The disclaimer can be found on the first chapter.
A/N:
Okay, let's clear up a misconception now, shall we?
First of all, take a quick look up there, at the character listings. What do you see? Three individual names.
What is that supposed to tell you? Well, unlike what a certain reviewer thinks, this fanfic does not revolve primarily around Serena/Calem (It's not been christened KalosShipping yet, but I'll refer to it as such). I thought that would have been clear by the first chapter.
Nevertheless, I'm not going to make either KalosShiping or BrightTomorrowShipping (or whatever you folks call Calem/Shauna) canon. Why? If I did, there wouldn't be much of a romantic subplot, now, wouldn't there? It's the little interactions in life that keeps the love triangle going steady, and the resolution a mystery.
I could always make them go straight-out threesome, but that's just boring.
"Calem, what did I tell you about protecting Oberon?"
Madame, I got injured on my own terms. Sir Calem is not to blame for anything.
"You heard him, mum."
She sighed, "Seriously, though, don't let him get injured again. Ralts are frail enough to begin with, and I don't think a concussion's going to help."
Mrs. Lambert turned around, placing the newly-bandaged Oberon down on the ground, before turning back to her son. "Now, what were you saying about a letter for me?"
Calem dug around in the back pockets of his bag. "Wallet? No. Tic-Tacs? No. Letter? Ah, there you are."
He tossed the envelope, and in one fluid motion, Madame Grace sliced it open with a letter opener, and grabbed the letter inside.
"Ma chéri, Grace."
Her cheeks reddened up as she laughed. "Augustine, you shameless flirt! You know I'm married!"
She gave one more chuckle, before continuing.
"It's been sooooooo long since I've written you letters. How's Valentin? I hear he's away in Anistar City, and since your boy is going on a long journey, courtesy of me, what say you and I catch up on old times together?"
With every passing sentence, Oberon felt the amount of embarrassment in the room begin to pile up.
"In fact, since they're both going to be away for quite a while, you're obviously going to feel very lonely. Why don't I, oh I don't know, keep you company? *winkwink*"
"THAT'S IT, I'M OUT OF HERE!"
With both hands around his ears, Calem ran for the door, and smacked headfirst into the door frame. He then remembered to use one hand to open the door first, before proceeding to slam it behind him.
She turned back to the letter. "By now, your son should be out of the room. If he isn't, I request that you show him the way. This is something for both of our ears only."
She had the common sense to gulp before reading the next line. "You will be separated from Calem for a long time. In that sense, I cannot guarantee his safety, so if you do not want to risk losing him, you can choose not to accept. I will respect your decision, just like I respected your decision to marry Valentin, albeit less reluctantly."
"It's up to you. Give me a ring if you're denying. Oh, sorry, not that kind of ring, I mean a call. I haven't changed my number. Love, Augustine Sycamore."
She set the letter down. It was natural for every mother to be afraid of that day when their child would go on a journey. She was no exception; while it was true that she wanted the best for Calem, was she ready to let him venture out on his own?
Her mind set, she scrolled through her Holo Caster's contact list. Stopping at 'S', she tapped the last name on the list.
A few rings later, a flickering copy of a dark blue-haired man appeared.
"Ah, Grace, as beautiful as you were fifteen years ago. This call is regarding Calem, I presume?"
"Yes. I'm just going to say this once."
She took a deep breath. "He is going on your little quest, whether he likes it or not. I'm not going to let my motherly instinct stop him."
He started clapping. "Well said, as expected. Tell him that his first stop will be at the Santalune City Gym, if he's looking to become the Champion at the same time."
She nodded. "Thanks for understanding."
"You welcome." His face lit up, "So, how about dinner tonight at my-"
"Non."
She had turned off the Holo Caster before Augustine got to finish his invitation.
*BEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEP*
"…place."
The professor's shoulders slumped.
"That was cruel, even for you, Gracie."
When Grace and Oberon walked out of the door, they saw Calem struggling to retell the events that had transpired to both Shauna and Serena, all the while looking a sickly shade of green. The girls were trying to control their laughter, and predictably failing to do so.
Seeing the two girls sitting so close to Calem on Dustin, her prized Rhyhorn, she couldn't help but feel a twinge of jealousy.
Oberon.
Yes, madame?
Keep a watchful eye over Calem for me, will you? Make sure those girls don't try to do anything to him.
Oberon cocked his head to one side. If he forbids me to stop him, who do I listen to?
She smiled. If he's the one stopping you, then just tell him to remember to use protection.
"Route 2, also known as the Avance Trail, is where the challenge truly begins. Seven types of Pokémon can be found in the three small patches of grass. These include Fletchling, the friendly, but territorial robin; Bunnelby, the large-eared digger rabbit; and Scatterbug, the larvae whose black powder packs a punch.
