyond her Pokemon to people and Pokemon alike. She cried out of joy that afternoon, forcing herself out of bed to rush to Esmeralda and Irina's side. The older woman had accepted the hug and seemed to gain a sparkle of pride when Elda looked upon her.
…And before she knew it, the ceremony she planned from bed was halfway through…
"I, Bid Roger, take you, Takao Saori," the beautified woman's eyes widened, having not expected him to reverse the order of their names in accordance with her Kanto heritage. She wouldn't have blamed him if he had forgotten. She had assumed he did ages ago.
There was an upward twinge of his lips as he continued, fighting a smirk. It was hard. He was marrying the fairest woman of them all. "...to be my wife in sickness and in health, in poverty or wealth and into death if you'd allow me from this day forward." He ended with a roguish wink, all but saying, 'your turn.'
It was simple. It was very 'Saori.' Almost basic if not for the slight changes. She knew he was only trying to rile her up. It was working a little, but in front of the crowd watching? Their home would be in ruins before she broke face.
Honestly, it was kinda on her for not expecting it. She knew what she was getting into with Roger. And, she wouldn't have it any other way.
A small smile graced her ruby lips, stealing her partner's breath away before she spoke. Below, some of her coworkers gasped at the sight. For the newer hires, it was some of the most emotion they've seen from her. Either way, they all realized it was a shame she didn't do it more.
At that moment, she was the most beautiful woman. Saori believed it as well. She couldn't say it was the first time, having been under Roger years ago. She hoped he cherished their first time as much as she did.
This bright autumn morning, she would swear she'd try her damnedest to convey it.
"I, Takao Saori, vow to forever cherish, adore, and love you, Bid Roger, as my dear husband. I offer my naked soul, bear my whole heart, and grasp at yours in turn, through the collection of good and bad, unconditionally, and faithfully."
The woman struggled against a happy sob for a second, "I wish to remain by your side forevermore and pledge to evolve beside you if you'll have me." Tears blurred her vision, but it wasn't time for them yet. Almost though. It was almost time.
Although often cited as a patient woman, Saori barely could find such patience at the moment. However, the smile returned ever so slightly at the sight of her husband-to-be's face. He wasn't the only one who kept surprises!
A step between the two, Ghetsis, donning pristine white robes fitted for an ordained minister, nodded with a pleasant smile between the two. "Takao Saori, do you take Bid Roger to be your lawfully wedded husband?"
"I do."
"Bid Roger, do you take Takao Saori to be your lawfully wedded wife?"
Roger's mouth moved before he realized, "Absolutely—I mean, fuck—I do." His face reddened, thoroughly embarrassed but played it cool. The giggles that radiated from the crowd made it harder, but he was nothing if adaptable.
Under the gentle guidance of Esmeralda, Rayol stepped out from the line, grasping a ring-laid pillow. The boy couldn't help himself despite his growing nervousness of the crowd and said, "h-here you go, Mommy, from Papa. He picked a pretty one, I think."
Coos and aww's extended from the venture. The young boy fought back the urge to shrink on himself, trying to focus on holding the pillow up. Seeing this, his father picked him up, held him in one arm, nudging the pillow in Saori's direction.
"I, Bid Roger, present you, Takao Saori, this undying ring as a sign of love," He smirked, "and our son as a sign of my dedication."
Instead of verbally responding, the black-haired woman, covered in white lace, knelt, taking the pair of rings on the way down. Still shocked at the maneuver, Roger only blankly blinked as she took his hand, slid a ring onto a finger before kissing the ring as well. She then slipped the second ring into the palm of his hand, formed a fist for him, rising all the while.
Topping all of that, Saori kissed her son's forehead.
"Your turn, dear husband-to-be," she whispered innocently. Slowly, she taunted him by raising her dandy hand, parting her fingers.
Despite everything, the man moved on autopilot. It would take him a moment to recover. He hadn't read about that in his research for this!
A ruby-crested ring sat snug on her finger now. In her admittedly rash maneuver, she didn't take the time to admire the ring. Now that it laid before her, she couldn't help but get sucked into it.
Ghetsis remained infallible and proceeded, bellowing, "By the power vested in me by the town of Anville, I now pronounce you legally wed. Groom, you may now kiss the bride." It easily served to draw the two from their stupors.
Roger took care to shift his son away slightly as the pair kissed. A salvo of cheers and claps erupted from the small crowd.
"Honored guests and esteemed family members, it is now my distinct pleasure to present, for the very first time, Bid Saori and Bid Roger as wife and husband."
From there, the married couple and their entourage stepped down. The newlyweds got further intimate congratulations. It took nearly two hours for all the excitement to die down.
Sometime between that, Rayol found himself walking alongside an isolated Esmeralda, who held Irina. His father had noticed all the people and attention were starting to bother the boy, so the man urged him to his grandmother's side.
Quite openly, the aging woman was quite alienated, intentionally avoided, probably. Even with both of the newlyweds' children in each hand, Esmeralda was just that unapproachable. For Irina, it was a good thing.
"...Mother?" came an unfamiliar feminine voice from behind the trio. For the first time, Rayol watched his grandmother freeze.
The woman recovered a moment later and breathlessly asked as she turned, "Brittany?"
The newcomer had a sheepish grin, rubbing the back of her head full of long, slightly curly brown locks. "Been a while, huh? I didn't know there was a ceremony going on. My bad."
Brittany didn't bother dressing up for the occasion, sticking out like a sore thumb. She wore a black puffy jacket, unzipped, and rolled sleeves past the forearms. Beneath that revealed her white cardigan, showing off her dark waist a little.
Esmeralda couldn't help but flick her gaze at it with mild disapproval. At that, the woman tugged it down, only for it to snap back into its original spot. Her smile changed as if to say, 'what can you do?' She wasn't completely flat after all. Quite the opposite. Below that, a pair of torn pale-blue jeans hugged her long legs. They were tucked into her worn, heavy-duty black boots that rose just above her ankles. All in all, she stood taller than everyone around, more than towering over Rayol who wrenched his head back to see her face.
The Overlordess moved on with a question, "The bugs at our home didn't give you any trouble?"
"Of course not." The brunette waved off, focusing on the two children. "This is them in the flesh, then?" She stepped forward then crouched, "You must be Rayol."
Rayol stared back at her gaze in confusion. Brittany's name sounded familiar. Grandma seemed to recognize her. He turned up to the said woman, "Grand?"
"It's okay. This is your aunt, your father's sister that I adopted. I'm sure you've seen the pictures." The blue-haired woman released his hand and urged him forward. "Say hi to Brittany... or 'Bree' as Roger so often uses."
Oh! This was who his father referred 'Bree' to. She sounded much different through the computer. Nonetheless, to him, she was still as unfamiliar as most of the people here. He didn't quite understand what adopted meant either, but she didn't look like Mommy, Papa, or Grandma.
"H-Hi, Auntie Bree."
"Oh lawd! The computer doesn't do right by you, my dear nephew!" She shuffled forward, excitedly. "Can I hug you, Ray?" The boy nodded hesitantly. "You're so cute!" she all but squealed, taking his ears into account, then lunged forward and squeezed, moving onto her knees. She couldn't care less if she dirtied her jeans.
Her arms were firm. They felt like they could crush him just as easily as his grandmother could, but they didn't. With that realization, Rayol gradually mustered the courage to hug back. It helped that she smelled good. Because his face was pressed into her shoulder, he didn't see her eyes well up. Soon, they shut to hide the misting. However, the damage was done. Nothing escaped her mother's gaze. Esmeralda would say nothing else. Any questions could be pushed off for later.
The most important matter was that her daughter had finally returned.
The dark-skinned woman apologized in an almost whisper, "Sorry I took so long to visit."
"It's okay, Auntie."
Esmeralda nodded in agreement. In her arms, Irina stirred, stretching about and taking in all the noises. It was only due to the familiarity of her grandmother's arms and aura that the baby was relaxed. Nevertheless, all the extra sounds were beginning to alarm her.
