2- Sculpture Garden

The family garden was one of the few places in my household where I enjoyed spending time. While not as impressive as the Celadon Gym's central greenhouse, it was still beautiful in its own right. As I walked among the rows of breeze-lapped fronds, an array of colors and sweet smells greeted me. Vividly flashing petals blew in the wind, lit up by the faint morning sun. Ponds with specially bred, off-color water types were scattered with noticeable order among the twenty or so meters of our flower-specked land. Goldeens shimmered golden in the watery depths, as well as more exotic Pokémon from other regions.

I watched them as I passed, smiling fondly. I ran my hand along a tree with strange, crimson Oran berries, fat and juicy. My father had specifically bred these berries over the years to be a different color, juicier, and altogether more pleasant for humans. Old flowers and berry shrubs that had gone extinct in many places were flourishing here, some perhaps the last of their kind. They were survivors, just like me.

A year and a half ago, my second oldest brother, Eiji, ran away from his responsibilities as the heir through this very scenic route that I walked now. Before that, the garden was left completely unguarded and was one of my mom's favorite walking places, as well as my father's. While mother was away, talking politics and taking the region by storm, he used to take care of the three of us, and in his sporadic free time tended to his immense floral collection.

When he died of heart failure, my father's primary job, a corporate management position in the Pokemon League's Registration Bureau, paid off. He left much to our family, not just money, but small pieces of land he owned in Johto, a tiny townhouse, as well as an estate he used for business in Unova - already paid off for about 20 years. There was heavy media coverage in those days, my mother never seen without her mourning blacks and a broad hat to hide her face. Without him around, my mom grew a lot colder. The garden she once resented as the real target of his affections was now a place of meditation and deep meaning. It was to be protected at all costs, preserved, and maintained.

Eiji, in her eyes, disgraced it by leaving that way - that morning was the first time I ever saw her in hysterics. If he had left the normal way he would have been caught by our staff, hauled back to my mom, and forced to at least give an explanation for his abandonment of our family, his duty. Just like Hitogachi, Eiji would have been allowed to leave, but Eiji had always been conflict-avoidant.

Nowadays, gardeners and guards were as vigilant with their rounds here as they were elsewhere, grim-faced men who took themselves far too seriously considering their job was to protect some flowers. As I thought this, I spotted up off to my left, a man so old and gnarled he looked more like the bark on the tree he was trimming with a big pair of shears. Seeing him, so focused on his work that he didn't notice me, I was hit with a strange feeling of nostalgia. Memories flooded in; memories of waddling around at my mom's feet, Eiji and Hitogachi holding my hand on each of my sides, all of us staring up at her sun-shaded, beautiful form - even back then, always so distant. She talked more to the flowers, to my father, than she ever did to the three of us.

How they left didn't matter to me, the end result was the same. I missed my brothers, both of them. They had left more than just "obligations" behind, they'd also left their youngest sibling and neither had said goodbye properly. Now I was just like the rest of these wretched growths.

I was starting to hate these flowers, hate this place... but likely, I only felt this grim about things this morning because of the previous day's events with Akane. It was always this way after I saw her, but it didn't make struggling through the strange, heavy resentment any easier. I kept seeing fiery flashes of her in my mind, her crimson hair lit up by the sun, her dusky hand extended. So easy to take it... but impossible for me.

A silver-haired figure appeared behind me while I was deep in thought, caressing the bulb of a beautiful violet flower, its vivid petals extending toward the sun. As always, Kin didn't bother with conversation; she never did unless it was to lecture or chastise me lately. It hadn't always been that way. The more I snuck away, the colder she became. That was just the way of things. The slender, masked girl had her arms folded over her modest chest. She nodded at me.

"Good morning," I greeted the amateur ninja pleasantly, subtly running my eyes along her figure as I continued to pace the garden. Kin kept step with me.

Slender, with soft eyes and a sweet voice, she would make a beautiful bride one day. Except, with a job like hers, she'd instead grow old and lonely, bound to me through the very same traditional obligation that spindled forward and backwards through time, strangling me as well: in a way, Kin and I were like lovers; stuck together until death parted us - which it wouldn't, if she was good at her job. My bodyguard pretended she didn't care about a life outside of all this, but I saw through her.

Her Sneasel, a sharp-eyed, obedient and quiet young thing named Isle, sat perched with his legs strewn over her shoulder. Only Pokemon that were servants of the household were ever allowed out, and only one at a time per person. Pokemon were tools, one taken out, one put away - unless you need more for specific purposes. There were all kinds of strict rules in my household like that, all crafted at the whims of my mothers moods.

My mind drifted to a more pressing matter. "Kin, tell me, what do you know about Lady Setsuna? Any updates?"