Interestingly enough about Route 2, its alternate name was a result of copyright issues. The FLAK had wanted to name it 'Advance Trail', but the day they did, a huge legion of people swarmed the office, holding signs with things like "Anti-AdvanceShipping" and "Contestshipping 4eva!" stamped on them.
I regret to inform you that I still have no idea who they were. Further research has proved inconclusive.
Nevertheless, to avoid a stampede, the FLAK knocked the letter 'D' off the name, suppressed the crowds with bursts of water from Elite 4 member Siebold's Clawitzer, and went out for bowling.
The only Trainer on Route 2 as of now would be Teenager Austin. Even today, he still uses the same trusty Level 5 Zigzagoon he had as a Youngster. Over and over again. Can't catch a break, that kid."
'The Official Kalos Companion Guide' (2020), by Maison Prince Calem. On sale now, at 1500 Pokédollars.
"So, my name's Almond, huh?"
"Basically."
"Well, at least it's a nice name, I can tell you that."
Oberon picked up a dandelion, holding it to the gentle breeze. "You've got a pretty decent place, for a Pokéball."
He had to admit that maybe, he was being a little too fanciful. While his Premier-pad was a classy bedroom, with an added bookshelf and bathroom, Almond's abode consisted of a small, grassy plain, with a pond in the middle and berry trees growing at either side of it.
Almond sat up. "I don't really want much, just a nice, peaceful life, and maybe someone to share it with. That really isn't too much to ask."
Oberon laughed. "You're in the employ of the only son of the Lambert family, who's going on a journey to catch every Pokémon in this region. Don't count on it."
As if on cue, a pair of ropes snaked down from the ceiling, grabbed both of them, and jerked up.
Seconds later, both of them were sprawled flat on the bridge over Lumiose River.
"Called it."
"So, Almond, since you're finally awake, should we do some training?"
Calem bent down to look at Almond. "I promise I won't find Pokémon that are too hard for you."
What about me?
Oberon, if you went against any of these Pokémon, it'd end in a total curb-stomp battle.
Touché.
"Obi, do you mind telling him I'm ready to do battle with the wild?"
"Sure." He says he's up for it.
Calem straightened up. "Okay, then, let's proceed."
They crossed the river, and came across their first patch of small grass.
"So… how do encounters actually work? I mean, I see a Bunnelby over there, just lying in the shade and eating a carrot. Isn't she going to come up and attack us?"
"I guess they never explained to you at school, huh?"
"I never went to school."
"That explains it. You see, as part of the ground rules set a few thousand years ago by Lord Xerneas, we Pokémon may only attack humans on two conditions. One; they have a ready Pokémon out and about to counter our attack-"
"Which explains why the two of us are out here, doesn't it?"
"Precisely. And two; they must be in wild grass. It's something like a boundary line, if you catch my drift."
Almond looked around. "Your drift? I must have missed it."
"Figure of speech."
"Oh. So… why the boundary line?"
"My great-grandfather told me that his great-grandmother told him, that when she was a young Ralts, Pokémon attacked humans indiscriminately. In return, they attacked us too, and ended up with a lot of casualties on both ends. So, Lord Xerneas struck a deal with the leader of the humans at the time. Outside the boundary? Do not harm anyone, or risk banishment to the Distortion Realm. Unless, of course, they attack first. In the wild grass? Fair game to anyone and everyone."
Almond's gaze wandered back to the Bunnelby, who was now approaching Calem, who had already steeped into the grass. She was flexing one of her ears. "Like now?"
Oberon followed his eyes. "Yeah, like now. Go on, he can't start the battle without you. Good luck."
A wild Bunnelby appeared!
"Bring it on, hotshot! I'm not afraid of you!"
"Let's make this a clean fight, now, shall we?"
Instantly, Almond jumped to the side to avoid the first Tackle Aussa, as the Bunnelby referred to herself as, sent his way. He shot back with a Tackle of his own, but proved too slow as she dodged away.
They simultaneously pulled off a Leer and Growl, but as any Trainer would tell you, these only work well when you're legitimately scary while doing so. It ended up making Aussa look like a squinter, and Almond's roar into something akin to a yawn. Nevertheless, they had the intended effect, and as Almond cringed, Aussa felt just a little more scared.
However, as quickly as she had finished her last move, she had her next one ready.
"Agility!"
She dashed at Almond, with the blistering increase in speed leaving a brief afterimage where she once stood. She ran circles around him, pummelling him from all sides with one of her powerful ears.
"Not so tough now, are you?"
"Guess it's time to pull out the big guns."
He took one of his beloved quills from his head and stiffened it, before using it to defend against the flurry of punches. And then, he saw his chance.
"Vine Whip!"
He swung the quill up into what he thought was Aussa, and was happy to hear the *thwap* sound that meant his aim had been true. She, on the other hand, wasn't quite as happy.
"That's not a vine!"
The wild Bunnelby fainted!
"You okay?"