"Grandmother's right here," Elda whispered, shifting the baby, so the small head laid over her bosom. It would allow Irina to hear a strong and steady heartbeat better.
Seeing that, the adopted daughter tossed Rayol up into her arms and approached the pair. "That's your sister, huh, Ray?"
The boy nodded, happily, "Mhm! That's Irina, you know, but Papa and me call her Isis." As the baby started to recognize him after her vision cleared, he reached out a hand. Specifically, a finger. Irina babbled a little as she grabbed onto his finger, causing his smile to grow much wider. "Goodfgdgsd morning, Isis! Mommy and Papa got married!"
"Mommy, Papa?!"
"Yup!"
Rayol pointed behind him without looking. His finger perfectly aligned to the voices and scents of his parents in spite of new ones. It didn't escape Esmeralda's narrowed gaze. That was very strange. Her grandson didn't utilize a single drop of Aura to enhance himself. Such as when he cracked her ice.
The woman glanced over to her daughter's face. Brittany had also noticed the oddity and matched Elda's gaze. The elder shrugged and shook her head, drawing the children's attention briefly.
"They're good kids, huh?" Brittany asked with a fond smile. She fought back the urge to ruffle Rayol's hair, but she was already pushing it by tossing him into her arms. Her little brother was right. Ray was a shy kid, just like his father before she got him out of his shell.
She could...
Brittany's smile dipped slightly. She wouldn't be there to help. She could barely stand to face Esmeralda. The icy, sharp and serrated disappointment...
Surprisingly, there was none of that.
Her mother felt thawed. Stoic, vigilant and unrelenting as ever but just, less. Nevertheless, the deep-seated trauma wouldn't allow her to see her mother in the same way.
Not after returning home because she felt like she failed her Pokemon journey. Not after the starter Pokemon that her mother handed to her sacrificed itself. Not after half her team disintegrated right before her...
"Auntie?" Her lovely nephew peered up at her with eyes full of concern.
She couldn't have that.
Absolutely not.
She left home, so she wouldn't worry anyone with her pitiful self when he was working to be the best version of himself. It didn't exactly make perfect sense, she realized later, but it was too late. She had spiraled too deeply. She was a lost cau—
"Yeah?"
A look of uncertainty flickered on his expression before he steeled himself. She was nearly unable to prevent the quirk of her lips, "Are you okay?" the boy finally asked. Brittany knew she was still basically a stranger, but Rayol was trying.
It was time she did too. She had wasted enough of her life.
"I think so," Brittany answered, hugging him with her free arm.
Her mother's eyes widened slightly from the edge of her vision. It helped confirm to her current self that Esdeath wasn't completely unflappable. She knew that. She did!
She just hadn't been able to believe it for a long time.
It was time to start reconnecting their familiar bonds. They waited for her at the halfway mark for far too long. She loved them for it. Now, if only she could be as free and open as children Rayol's age.
But, as her therapist said: one step at a time. Hopefully her childhood home wasn't as creepy as she recalled...
"Brittany?" came her mother's voice. It was soft, smooth, still frigid, less, but this time laced with urgency. The ebony woman realized it was nothing like the voice she had imagined for the older woman—her mother—for years on end while in Hoenn. Earlier, she was too focused on the children to focus on her mother, which she was thankful for. She hadn't gathered anywhere near the correct amount of confidence yet to approach the woman on her own.
Mistaking Brittany's panic for attention, having split her own to follow someone and fan the area, Elda continued, "Could I trust you with Irina and Rayol? I—I have to talk to someone."
"Uh, yeah, I can do that," Bree agreed instinctively.
"Thank you." The pale bluette raised Irina, so they could see eye to eye. "Be good for your aunt. I trust she can handle you. Your older brother will be right here too. I'll be back soon, Irina."
The one-year-old babbled back, half-coherently.
When she stopped, Elda nodded, passed the cold baby to her daughter and paused. The older woman whispered, "I need you to channel Steel energy into your upper body in order to hold Irina. And just in case, no Pokemon near her, please."
There went the plan to show off her Pokemon to the children.
With that, Esmeralda marched off with a purpose. She left a still Brittany behind. The younger woman hadn't utilized her own aura in years, something that totally went against everything Esmeralda trained her in. Bree shut her eyes, indecisively.
Inadvertently, it made her focus on the intensifying chill gaining on her arms.
O-Oh shit.
She glanced over at the baby's parents. They had dealt with this for a year? It must've been heartbreaking.
As if feeling the gaze of the mocha-skinned woman, Saori turned her way, nudging her husband with narrowed eyes. A feeling brushed over her, unable to find any opening as Bree unconsciously channeled the Steel energy through herself.
Apparently, she hadn't lost her touch with it despite the years of neglect.
The stare down broke when the one-year-old Irina cried in joy, "Mommy, Papa!"
Beside the former, Roger smiled widely. He turned to reassure his wife of the situation and helped Saori along. Even after a year after Irina's birth, the woman was weakened. Slowly, she was getting better and could hold her daughter with sheer determination.
But here was Roger's sister doing it with ease at their first meeting. It just wasn't fair.
Due to the progress she made with her Psychic abilities, she could stomach not being physical with her daughter. Even then, it only just made it bearable. She couldn't help her squad or around the Bug compound, since the weakened woman had only recently gotten well enough to stay standing upright for long periods of time.
The positive emotions flooding her had staved off the pain of kneeling and rising. The fact she succeeded in hiding the pain helped her feel much more confident. It faded quickly.
Nonetheless, it was embarrassing she needed some help to walk around, but she couldn't put off their marriage any longer. She didn't care that her now mother-in-law didn't mind, excusing it with childbirth. If she stayed bedridden any longer, she'd lose her mind.
A yell from her partner drew her from her thoughts, "Sis! You made it!" He faltered slightly at the sight of Irina in her arms. "W-, Will you be okay?"
"Oh this?" Bree scoffed and waved off the concern, "this is nothing." She marched up to her brother and planted the knuckles of a fist against his chest. "How long were you going to hide this from me, huh, Roy?"
The man grumbled, "you know I don't like that name." It was awfully close to his father's name, and she definitely knew it. "Didn't want you to worry. It seemed like you had a lot on your plate."
A flicker of regret flashed on the woman's face. "Family supersedes everything, my dear lil bro. I-" her face scrunched up, "I'm sorry for not visiting earlier."
Roger shook his head and waved it off for later, swatting his hand away. "Anyway, here's my wife in the flesh. I hope you two will get along. Only the creature of deep, Lugia, can match waves between her and Ma..."
Saori blushed out of embarrassment, tightening her hold on his arm unconsciously before releasing him, slightly wobbly, "W-We've gotten much better." She bowed towards his adopted sister as her husband crouched down to their son. Biting back a wheeze and grimace, she formally greeted, "I've heard much about you, Brittany. I'm pleased to finally meet you in the flesh.
"Sorry about earlier. You were so much more beautiful than in the pictures that I didn't know you were the same person."
The dark-skinned woman grinned easily. "Bah. Don't worry about it. And," she gave a flat look to her goofy brother, "are you sure you're okay with this guy as your husband?"
"Absolutely and easily," the black-haired woman replied curtly.
Brittany blinked. "Wow. You certainly don't make any half attempts, do ya?"
Roger cut back into the conversation, stepping away from his tired son, "Hey hey, that's enough teasing for my wife. Only I'm allowed to do that."
His sister grinned, wolfishly, "Yuh, I'll bet with these two kids."
The man neither blushed nor denied it. He sighed, tiredly. "Still crass as always, huh, Sis?" He led Saori to a chair nearby.
That threw Bree for a loop. Saori didn't seem like the type to accept help. She of all people knew the signs of it intimately. "Something up?"
Probably for the first time this day, Roger frowned. "Sai, well... she's still recovering from Isis' birth."