"No. There is… still little known about your fiancé. She is a rather powerful woman, very wealthy, and very resourceful. The Ayano's go back many, many generations. Their lack of presence is intentional."

I recalled my history. Lady Setsuna's people, the Ayano Branch, had been retainers to the elite Muranaka family at one point, traitors at another, and then climbed their way to the top - but that was centuries ago. What were they now? A pale reflection of what they once were, just like my own family?

"Is she beautiful?"

Kin shrugged. "Probably... maybe. She's nearing the end of her fertility phase, my lord. Not sure what you'd expect from that sort. Supposedly, she hasn't been seen by a man in her entire life, save her father and brothers. Again, the lack of presence is intentional..." Kin was being vague on purpose. She always told less than she knew.

That caught my attention. "Wears a mask? That's ridiculous. What for?"

"I'm not sure... mother mentioned it. She wasn't super specific. Lady Setsuna's supposedly sensitive about it. My mom made a comment during a visit, your betrothed had a visceral reaction..."

I stayed silent, and slowly sighed. "I'm not sure about this. I understand why my brothers left. I wanted to run away today. Perhaps, if there weren't guards, I would've."

A long moment of silence.

"Not because they could stop me. Because it'd break my mother. I'd be just like my brothers."

"You always come here when you're thinking about them." Kin seemed unimpressed, and she gave me a harsh look. "Enough with the self-pity. You shouldn't have visited Akane. She makes you doubt yourself, I can see it on your face."

I sighed. Kin was right. Akane made me question every decision I'd made in my entire life; she was that kind of formidable woman. "I know, Kin. But I needed to see her one last time. If I didn't, I'd have wondered my entire life what could've been."

"Tell yourself that, but you don't need her. You have me... i-if you need someone to confide in, you're not entirely alone, my Lord," Kin countered, her voice stranger than usual, oddly strangled at the end, her cheeks red. She turned her heart-shaped face away. On her shoulder, her Sneasel made an amused sound in his throat, giving her an odd, pity-filled look. Back turned, Kin sounded a lot more confident. "More important than any friend, you have your duty. Lady Setsuna is a powerful ally, and your union would strengthen everyone involved. You cannot let your feelings get in the way of that."

I was grateful for her cool-headed guidance. No matter what, I wasn't alone… she was right about that. Kin was more than just my bodyguard; in a way she was my closest confidante and advisor. Maybe one day, something resembling a friend. Without her, I would be lost. "Thank you, Kin," I said, turning to face her. "I don't know what I would do without you."

She smiled softly. "You'll never have to find out."

With that, we continued our walk through the garden, lost in our own separate thoughts.


My mother has never once recognized my actions, or my efforts. Like with all things, I never held that against her, couldn't. Though I liked to think her frigid outer shell housed a hidden warmth, there was no hard evidence to back up my theory. She was a force of nature. She never even bothered to make excuses, so I made them for her: she didn't have time for me, she was changing the world, etc; such comforts rang empty in the wake of my own emotions. Even though I knew it was futile to expect praise from her, I still put my all into everything. I gave myself recognition in her place, as did my tutors. When it came to everything but swordplay I was quite an impressive young man, but I had nothing on Hitogotchi, my older brother.

I was used to her absence, never expecting her to be around. Yet when I returned indoors I found Mother downstairs cooking breakfast for the first time in years. Seeing her slightly bent over the sink, humming a familiar song that escaped my grasp, I was at a loss for words. I almost didn't believe it. Realizing I was standing there with my mouth agape like a fool, I quickly relaxed my expression, and forced my tiredness away, entering a more lucid stay through sheer focus. The last thing I needed was to act like an idiot in front of Mom and ruin this moment. Standing in the doorway to the kitchen, I merely observed her for a while.

Despite being stern-faced and age making its mark with crows feet at the edge of her dark, narrow eyes, as well as other faint imperfections, I don't think anyone would disagree that Asahi Yukihiro was a true beauty even in her middle years. Her pale, rice-colored hair, just like mine, was a near white, very pale blond, held back in three long braids this morning. She was in civilian clothes for once, a long flowing skirt, and a pale, simple blouse with a sweater buttoned over it, rings of brass around her wrists, a glittering necklace dangling down between her ample bosom. It was rare to see her out of her more traditional kimono or slate-colored dress that made her shapeless, not to mention doing any kind of menial task like cooking. She didn't have to cook, but like a proper woman she knew how to do so when necessary, and how to do it well.

The faint smell of fish and soup filled the air, the marble counter stacked with a wide assortment of healthy, delicious-looking foods.

"Young Master, " A cool, smooth voice disrupted my intense concentration on my mother, and I turned in surprise to see a woman double my age, with dark-gray hair that fell across her vivid blue eyes, tied back in a low ponytail. She had come up behind me without any notice, and I jumped at the sound of her voice and a strong hand suddenly grasping my shoulder.