Aussa sat up, rubbing her temple. "Kind of. I sorely underestimated you. You really are strong."
Almond blushed. "I-I-I'm not really that strong, but I-"
"Hey. Lovebirds. Or mammals, I'm not too sure myself."
Oberon walked up to them. "Sir Calem would like to meet-"
"Who's this? Your girlfriend?"
"…Je suis trèsdésolé. I didn't know you were… male." Aussa concluded, before she fell to the ground.
Oberon's garnet eyes stopped glowing. "I do hope you keep that in mind. I'd like to refrain from using my illusions on anyone, if you please."
Almond propped her up by her ears. "Remind me never to piss you off."
After registering the Bunnelby's data in the Pokédex, then setting her by the shade of a tree with an Oran Berry taken from Almond's farm as an apology gift, Calem continued to search for Pokémon to fill the list. His efforts came back fruitful, and soon, Weedle, Caterpie, Pidgey and Zigzagoon were added to the already expanding collection. Almond also learned to Rollout, which was useful if he had to go against Bug or Flying-types, which comprised the majority of his weaknesses around.
In fact, he was so busy capturing and training, he didn't notice the duo sneaking up on him until a pair of hands covered his eyes.
"Guess whooooo? `"
The presence of a musical note sing-song voice told him it was definitely Shauna.
"So, I see you've been busy."
And Serena was with her. Typical.
"12 Pokémon already. Not bad. Of course, I see that only I've actually captured another one."
Calem cocked his head to the side. "Which one?"
Fia, already out and about, like both Oberon and Almond, reached into her master's bag, and pulled out a Pokéball with her teeth.
With a lazy throw, she called, "Come on out, Skye!"
A second later, in a rush of wind, the Fletchling took to the skies.
"I see. Where'd you find those Pokéballs?"
Serena blinked.
"Calem, are you telling me you didn't even buy a SINGLE Pokéball at that mart in Aquacorde?" He shook his head.
"I didn't either! "
She sweatdropped. "Fine. I should've expected this, anyway. I stocked up on extra, so here; I'll share them with the two of you."
Shauna looked at the five small, spherical balls, before turning to the ten in Calem's hands. "Siri, why does he have more balls than me?"
"That's what she said- ouch! Fia, what the crap was that for?"
"You're supposed to respect your trainer, not make a passing comment on every entendre she makes!"
Serena twiddled her fingers. "Don't misunderstand. I-It's not that I like you more than Shauna or anything... I just think you're more suited to capturing than her."
"Oh, she did NOT just pull that card!"
"Looks like your trainer has the hots for his, huh? Like master, like Poké- ouch, now what the hell was that for?!"
"Will you keep quiet?! He can hear us!"
"Right! Hey, Obi, Fia has- mmph, MMPH!"
"Siri? Why is Fia trying to suffocate Fontaine?"
"…I have absolutely no idea. What's next on your plan?"
Calem thought for a while, before replying. "Santalune City. The first Gym is there, and since we'll have to make it through Santalune Forest to get there, that's obviously my next destination."
He started walking towards the entrance. "If you guys are going to stay longer and catch a few more, then we'll rendezvous at the start of Route 3. I'll tell the Tees, I think they're already ins-"
"Hey!"
Calem turned towards the source of the interruption. And made eye contact with the boy who was leaning against the tree.
"When two Trainers' eyes meet, a Pokémon battle must begin!"
The boy walked up and took out a Pokéball. "Go, Zigzagoon!"
The raccoon-like quadruped Pokémon with bristly, zigzag-patterned fur made of layers of cream and brown appeared with a yip, "Zigzagoon!"
Calem looked at the two members of his team. "Hey, Youngster…"
"Austin." "Yeah, Austin. Do you want me to go easy on you?"
The young boy looked up, fire in his eyes. "Bring it on! My Ziggy will prevail anyways!"
Calem smiled and turned to Oberon. Finish him.
As you wish, sir.
A/N:
Ma chéri – My darling
Non – Not
Je suis trèsdésolé – I am very sorry
Pokédex count:
Central Kalos – 12/150 seen.
(Coastal Kalos – 1/153 seen. – Rhyhorn – Unregistered)
Deleted scene:
As Calem walked down the stairs, he checked his newly acquired town map for any defects. He wasn't quite paying attention to where he was walking, however.
"Oof!"
He had accidentally collided with a man, and had fallen on his butt.
"Are you okay?"
He accepted the man's hand, and was brought back to standing position.
"That might have hurt. Here, this Potion is for you! Feel free to use it!"
The spray was in Calem's hand before he had stopped speaking, and when he had, he began to walk away.
"Oh, no, monsieur, I can't accept your-"
The man broke into a run.
"Kthnxbai!" he said, before disappearing around the corner.
Calem looked at the Potion in his hand, before looking back at the corner where the man turned.
"Well, that was weird."