Saori seemed to shrink into herself. The reality of everything returning to her. She had tried so hard to ignore it and fight through it all. However, she couldn't get it completely past Roger's attentive eyes.
The newlywed wife went to apologize, but he cut her off by simply kissing her head and then her lips. She reddened all over. Even still, she fought past that. "I'm sorry, Husband." She smiled as their son sought her out to comfort her. It was one of the few times she didn't need it but appreciated it all the same.
"Again, not your fault. Or Isis'. Neither mine nor Ma's."
With all of this, the pieces of the puzzle began to fit together for the mystery of Irina's powers in the sister's mind. It was quite tragic. It was only due to modern advancements and the woman's own powers did Saori survive, Bree guessed.
Esmeralda had given her the infamous talk and then some. These powers of hers, while a godsend, could easily complicate childbirth. Luckily for her, she handled one of the better defensive types, Steel.
However, her minor ties to Rock and Ice made sure she was a weird case. Brittany couldn't be sure how she herself would churn out a child. Dual-type people had a much higher chance of spitting out an aura user. An unheard-of triple type, on the other hand? Her adopted mother could only guess. Her actual mother had died at childbirth, apparently with no father or family to contact. On top of that, she was only given a twenty percent chance to survive birth in the first place.
Perhaps, Esmeralda taking her in was for the best, since it had made her strong.
Even if she had been a lowly coward that avoided even her family...
E-Either way, she never really found a suitable man. Or woman. She had tried and stopped years ago. Compounding her trauma with people after the event that ruined her Pokemon journey, she doubted she ever would. Just imagining a figure over her sent her back to...
That was not the time for all this.
She shook her head, drawing all their attention. "Sadly, my lil bro is right."
With everything calming down, Irina finally made the choice to act out. The smell of her diaper became stronger suddenly. She began to whine.
Her parents moved to say something, but Brittany stopped them, "You guys got an extra diaper? I've changed Roger many times in the past." Their parents had left them home alone during the war, after all. Sure, under the guidance and care of tamed Pokemon, but the Pokemon certainly didn't know how to change diapers yet. Elroy hadn't either.
As a young teen, Bree had taught Mari how to change him after the maternal Pokemon revealed its curiosity. She was taught by Esmeralda after her husband completely failed at it. Speaking of her father, she still couldn't believe he didn't make it.
He had promised...
Saori rose, "I couldn't leav—"
Roger placed a hand on her shoulder, easily overpowering her and pushing her back to her seat when her legs failed her. "Saori, if you get up again, I'm taking you home, back to bed, using your Orbeetle." He rotated his jaw and massaged her shoulders as tears filled her eyes. Feeling weak and powerless drew the worst out of her. "I know. I know, Sai. But, you need to rest," he stressed. "Don't worry about Irina. I trust my sister. Compared to Ma, she'd even be better at protecting. Ah- but that's besides the point.
"I could give less than a Patrat's ass if you were sick and weak. Didn't we just give our vows? When was the last time I went back on my word? If we have to cut the venture short, no one will mind. They know."
"It's okay, Mommy. You gotta rest. You walked around a lot!" She smiled down to their son, who took both her hands into his. "It was more than yester-day's uh prawice!"
Sadly, she had to take one of them back, so she could dab at her watery eyes. She gave Rayol a small smile, "I did, didn't I?" She pointedly ignored Brittany, who walking away with a diaper Roger had passed her.
"Mhmm!" The boy nodded happily. His father pulled up a chair beside Saori for the boy and plopped him into it. "Me a little tired too, hehe.." he had been up and standing straight the whole afternoon. Esmeralda would have nothing but utmost perfection after all. Rayol took to it as best as he could.
His mother simply kissed his head. She had watched him the entire time from the corner of her vision. He was so very cute in his mini tuxedo, vest, and all. Saori was sure he'd be a heartbreaker in the future. She had been one, regretfully. And—
"Saori, I'm going to look for Ma," he said with furrowed brows. "She's taking a while. She normally wouldn't be so long, so I'm afraid she might've gotten into trouble." His gaze narrowed as he scanned the crowd. He mumbled, "I was sure I got rid of anyone who believed in the lies and rumors and would cause trouble." It had come up many times as he grew up. His sister had shielded him as best as she could, but she wasn't everywhere and had gone on a journey eventually. Albeit, at an older age and one shorter than most people.
Even though he was bad at names, he could never forget a face. Especially one who spoke ill of his mother.
"Okay, dear. I'll... be here with Ray."
The man nodded and stalked off. For a couple more moments, the pair watched everyone else interact.
"Mommy, can I nap?"
"Of course."
The boy's eyes fluttered closed, and his body leaned against hers. Saori shifted him so his head and shoulders lay in her lap. With a shaky exhale, she bit back her frustrations with being unable to handle his full weight. Never mind, walking after taking a seat and relaxing.
It would happen eventually. Her Pokemon believed it. Esmeralda had promised it. The doctors had said the weakness was temporary, but weirdly long-lasting. Her physical therapist had mentioned she was making great progress, and it was only a matter of time before she could regain her stamina.
One infinitely minute step at a time, she supposed.
Just a month ago, she couldn't handle the weight of Rayol in the slightest. Now she had gotten used to his head in her lap that she—
Saori caught herself. She was already playing with his hair. Ah, she could recall herself as a child. She had wanted nothing more than a parent to help braid her hair out of jealousy back then. She had come far since. Further than most and definitely more than she had ever thought possible, she'd solemnly admit.
It was a long and arduous journey. She wouldn't trade it for the world. She was always patient. She could do this. It was one step at a time.
Just a little longer...
"Back to meditating, I guess," she grumbled. There was some minor comfort, sensing Irina's emotional state with her sister-in law.
"Ghetsis."
The man turned, having waited away in a clearing alone. No, as he turned, Esmeralda spied a small head of green. The effeminate boy was Rayol's age. She guessed a little older or had better physical genes given his height. They both cringed at her icy glare.
The boy was invisible to her sharp senses. Not impossible, but highly improbable for a young boy. Hopefully, he wouldn't live long or smart enough to cultivate this... ability. It was much different from the abnormal trio of types to hide from her senses. He fit into his surroundings too well.
"Esdeath, a pleasure to see you again finally." The man, seemingly smaller without the armor he wore during war, practically shielded himself behind this innocuous boy. "This is my grandson, N." It was even comical. The man was 6'6" (2m).
She didn't bother acknowledging the boy. Instead, she took a step closer from the edge of the clearing, just a little hidden from the venue. Because she was the traitorous veteran of old, no one batted an eye her way. The pale blue hair glowed and glittered as ice crystals began to grow all around her. She hissed, "What are you doing here?" The temperature inched lower and lower. "What could possibly bring you to my children?"
Ghetsis had totally misjudged and overplayed his hand. Still, he could fix this. "Nothing other than my job." If not, then the Shadow Triad was ever-present as N's guard. "I assumed our meeting wouldn't be... so cold but pretty amicable after all these years, my old friend." The group was trained specifically for threats like Esdeath.
"Don't you dare!" The chill blew out from around her, increasing as she took two more steps. "You think I am blind and weak?" She held out both her hands as the trees rustled. Three blocks of ice flew at an incredible rate her way. Within them, his infamous guards stared uselessly and completely immobile. "Don't test me, Ghetsis. You don't get that right anymore. I will always be stronger than you.
"Ultimate Arachnid Formation," she howled as a show of force than anything else.
A fleet of spiders materialized from the trees. Some rode silk, clung to trees or hung upside-down. Each and every one of them was eager to brandish the natural tools they were given. They were purple, yellow, or blue, consisting of the corresponding typing.
She had mastered using her body's own chemicals to direct her insect army years ago and trained said army to be privy and sensitive to them.
Roger was still stuck using scented tags. He was no more than a strengthened human with zero aura training. And that was no more than any other person who grew up around Pokemon. Nevertheless, there was pride in how far he had come, mostly without her direct involvement.