The newcomer smiled at my surprise, but it was like the smile of a Mightyena that had tracked its prey to exhaustion, a nasty thing. Her Weavile, another of the few Pokemon ever let out of its Pokeball in this household, was standing behind her with his arms crossed. "You know," She said brightly, raising a finger, "I could've assassinated you just now, if such was my desire. You should be more mindful of your surroundings. By the way, I noticed you were absent last night. Where were you?" This woman - tall, slender, but with a quiet strength in her cool eyes- was Kin's mother, Eri. She did not speak loudly. Her whispered words made me shiver, guilt immediately flooding me. I knew without this woman expressly saying it that I'd just gotten my only companion in trouble for not catching my escape last night.

Kin wasn't really a friend no matter how either of us felt, she was supposed to watch over me, a stalker in all the ways that were bothersome and all the other ways too. She stood outside the bathroom when I pissed, she slept the next room over and was hyper aware of all my sounds, she followed me wherever I went: she was essentially my shadow. I was supposed to wait for Kin to pick me up every morning before even leaving my room, but I never had the patience for that. In some ways I truly valued my independence, a part of me felt like a bird trapped in a cage, especially with Kin around. Waking myself up, having a morning to myself, these were all things very important to me. As was seeing Akane.

Nobody wanted anything to do with me, I had no power yet, I had nothing to offer anyone. Kin had no reason to be hyper-vigilant, but Eri didn't really care about that sort of thing. A constant little game of hers, she always tried to catch her daughter's mistakes. Without another word, my mother's bodyguard walked past me. Much to my chagrin, as she passed, she teased her huge chest against my back and arm. I never understood why the soft-voiced ninja teased me this way, but she had for as long as I remembered, a rare sight just like my mother, but a total devil when she was around.

She stepped into the kitchen and took a seat, offering me a faint smile. At this point, my mother noticed me.

"Good morning, my last hope," she smiled, in an almost sweet way. I swallowed softly, worried that if I blinked, she'd disappear. "Well, are you going to have a seat?"

I took her up on that offer gladly. Kin, who'd been busy, returned just as I sat down. The young ninja's mother gave her a sharp look, and a few moments later the silver-haired girl sat down beside me. As always, I resisted that weird urge to hold her hand when her mom gave her looks like that. They were familiar to me. Disappointment, a promise of 'we'll talk later.' My mother was cooking while Kin, Eri, and I were alone at the table; but I knew that she was listening in. And suddenly, I realized why my mom was here...

She was here being sweet with me to make sure that I stayed.

"I'm not going to run away to Akane," I said quietly, staring down at the top of my hands, folded on the mahogany surface before me. Laced together like that, they didn't tremble with rage. My mother taught me that. I gave each female in the kitchen a frigid smile. "I visited her last night as a final goodbye."

Eri seemed amused by that. Her blue eyes locked onto mine: "It was more than a final goodbye."

My mother's tone shifted when she heard that. "You said you didn't see much."

"I didn't, but they were there for a long time. I'm convinced he finally wasted his seed. He's been lusting after that filthy slut for years," Eri replied cruelly. I hated to hear her speak of Akane in that way.

When they were around us, they talked about Kin and I like we weren't there, like we were Mareep to be led in a swarm to whatever outcome they picked for us.

Eri's expression was imprinted on me. She knew everything, didn't she? Where had she been? Right behind me? On the roof before we even got there? There was never a way to know with her. The first time I'd jerked off I'd turned around and found her leaning over my desk. She'd scooped up my cum and sucked it between her lips with a, "Hmm, not bad. By the way I could've assassinated you just now."

She truly loved that game. What bothered me more wasn't that I was being watched, it was that Eri had been leashed to me as well. That pissed me off. I knew why, and I wasn't afraid to voice my contempt, "You didn't trust me! You had Eri spying too, just so I wouldn't try to escape?"

My mother had her back turned still as she answered. I heard the sizzle of delicious-smelling food in the oil before her. Her voice had lost its feigned, well-practiced warmth. Standing sentinel on either side of the doorframe, our bodyguards Weavile and Sneasel quietly watched us with calm ruby eyes, blank with that dullness Pokeservants got in this household after three years of service.

My mother's voice was thunderous, invasive. She had the bad habit of speaking like a knife, all stabs. It was great for politics. "They all left me. Your brothers, your father. Why should I think any differently of you, Jinnosuke? You're a man."

My eyes widened. Why? Why did she have to ask why? Why couldn't she see that I was different from them in every way? I'd always been so loyal to her. I snuck out to see Akane, sure, but unlike both my brothers I'd always kept myself in check, never questioned her to her face. The least rebellious son, a badge I wore proudly that she refused to acknowledge. I'd never slept with a woman, despite Akane wanting to, I kept up with my studies, I did all the things expected of a good son! But, as her words fully registered, I knew why she couldn't see that I was here for her. She saw my father dying as an almost personal sleight, like he'd let his heart give out just to spite her and leave her alone with us and all her ambitions.