All the same, there was so much work for him to overtake her role, but she would now be there for him. The useless war, where the Unova region paif for overreaching their hands, forced her away from her family. In the end, she had lost her King.
She hid the outrage behind walls of tasks. Right then and there, she had no need for any of that.
Before her was the person who stopped her from saving Elroy.
"—While you cling to the immaterial ideals of old and the false truth of those long gone," Esmeralda chided, frostily, "you wane and shrivel, you Lost 'Noble' Gray Dog of a DUSTED Kingdom!" She ended with a flare, slipping into her old language. Ice sprung from her, forming an artificial crater, lined with spikes. She didn't bother moving closer as this supposed Ghetsis grabbed his alleged grandson and pulled them out of ground zero. "I've done my research, infiltrated the ruins and traveled dimensions to hunt the loose ends. I still haven't found a decent reason you held me back.
"So, give me one reason—one good reason why I shouldn't end you and your failed line."
Despite shivering in both cold and fear, the boy named N stayed rigid and confused. He didn't exactly know what was going on or understand, but this woman was throwing more power around than he had ever seen from Pokemon. She felt violent. Needlessly so. Her intentions weren't kind either, to say the least.
Violence was bad. Necessary for life, yes. But, where was the reason for the conflict?
The boy wasn't afraid of the Pokemon. They were Bug Types. It was hardwired into them to bow to their Queen. There was no reason to blame them. This human woman, a similar height to the man whisking him away, was at fault. She summoned them, after all.
It was such a waste.
As if hearing the boy's thoughts, Esdeath made her move. With but a flick of her gaze, a dual dome of ice trapped light, ricocheting the image of the forest at the perfect angle before she would ruin the greenery. The people of the venture would be none the wiser besides a slight chill entering the area. It felt nothing more than a breeze.
A slab of ice swatted them out of the sparkling sky. Ghetsis threw the boy from his arms just before his lower half was crushed.
"M-Milord, run—!"
Esdeath appeared on the ice without a sound, causing the man's eyes to bug out, "Figured. You're no Ghetsis." She grumbled, "He's too prideful to not take the chance to speak the old tongue." Ice grew out of the man's skull, killing him instantly. "Couldn't even teach a 'perfect' copy the forgotten language." The 'man' then reverted into a ditto. In a flash, she froze it solid before crashing a heel into it, turning it into powder.
"Hm," she paused in thought. Ghetsis or someone had perfected human cloning through Ditto, it seemed. Whatever group he was a part of now was still carrying out the old research. Far from her area of interest, she could only guess.
For a large man, Ghetsis was a slippery one. Such was common with Dark types, after all. However, there was a reason Bugs were effective against them.
'N' was stunned on the other hand.
This person, who looked to be the same species as him, was killed his transformed friend. Rage blossomed into him like never before. Then, her icy gaze snapped to the boy. A cold drenched his bones, effectively killing off any sort of thoughts of revenge. Survival instincts kicked in, but he was alone. There was nothing a small person such as himself could do. He couldn't rely on his friends who were nowhere to be fine.
He was going to die.
He didn't even understand why.
"—Hey Ma!" came her son's voice, followed by a knock to the icy dome.
N sprung into action. Immediately, he commandeered a Galvantula by emulating this Esdeath's scent and twisting chemicals accordingly. Having lived in a forest, he was quite used to hiding and assuming control of nature's cells, similarly. He couldn't completely overpower this human's control unless it focused down to one.
The boy hoped he picked the one of the stronger ones because he would have to fight through the rest of them if their Queen quickly recovered.
"[Agility, please!]" he requested in what sounded like gibberish. Either they had to fight through the army, or they could skip the yellow Pokemon's previous allies entirely if they went fast enough. "[Stringshot to the tree to fly forward!]"
Fly forward they went.
The whiplash nearly threw the boy off. His will to live, powered by the adrenaline and dying rage pumping through his veins, forced him to hold on. As they came closer to the boundary, he clutched the fur tighter until his knuckles became nearly transparent.
He could feel the killing intent.
Underling it, she was willing to let him go. The physical speed she showcased, the mastery of her bugs she revealed, and the conjuring of clear ice reassured him that there was nothing he could do that she couldn't prevent. He did not know why she wasn't, but he wasn't going to complain now.
"[Wild Charge through the ice!]"
In a flash, the ice shattered around the two.
Back with Esmeralda, she summoned an ice clone. It charged N's way as she turned to her son. Behind it, she sent a Joltik. It was tiny, very capable and held two shards of everstones hidden within its fur.
Maybe- just maybe, she had overreacted. None of the infiltrators came from Ghetsis. He hadn't done anything of note towards her or her children since she nearly killed him.
However, as soon as she noticed the hidden guards, the doppelgänger and further lies, she lost herself to her anger. She had thought she stuffed it all away in her isolation. Clearly it wasn't so. Ghetsis, this copy at least, had banked on it. She would've let him go if it wasn't for...
She had only convinced herself of a lie.
Whatever.
For whatever reason, Ghetsis served N on a silver platter. This time, she wouldn't bite.
"Ma," Roger's gaze took in the human popsicles, reaching the clearing, "what's going on?"
Esmeralda's eyes widened as the true Ghetsis stepped out from the foliage, brushing leaves from himself, just a couple of steps away from her son. There was no mistaking it, as he sent her a smirk and answered Roger, "Oh, it's nothing. Your mother and I just wanted to have a private conversation."
The younger man narrowed his eyes but turned to his mother. "That right?"
For the first time in years, Esmeralda's heart beat warmly with concern. But she hid it easily. "Yes, Son." She gestured at the human-filled ice cubes, "These are nothing to be worried about. Just worry about my da- your wife." Her son stood there a while longer, so she continued, biting back the urgency, "Go on. It's all handled, Roger."
His split attention never left the priest to his side. The older man's smile simply widened ever so slightly before nodding once. "Okay..." Roger shuffled back, "We might leave early, so don't take long!" With that, he left without so much as a glance over his shoulder.
"Ghetsis." Esmeralda hissed, seething internally. The situation had completely slipped out of her control and could turn for the worse if she made a move, knowing the Dark type user.
The man furrowed his brows, dropping his fatherly persona easily. "Another eye for an eye, eh?" He slowly approached her. "You may have regretted showing me mercy that fateful evening, but I forgive you for beating me to death's door that night. After all, it was but a favor to your deceased husband.
"Now," his slight smirk inverted, as he released a pulse of dark energy to collapse the ice on his guards, "we are even." He bent forward slightly as if to bow and whispered, "you're lucky you didn't harm my son. Useless ditto couldn't even protect him." The man shook his head, raising. "Thank you for confirming that important fact, [The One Who Held The Sun]." The sarcasm rolled off his tongue easily before he changed focus.
"Now come, Shadow Triad."
They watched the freed trio struggle to rise and kneeled before their master in a triangle formation as quickly as they could in their weakened state.
They all spoke in monotone, "We beg for forgiveness."
Ghetsis clicked his tongue and ignored them. "Esdeath, I only want the same thing as Elroy." The woman bit back her heated response in favor of silence. Seeing it, the green-haired man continued, "Freedom. For all. Pokemon and Humankind alike."
"Don't preach to me again, Ghetsis."
"Fine, fine," he waved off, remembering the last time it happened. Instead, he clapped his hands once and turning deathly serious. "You will not believe me, but I'm not sending spies your way." He frowned at her lack of reaction. "They stole my research and used it to clone spies—"
"I know."
Esmeralda took sadistic glee at his shocked expression. It may not have been her own discovery, but since Saori was now family, she could take pride in it. Psychics were ultimately the best at mental delving. It was an easy thing to admit. Torture could only get so much. Even her special brand of it (quite literally), but it was close in her modest opinion.
After getting over his shock, the man's face flickered with anger once before he schooled it to calmly ask, "Why so aggressive then?"
"Does it matter?" The woman took a gamble. "It wasn't you in the end."
The tall and robust man narrowed his eyes. "I suppose you're right." He held out a hand. "I'll get out of your section of Unova now then. I have my son to chase down."
Esmeralda ignored the hand and didn't dignify him with an apology.
"...Follow the Joltik I sent out and use the Galvantula to pass messages instead of pretending to be a Father."
With that, she marched back to venture. The ice dome and all the other ice constructs blinked out of existence as she began her first step passed him.
"Man, what a woman." Ghetsis turned to his subordinates, "what to do with you three...
"Go chase down my son, you sniveling excuses for guards. You should be able to do that much."
The next morning, Rayol groggily walked into the dining room. It was a shared space with the main kitchen of the house, divided by the stone-slab island in the middle. His prescence seemed to go unnoticed by his grandmother so he stood beside her until she did awknowledge him.
"Good morning, Rayol." The raw affection in her voice made him warm, but he assumed it was from the stove before them.
"Grand-grand, g'morning." He yawned into his hand, "Is Auntie still asleep?"
Esmeralda paused from her cooking. There had to be a way to explain it in a manner he could understand, surely. Hoenn was a long trip from Unova. Knowing her daughter, most of the trip must've been complicated. That wasn't taking into account yesterday's ordeal after she returned.
"...She's used to sleeping and waking up at a different time. Brittany usually likes to sleep in when she can, but—"
"I hope you're not besmirching my good name, Ma," Brittany said, stretching in the doorway.
"Good morning to you, dear. I wouldn't do such a thing."
"G'morning Auntie!"
"G'morning to you too!" The dark-skinned woman grinned before sniffing the air. "Tomato soup for breakfast?"
"...Saori experienced the outside world for the first time after an extended stay. For Irina, it was her first and last time for the forseeable future. I'd be more surprised if they were fine." Especially knowing the people who showed up. In particular, one arbiter.
"Soup it is."
"Don't worry, Brittany. I still remember you like your protein. I haven't forgotten."
"R-Right. Thanks."
When the younger woman faltered, Elda's lips quirked up, slightly. The former pulled a seat next to Rayol and chatted the boy up.
Or tried.
"Oh and Brittany? No smoking here. That's an order."
"How didja even?"
The icy woman didn't bother answering the question. "The children are very sensitive." She brought the stirring utensil to her lips for a taste. She smiled to herself as a warm feeling overtook her. It tasted the way Elroy used to make it, except for the man himself...
Soon, the rest of the family would meet them for breakfast. It was just a matter of keeping the soup unburnt for them. So, stirring, she went...
Elda blinked. Or maybe not. While the married couple didn't exactly have a honeymoon, they were probably going to sleep in. It was stressful on Saori, and her son would want to be there for her. And so, she nodded mentally, readying some bowls for them to eat.
Bree, on the other hand, glanced at her nephew, who met her gaze with innocence with an unsaid question. 'What's smoking?' She deflated with a sigh.
"Okay. Fine."
With that, she made small talk with the boy. It reminded her of her days taking care of Roger. Although, Rayol was generally happier (only reinforcing how wrong she was during her more intense depressive state) and quieter. He didn't nerd out about math, looking for praise all the while, and help her with her own homework. Instead, he knew the ins and outs of most of the Bug Pokemon on their "Ranch" she liked to call it. What berries each species preferred, how to approach them carefully, their territories, and a bunch of other boring stuff.
She wasn't really a fan of the bugs unless they were Steel, Rock, or Ice type as well. Even then, not by much. Growing up surrounded by them, it would be a nightmare if she remained afraid or intimidated. She just couldn't get over the unease.
"Here you go, Brittany. Rayol. Don't forget to blow if it's still too hot."
"Thank you, Grandma."
"It smells just like Dad's."
Her mother passed her a small smile that made the darker woman freeze. Elda seemed to ignore it and instead shuffled back to the stove for her own bowl. Patiently, they waited for her to return before they ate. Brittany was more than thankful as it allowed her to regather herself as she chatted with her nephew.
Once all together, they ate in relative silence with the occasional slurps, probably accidental in nature, from the younger two. Brittany shoved down her embarrassment when she realized. She had gotten too used to eating by her lonesome. Rayol, on the other hand, was trying his best to emulate his grandmother, she assumed. He was keeping count (he wasn't) in terms of slurps and matching with her even!
After a very (not) long breakfast, they talked for a bit. Esmeralda made some prods for small talk but excused herself not long after.
"...I'll go check up on your sister, Ray."
"Hopefully, she's feeling better!"
"She is."
With that, the bluette departed.
After the older woman returned from her impromptu meeting with Ghetsis, Brittany had been thanked for watching over Irina. As it so happened, Brii's presence and aura helped shield not just herself but the baby in her arms as well. Just like Esmeralda's, if not better. And when the girl was removed and replaced into her father's arms at his own innocent request, Irina was racked with a fit of coughs and even more hives as her temperature rose significantly. It was a concerning sight for anyone, never mind a baby.
Esmeralda did what she could to reduce the damage, but she could do nothing to stop the baby from crying out in pain. They had to risk using Saori's Orbeetle to teleport home, where the grandmother put her into rest, locking down the girl's room.
It killed any happiness Saori felt that day. The woman knew the potential risks but to see and feel the effects in full through their mental bond, struck the woman down. She tried her best to help, but only succeeded in summoning her Orbeetle before collapsing. Her body failed to listen no matter what. That did her in as her mind shut down, unable to handle her thoughts, her outrage, her uselessness, her soreness, her daughter's coughs, her daughter's appearance, her daughter's cries...
Roger spent the night seeing to her needs and comforting her after she awoke. She had begged to see her daughter, but to no avail. Neither were in any shape for that. It tore her apart.
Rayol stood by, doing what he could, which was to stay out of the way. He knew that much. Unknowingly, his mother broadcasted everything to him. It took everything for him to remain seated beside his father torn between guilt and concern, helping his mother into his arms. It would've been a picture-perfect image of the bride and groom, if not for the context.
Even now, the boy was still processing all of it, but put on as brave a face as he could. It helped that his aunt was there to guide him home and hugged him to sleep as he finally began to cry. Instantly, Bree was one of his favorite people in the entire world.
Hopefully, she could stay, e-even though she didn't really like Bug type Pokemon.
Without understanding it, he had a feeling she wouldn't, so he would make the best of her stay.
If only he could stay awake!
"...so Scizors will use the Steel typing for both attack and defense— are you still listening, Ray?" Brittany asked more out of concern, knowing the events from yesterday were more than still fresh in the boy's head. It would be hard for them not to. Truthfully, it was only due to Rayol that she didn't linger on the fact that of course the day she returned this happened or that Saori's despair was vaguely similar..
The boy nodded.
She continued to lecture him, but eventually, he nodded off completely. She didn't blame him. No one got much sleep that night. With ease, he lay in her arms. She pressed her lips to his forehead with the same amount of ease and replaced him onto his large bed. If just to keep him awake tomorrow, she'd show off her Pokemon to him tomorrow.
"Sweet dreams, Nephew."
But first, she had to reschedule her ride to Hoenn. A weekend wouldn't be enough to help. Maybe a week would do. Or a month.
...A peaceful year and a half had passed since then. Saori had mostly recovered since then. Even now, she took much joy and solace in being able to help her son get ready every morning. This important morning especially.
Roger entered the master bedroom, followed by the rest of the family. It was deathly silent because his wife loved and preferred mental conversations now, having overcome a Psychic barrier in her aura abilities. "Hey Sai?"
"Yes?"
The man paused, not expecting a calm response, "Are you sure you're okay?" It was a critical day, after all.
"Mhm," she hummed, gently combing their son's hair. The boy sat patiently, eyeing his family through the mirror on the dresser. Even with all the people, it was still quite spacious. Though, it was rather spartan.
Normally, they'd all gather around in the dining room for breakfast. However, they wanted to be there every step of the way before Rayol's first day at school started. Even his toddler sister was up, held in Esmeralda's unshakable grasp, barely understanding a thing.