She was just that kind of woman.

"That Akane... she's no good," My mom turned off the stove, and, after preparing dishes in a few practiced motions, she brought a tray full of food to the table. We all took a slice of grilled fish, a small bowl of rice and veggie curry gentle on the stomach. She stroked my cheek fondly. It felt good when she touched me, I wanted a hug from her so badly I felt pathetic. I'd never ask, she'd say no anyways. I knew that from experience. For whatever reason, she'd always been afraid of showing physical affection to any of her family, but especially her sons. Only her husband was allowed in. After that brief touch, my mother walked to the end of the table and took her seat.

Suddenly, I was really sick of how white and clean and perfect everything in this damn kitchen was. I tried to let my anger ease out of me as we all said our morning prayers.

It was strange. Breakfast with my mother wasn't much different than without her. Even a day before my birthday it was silent, like there was a ghost sitting in all of our chairs, because good etiquette demanded quiet contemplation and silent eating for proper digestion and true, dignified thinking. We were all even careful to not clink our chopsticks on our plates. The minutes trickled by. With each minute my anger grew. I imagined standing up, boldly, walking over to my mother and just to shock some real emotion into her, I imagined throwing my arms around her even if she didn't want me to. I imagined confessing that I truly, truly didn't want to get married, but that I'd stand by her side as long as she allowed it. Was it so wrong that I loved Akane? Was she truly so bad? Yes, of course she was...

Instead of doing anything, I did nothing. I just seethed inside. I was so caught up in my thoughts I almost didn't feel it. A hand where it shouldn't be. To my left, Eri had finished her meal and was reading a small book with one hand. The answer to the riddle at hand was simple: The fingers grasping my dick, trying to stroke me into hardness, belonged to my mom's bodyguard. I stayed silent.

This, too, was not the first time.

I understood, at my core, why Eri did this, even if at my surface I asked 'Why me?' Attached to my mother like a burrowing insect, she never had time to herself, not to mention a man. The last time she'd slept with one was questionable. Likely weeks or months ago, maybe even longer, if at all. Nights alone were rare, and Eri was an especially dedicated woman. And I was aware she felt more than just fondness for my mother, and always had.

I almost burst into laughter. Here she was jerking off the son of her employer under the dining room table with a desperate, slow hand, feeling up every inch of my dick as if to imprint it into her memory. I throbbed in her hand, close to coming from the sheer fear and taboo aspect of it, and I felt her tense up. Here she and I were, both desperate for my mother's attention, and Kin right beside us desperate for her own mom's love, and none of us free beings; not to mention the Pokemon silently spectating all of this with their strange, dull eyes, as if they weren't really here. They were like the stone statues of Growlithe people kept erected outside their doorways. Kin put a bundle of rice in her mouth and smiled politely at me as her mom snuck her hand under my pants. This was the farthest it ever went. Whether she had no choice but to be the one to tutor me, whether she was being a voyeur and trying to excite me when she knew I was feeling a certain way for some sick reason, Eri never went beyond this simple touching. It was almost better this way. Her hand just gently held my dick, cupped me, she ran her thumb slowly up and down my head. I tried not to gasp over my breakfast. Tried not to bounce the table and buck my hips and demand more.

Instead, like the good boy I always strived to be, I finished breakfast as was proper.

My mother set her chopsticks down with a satisfied exhale. After eating, she was okay with talking. "My final hope, I'm not here this morning just to scold you. I'm also here to support you. Today is your last day as my child..." She gave me a look that almost seemed sad. "Soon, you'll belong to another woman."

I didn't know how to respond to that. My dick throbbed in confusion, Eri gave me a slow, knowing smile. Kin was still eating.

A vision of Akane excited, her hand extended out to me, flashed in my mind, as did the blur of green as vine whips lashed the pale, upturned asses of women desperate for thorough discipline. I imagined my arms still aching from where I'd hung from the side of the roof and peered in. More than what I'd seen inside, being so daring, being so rebellious - my proudest moment.

Different from my mother...

Different from my brothers...

I couldn't be both.

"Today, we'll spend our time together as mother and son. The proper way. We'll go out to town, plan your marriage... and this evening you'll meet Lady Setsuna and her family for the first time."

"You've got a lot planned for me."

My mother beamed and took it as a positive comment. "Tomorrows your day, Jinn, but today's important too. Your first Pokemon, your betrothed... your future is a blink away."

"Mother, promise me that you're not just here to make sure I don't run away from this."

That was what I wanted to demand. Instead, I did my usual gig, and practiced being mute.


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