Other than the fact, her brother was leaving.
"—Grand-grand, whose eggs are those?" On the bed, her older brother spied the eight, slightly oversized eggs with an extra sparkle. As did she. The eggs had suddenly appeared, dropping from the ceiling. Their base color was a slight green, distinguishing them as mainly bug types, and dotted with other colors to provide their secondary typing.
Through the mental connection with their mother, the children could feel her amusement grow but kept quiet.
And just like that, the female toddler's mind stuffed one of the important factors of this day. It was a real Pokemon eggs! Irina wasn't allowed near Pokemon, never mind interact with them much and could only watch through the windows or the computer.
No matter how much she begged.
The closest she'd been to a Pokemon since their Auntie's stay (sadly, she couldn't remember much) was one coaxed along by her brother. He had gotten in a lot of trouble and never did it again.
Ray mentioned the house was once filled with Pokemon. That was hard to imagine. He told her about the larvae Pokemon that heated the blankets or laundry, stoked the flames, helped move the furniture, and so on. But ever since she could remember, no Bugs ever set foot in the house except the few assistants Esmeralda kept hidden from her.
"—One of these will be yours, Rayol," came her grandmother's proud voice, just above the girl. The children gaped at her. The boy did so through the mirror, mindful of his mother's careful hands. The toddler girl nearly gave herself whiplash with how fast she turned.
"Under your father, they're all specifically bred to be your potential starter." She smiled simply as fond memories rushed her. "Are you ready to decide?"
Perhaps, it was only due to being under his mother's touch that he remained as calm as he was. He nodded once.
His gaze fell back to the eggs. Each one had spots of various colors. One orange. Then, blue. Purple. Red. Pink. Cyan. Turquoise. Magenta.
The orange one called out to him, begged him to pick it. And then, he tore his focus onto the next one. It happened again. His mind, through the mirror, tried to touch it somehow.
Either way, they weren't the right ones.
All except the turquoise grabbed his attention for the lack of feeling. It fit right into the small paradise he called home. Therefore, it was the one for him.
The adults pick up on it.
His father furrowed his brows in thought. That egg, really? He had specifically bred each one. Nothing but the best for his children, after all. Honestly, this one was just a... placeholder. It wasn't a terrible starter, but it was only a two-stage Pokemon with diverging lines rather than a direct evolutionary path like almost literally every other Pokemon.
Instead of normal evolution, this Pokemon's possible paths, even one of stagnation, would see the Pokemon excel in their niche, and that's it. It advanced to fit their environment by gradual, DNA-splicing evolution after decades upon decades, similar to humans, actually.
The perfect starter would be one with three stages to emulate their trainer's growth with flexibility. This one would serve best as a second or third in line. Roger hadn't imagined his son would pick this type. It was nowhere seen in the modern trainers that ran through his family. Scizor may have been his father's Ace, but Scolipede held the title as his Starter.
He glanced at his wife. It may have run through hers. They would have no idea as her orphanage nor blood tests could find a relative.
A quick look at his mother saw her quite the same. Elda absolutely trusted his breeding capabilities, having long given him the reins on the manner. She was suited for general care for the unruly or tougher species, training/discipline, and general command.
—Maybe, for this Pokemon, he should've focused more on its abilities. As he had done, it was destined to be a bit of a jack of trades, easily ready to mold into its potential routes of growth or evolution. However, that's exactly what would hold it back. This species had two extremes or builds.
...Well, there was his wife's, but that was an exception.
There was one more, but it was an extinct evolutionary path only mentioned in the ancient records of their library.
He froze, noticing both the women's happily serene expressions.
This time, he was being the monster of logic, calculating their son's undetermined future instead of being proud and joyous over Ray's once-in-a-lifetime occasion. A look at his isolated daughter even saw her happy at the idea instead of budding envy.
—His mother was much better at raising young than anyone gave her credit for. Perhaps, he was hasty for accusing his potential upbringing all those months ago...
A cold, small hand curled around one of his thick fingers. "Papa?"
As if a switch flipped, Roger smiled brightly, gently sweeping his girl into his arms. "It looks like your brother made his choice."
The boy flinched, blinking at him through the mirror. Saori held back a giggle, reassuring him verbally, "we all know that look, my dear son." She turned him around and moved aside while squeezing his shoulder, slightly. "Go on.."
Rayol hopped off the seat but froze, remembering something. He moved to speak, but Esmeralda cut him off, "Your sister will be alright. Don't underestimate your father's work."
Roger couldn't help the smirk, despite some of his rapid thoughts. It took a while to get it down perfectly, but based on breeding done for his own Butterfree, the man got their shedding and chemical-based reactionary senses sharpened, so that the latest batch of Pokemon no longer made excess in mass. They were sensitive to it in order for them to unconsciously be hygienic. The mess would be negligent or easily cleaned if they kept a fairy, fire, or ice type handy. The older generation had been trained by his mother to emulate it. It helped reinforce the notion into the young. Soon, his baby girl would be much like their son and be able to explore their land.
Hopefully...
"You hear that, Isis?" The man started, shifting her onto his other arm, as the other one would soon become too cold for comfort. "The Bug Pokemon will return to our home." It was all his daughter wanted these days. He would be damned to the void before he could deliver on her wish. "You'll be able to touch some of them even!"
As the parents became accustomed to the toddler's chilling presence, it only grew stronger at the same rate, so they ultimately made no progress on that front. Soon, their bodies would reach a limit, whereas Irina's would—hopefully—not.
Thankfully, whilst bedridden, Saori broke some kind of mental barrier on her Psychic ability. She could now carry psychic conversations up to two others at a time. It grew to three with the dark-haired woman's protracted training in bed. Almost always, she remained connected to their children and one of her Pokemon. It was great to see, uplifting his mood to even see much happier.
Though, he couldn't help but feel left out at times.
A voice entered his head seamlessly.
'Dear, you made her dream manifest into reality. Don't you dare undermine your worth or belittle your actions. Before that, you discovered the right mixes of silk to protect her from the outside world. I– and your mother wouldn't have discovered it.'
And just like that, he was all better in a split second. His awesome wife knew him well.
Saori bit back a giggle. Her husband was very open with his feelings and practically radiated his thoughts and feelings.
His little girl's eyes sparkled further as they widened in his direction. "Really?" She admired her brother approaching the egg. "Epic!" It was an exclamation she picked up from him. Roger's smile grew slightly at the thought. "Look! Look! He about to pick!"
"I will pick this... one," Rayol said, moving to hug the turquoise-dotted egg to himself. It was nearly the size of his torso. "Do I go find an incu..bator?" he asked cutely.
His stoic and vigilant grandmother pulled out an incubator from nowhere. Geez. It wasn't something someone could casually carry around like she was. The tech was sensitive, expensive and—she whipped the extra bulky machinery out from a spatial storage in front of the boy like it was nothing special.
Which, Roger knew at first glance, it wasn't.
It was the latest, unreleased, top of the line product from Hoenn. It promised specifically AI-trained software based on some of the greatest professors and breeders to have ever lived (including yours truly!). From the basic heating of common incubators to emulating environments of all sorts and the mimicking of the egg's owner to the excess info dump that even Roger or Saori would struggle to sort through, it could and would do it all... Plus, up to three similar eggs.
So to say it was a small fortune would be an understatement. It would be money that Esmeralda—that they didn't have. Roger filed that away to ask about later, shifting his daughter back onto the first arm.
They all watched the boy insert his egg into the center container.
—The early stages of Pokemon were so important, it could make or break a Pokemon's viability with a single misstep. Bug types were much more flexible, not just due to their numbers, but based on their ability to adapt, the true basis of the Type.
Normally, an owner of an egg should remain intimate with their egg and root a bond. It often destined the Pokemon for greater power for a multitude of reasons. For some pokemon, it allowed a Pokemon bypass the taming process, even for aggressive types, and increased the initial growth of Pokemon, one of the most important stages all researchers and breeders agreed on. For Bugs however? It wasn't necessary. They were born with the innate knowledge of the power structure, even for unnaturally aggressive species within Rayol's egg.
—They were born and housed under Esmeralda's grand aura for one thing.
In fact, it would be something Roger would advocate for, but these Pokemon eggs were close to hatching already. The Bug type eggs hatched as quickly as they grew and evolved.
As his son pulled away and the special glass cut the egg off from the outside world, instructions overtook the glass. The first was to place his hands against the glass where a red outline sat. The boy need not even read and did so without further prompting.
At the top, the name of the species sat.
Scyther.
Beneath it, a flood of info overtook the rest of the glass. The estimated time until hatch (2 day), its likely temperament, ratio of its possible abilities (pretty even across the board), the current stage of birth, the probable parents, possible egg moves, the limit, and range of its possible 'stats,' the current bond between its owner, and so on...
Saori, however, blinked at the time in the corner of the incubator before turning to the clock on the nightstand. The latter was unmoving. Dead.
Similar to it, the woman froze.
Her focus was entirely on her son, so she hadn't realized. It wouldn't be good to be late on his first day. That could only be a bad omen.
"Oh!" She cried, "we have to hurry, Ray!" Her handsomely dressed son was too engrossed with his starter. Understandably so. Even still, they had to go. "Ray—"
A cold hand gave her pause. The voice following it calmed her. "Breakfast is already ready. Kricketune was simply waiting." From the door, the Bug type scurried in. A pair of bladed arms held a plate, like a butler. "A light breakfast would be best in case of anything. His lunch will make up for his possible appetite."
Neither of their gazes left the young boy. The younger woman was content to read his emotions and his racing thoughts. Her beloved son would be an epic trainer.
"This marks the start of his Legendary path."
Saori flinched. She had quickly forgotten Elda's presence, too engrossed with her son again. Either way, she couldn't deny the statement. Whatever path Rayol ultimately chose, he would excel. There were no ifs or buts. Just when.
Chances are that because of the combination of the women's stories, Rayol would become a battler of some sort. He loved them, they spoiled him and his sister every night. He already knew most of the basic movepool of his favored Bugs.
"...probably a Scizor," the older woman mumbled.
"You won't push him to revive the forgotten species, Ma?" Roger joined them after ushering Irina to join her brother. The incubator would protect the egg, so there was no need to worry.
The woman paused, slightly, "No." Her features schooled back to neutral, hiding her truest thoughts on the matter. "It went extinct for a reason. I couldn't trust it to protect my grandson."
Her mind turned to the possible training routines for the Pokemon, pushing off any negative thoughts.
Saori turned to her husband to voice a question she had for a while now. "Is this from my Scizor?" In the years after their marriage, the family finally got the rest of her Bugs to join the colony. She was well enough to have joined some sessions (mostly the psychic ones since Roger had trouble with them) and learned plenty, but not enough to strain herself for hours doing fieldwork yet. She mostly handled the computer or paperwork.
After all these years, she still didn't know the ins and outs. It was disappointing.
Her husband laughed. Even Esmeralda cracked a snicker.
"D- Did I say something funny?"
"Sai, your Scizor turned fu- smashing into a sport, and singlehandedly exploded the population." His wife lit up like a Voltorb. "It took yours ah-while to beat the Queen in a fight. But after throwing down with Ma's Scizor, they couldn't keep their hands off one another." Roger paused in thought and tacked, "I'm pretty sure at least a quarter of the eggs belong to the two." he nodded to himself, recalling the numbers. "Thankfully, Scythers are a popular Pokemon for their strengths, especially since ours are tamed, so we had plenty to sell."
It was much better than his mother's alternative: cull the weak and excess. She hadn't known a better way, apparently. T-Thankfully, it mostly desensitized him to death. It also birthed his initial drive to become a Pokemon veterinarian, as he thought they were sick and being put out their misery as his older sister had put it.
Esmeralda added, proudly, "The pair will make very strong children, I'm sure. Your Scizor is a monster in its own right. He's taking to my lessons very well." Her eyes sparkled in nearly unbridled glee. For the 'solid' typings, Esmeralda personally raised and trained them, even if Scyther was a flying type at their first stage. At least half of them chose to evolve into their Steel counterpart.
The experience she earned from raising Brittany gave Elda much understanding of two of the three 'solid' types, after all.
"Combining the ability factors of the two, their trained and inherited instincts, Rayol's future Scizor would be nothing less than absolutely dreadful.
A great starter for my grandson."
Pokemon with the ability, Technician, could transfer massive knowledge vats to their young in the form of inherent instincts. That was on top of the Bug typing's natural inclination of doing so to adapt quicker. Nearly a third of wild Scyther had significant grounds with the ability. Combining the two explained why Scyther were often some of the strongest Pokemon in their domains.
It helped that they culled the weak and sought battle experience.
Technician was why their moves started out stronger and came to them easily. Simply put, their brains understood how moves and aura worked better. Sure, they would have to train the muscle memory in their nerves and grow strong bodies, but as guessed, this ability allowed for the Pokemon to skip many, many steps.
Both of the parent Scizor's Technicians were some of the highest compatibility Esmeralda has seen in a long time. They fell short to Elroy's, a Pokemon on the level of her Volcarona (obviously a losing matchup) or long released Abomasnow.
Atop her lips sat a sinister smile at both the future of the Scyther egg and the nostalgic memories that flowed back into her. Let it be known, Esdeath loved to raise strong Pokemon.
Elda nodded mentally. She would visit the now wild Scizor. If the League got mad at her for leaving her station, her excuse would be she was visiting her husband's grave. The last time she saw the grave was at Elroy's empty-coffin burial.
Taking care of the sanctuary and overseeing a quarter of Unova kept her busy. Now with her son and his wife gearing up to eventually replace her.. There was no better time to drop by and truly accept her husband as he was. Dead. Not gone. His lost body was probably obliterated in the battle against the Legends or taken apart by wild Pokemon.
The frustration burned her veins. The loss killed it all the same. It was time she moved on and let go. There was the rest of the family to focus on. Her daughters and granddaughter needed her. Now, her grandson was starting down his trainer path.
['May strength forever fow through his veins.']
"Ah," Saori was taken aback by the words and all the emotions flowing out of the older woman. Normally, Esmeralda had absolute control over it, coming off no more than an empty and cold void. However, this time, they gushed out of the aged woman. "I-I see."
She watched Roger step forward, interrupt the gushing children, give Rayol an ultimatum, so he would eat his breakfast, and passed the hefty incubator to Kricketune to remain close to Rayol, who now held the plate. Saori made to follow them into the kitchen, but Esmeralda stopped her with a question.
"Saori, would you like to accompany me to my husband's grave? Roger... doesn't like the trip, and I thought it would be the right time to introduce you. My son and Frosmoth can deal with Irina for the day. A break from work would do him good anyway."
It would help keep her mind off of her son being away from him to go to school. "I wouldn't mind."
"We'll make the trek after we drop off Rayol." Elda paused, "unless you need a break?" Saori knew her limits best. While the icy woman prided herself in such details, it would be polite to at least ask.
The woman shook her head, "No, I'll be fine."
"Alright. Bring your Tyranitar and your Orbeetle. I'm sure the former would want to stretch her limbs; the trip shouldn't be chaotic. Your starter can teleport great distances, no?" She asked, pulling into the hallway. This was something the woman wasn't able to test between being stuck with Irina and overseeing one corner of Unova.
Saori wasn't far behind, and answered, "Yes she can." It may have been a couple years since it last happened. Prior to her pregnancies, it was something she utilized practically every day. Such practice would be hard to grain away, as shown by the psychic type's care and precision during the wedding ordeal. The black-haired woman was confident in her Pokemon. They survived with her, thick and thin.
"It's best if you eat something hearty. Hm..." A strong bitter aroma traveled from the older woman to the kitchen and turned sickly sweet after two seconds. Esmeralda made no mention of it, but bit back a slight smirk as Roger got the hint, and Kricketune made sure to shield her granddaughter just in case. Saori even picked up on the slight scent with a twitch of her nose.
She raised all her children well.
…Breakfast came and went. For Rayol, it couldn't have lasted more than a heartbeat.
His very first Pokemon.
His starter.
A Scyther.
A Scyther was his starter and his very first Pokemon.
The boy was sure his father may not agree with the choice. Papa was idealistic (whatever that meant), Grand-grand had said. However, for him, it was the only egg that didn't stick out. In other words, it was already family, even though he had only just met it.
His heart beat warmly again at the repeated and rapid thoughts. Even as his mother flew off with his grandmother, his father rode Tula back home or all the other parents dropped their children off with their own multitude of Pokemon (the only things of note were Gallade and Hydreigon), he could barely care. In the case of his family, he had only just managed to wave them goodbye.
His heart beat gradually became more and more rapid. Rayol couldn't wait to get home. Two days could not pass by fast enough! The boy was thrilled, even if his expression barely showed any of it with a wry, almost awkward smile. It got to the point his heart began pounding within his ear.
It only reminded him of the incubator, emphasizing the heartbeat from within the egg. Likewise, it was like listening to his family's heartbeat. Nowhere as strong as the adults, and similar to his younger sister, but that was because it was a baby. Eventually, it would hatch, and it would be his baby to take care of. He would take care of it like the adults did for many Pokemon around their home. Like he had watched and learned.
Her heartbeat would be strong, he would make sure of it.
He was ready!
"Rayol?" came the soft, calming voice of his teacher. He could barely recall her name: Mrs. Huuro." She looked older than his grandmother, but thicker and shorter. Her hair was shoulder-length. Its most drawing factor was the sharp red color and feather clip she used to hold her hair over her right ear.
"Is everything okay? You stopped coloring, dear."
The boy blinked down at the alphabet sheet, where a child would connect the letters, numbers, or equations with a single line to draw a Pokemon before coloring it in.
Half consciously, he drew the lines for each of the figures. Caring little for coloring in general and obviously too engrossed with thoughts about his starter, he gave up on it after the first one. The red of the fire type monkey Pokemon only reminded him of his starter's evolution.
He couldn't wait!
"Rayol?"
"Oh, sorry, Mrs. Huuro." Shrinking into himself, he could practically feel the stares. "I-I was thinking about my Pokemon egg."
"Oh!" The woman smiled brightly, easily brushing off his inattentiveness. "Congratulations, Rayol!" The boy preened. "I'm sure it'll be a great starter."
Normally, she would be a little concerned about a kindergartener receiving a Pokemon so early, but he was a Bid. Honestly, having heard some of the rumors about his grandmother, she was more surprised he didn't already have a Pokemon of his own already. At the very least, Esmeralda was very traditional despite the norm or the law that very little cared for.
'A child must be fifteen to formal own a Pokemon' was the law simplified. That was made during a tragedy and rushed through the congress during a Champion shift since the previous one was missing-in-action. As the years passed, no one really enforced it, unless for a good reason. And as such, the reaction to his sentence was one of excitement rather than envy or distaste.
Hopefully, it would supersede the dark mark for being Esdeath's kin...
Around them, the children audibly sparkled into mumbles. Some even approached with excited questions, a good portion of them no longer afraid of being without their family or around strangers. Pokemon were the ultimate icebreaker.
The swamped child tried his best to answer the flood of questions as they came. The teacher let it continue for a while.
The boy seemed very knowledgeable about the Pokemon. From the get-go, she could tell Rayol was a shy, good kid, albeit heavily distracted at the moment. To be fair, receiving their first Pokemon was a good reason. Hopefully this helped him relax. Maybe not. But, it definitely wouldn't be enough to traumatize him.
"Okay, okay. That's enough children. Back to your papers," she crouched down behind the mini crowd to help disperse them. As they sat obediently (May Suicine bless the parents!), she rose and clapped her hands, "Time to get back to your seats, so I can see how far along you got. Make sure to write your names. Then please put your crayons down!"
She was met by a flood of chatter. Most groaned at being unable to finish coloring or the line for their current Pokemon. Some continued on, furiously. She would allow it. It was just the first day, nor was this a true test.
The coloring sheets allowed them to give a general assessment of their knowledge, from the ABCs for simple Pokemon up to multiplication and division with fractions for detailed Pokemon.
...Some parents were pretty crazy. Or in a couple cases, the child was naturally gifted with numbers. She had dealt with one once, early in her career. She hoped Roger—
Rayol was Roger's son!
—Oh dear. She was getting old. It took her way too long to make the connection.
The teacher glanced down. The boy had stopped at basic multiplication, things like '2x2'. Perhaps, it ran in his family? Bug types were plenty plentiful, she could imagine. Tact on a grandmother with a decorated military background and a math genius for a father (she assumed based on Roger's elementary scores), his home was ripe for studious growth.
If she wasn't so old, she may have been envious once upon a time.
"I'm coming around to collect! Please have your names on the first page~ You'll receive a Jolteon sticker!"
She held a laugh at the noise of children flipping through their packet to double-check or finally scribble their names. At the very least, they all knew how to write their names, she was sure.
"Uhm," came Rayol's small voice to her side, "do you have a Joltik sticker?"
"No, I'm sorry, Rayol." She only held the Eevee line of stickers. They were a hit on children and generally well known and liked.
The boy shook his head. "It's okay."
Ain't he a good boy?
…Back at one of the furthest fields within the sanctuary…
"Hey man!" A young man's voice drew Roger's attention from his clipboard. "Do you got something that could help my Pokemon?" A small, injured white fox was held in both of his hands, looking worse than wear. "Ain't this something like a Pokemon sanctuary or something?"
The boy was lucky he hadn't stepped on the property. The border guards wouldn't treat him nicely. Thankfully, he had run into Roger.
"Whatcha doing out this far, sonny?"
The boy smirked, "Just training."
Roger narrowed his eyes. They were a ways from civilization. A chance of this was very unlikely, but not impossible. It only happened twice since he had his son. Out of the other twenty times when instead it was spies, criminals, or poachers.
It didn't help that he was alone this innocuous day. The timing couldn't have been any worse.
Aes: No way am I gonna write out everything about school. There are only a few scenes planned.
Got pretty sick for a weirdly long while, which caused my dying depression to reflame, then got hooked into reading A LOT (help, I'm running out of stuffs to discover), and work had shifted my schedule suddenly. The first week was awful (wasting the off hours I didn't have or had just gotten for the new year!), and I'm still having a hard time breathing occasionally. Sorry to miss two months without an update, but thanks for waiting.
Originally, I meant to have a shorter chapter, but it didn't feel right (neither does a mid-chapter timeskip, but oh well) and the way I write a chapter doesn't make it easy to have a smaller chapter anymore sadly. Also, I want to take my newer works much more seriously, so it manifested as you've seen and hopefully enjoyed.
I'll work on the length (or not; this chapter is pretty big, haha..) as I hopefully quicken the pacing sooner rather than later. Hopefully, it wasn't too abrupt.
I also feel as if I mention a lot of things but don't show it enough or well enough. For example, Saori's serious stature hasn't been shown much, despite being hyped by herself and others. At first, it was on purpose, but... Then, there's my habit of always feeling the need to cut (maybe bland) conversations with needless details. Or the random and awkward perspective/focus changes. It's not annoying or too much, is it? Then there's often the lack of backdrop description...
Hopefully, it's just me being overly critical, but don't be afraid to criticize. Arecus knows I'm judge-y af. You can tell me through here or this ffn discord server I keep advertising for by using this joining code: V54pcwA
Edit: will beat myself up for the stuffs I missed while not half-awake later
Words: [13,922]
My first time writing (half of a) marriage ceremony. Hopefully, it was as cute as I envisioned :)