Chapter One

Debt Unveiled

'The woods are lovely, dark and deep,

But I have promises to keep,

And miles to go before I sleep,

And miles to go before I sleep.'

-Robert Frost, "Stopping By Woods On A Snowy Evening"

Amy arrived home in Rustboro City not twenty minutes later. An anxious knot had landed in her stomach and not gone away. Her mother and father separated years ago and now lived on different sides of the city. Her father lived near the south exit to the city, while her mother lived up over the hill by the gym.

Amy approached her father's residence, a quaint cottage nestled in the lower streets of the city. The exterior of the cottage boasted a warm, earthy facade, with walls painted in a soothing shade of moss green that seemed to harmonise with the natural surroundings. A charming cobblestone pathway led to the front door, bordered by vibrant flowers in hues of lavender, azure, and sun-kissed gold. The fragrant blossoms, carefully tended to, provided a burst of colour against the cottage's serene exterior.

The roof, adorned with rustic terracotta tiles, sheltered the cottage like a protective canopy, bearing the weathered patina of years gone by. A small porch, adorned with a weathered wooden rocking chair and a quaint table, invited moments of quiet contemplation amid the floral symphony. Hanging baskets dangled from the eaves, overflowing with trailing vines and delicate blooms that added a touch of whimsy to the facade.

Through the glass windows, glimpses of cosy interiors hinted at a home filled with memories, perhaps adorned with family photographs and cherished mementos from years past. The cottage exuded an atmosphere of tranquillity, a haven amid the bustling city streets.

As Amy stepped onto the cobblestone pathway, she took a moment to appreciate the simple beauty of her father's abode. She then took another moment to consider how she was potentially disturbing that beauty with her visit given her recent encounter.

She knocked on the door three times. A moment later, there was a rustling of keys and the door opened.

As the door creaked open, Amy was greeted by the warm smile of her father, Sam Kaito. His grizzled beard, once a deep shade of chestnut, now bore traces of silver. Samuel's kind, hazel eyes twinkled with a mixture of surprise and joy at the sight of his daughter.

Standing at a moderate height, Samuel had a sturdy yet gentle presence. His weathered hands, calloused from years of fieldwork and Pokemon training, reached out to pull Amy into a loving embrace. His hair, once a thick mane of dark brown, was now streaked with silver threads, adding a distinguished air to his appearance.

Dressed in a comfortable yet slightly worn-out tweed jacket and faded jeans, Samuel's attire reflected a practical, no-nonsense approach to his daily life. A pair of wire-framed glasses perched on his nose hinted at his scholarly pursuits, and a pen tucked behind his ear hinted at a perpetually busy mind.

'Amy! I wasn't expecting you today. I thought you'd gone to Petalburg Woods to catch another Pokemon?'

'I did - although it's not going to be enough for Roxanne's gym. I caught a Fletchling.'

'That's great - strong Pokemon. Back in my day, they weren't even seen around these parts. But why are you back already if you weren't done catching?'

Amy sighed, 'We need to talk.'

She let herself into the cottage and was instantly grateful for how warm it was, the fire roasting gleefully. While it was hardly Winter yet, a noticeable chill had started to creep over the city in recent weeks.

Amy sat down on one of her father's plump armchairs and waited for him to do the same.

'Is something wrong?' Sam asked.

'You're gonna have to tell me that, Dad,' Amy replied, 'I was confronted by someone in Petalburg Woods. Someone who told me they had a message for you.'

Sam frowned, 'For me?'

'That's right… Sebastian says payment is due.'

The small amount of her father's face that wasn't covered by hair went sheet white.

'...Sebastian?'

'That's what he said,' Amy replied.

Sam stumbled over his words.

'That's not - that's impossible.'

'Dad, are you alright?' Amy asked him because he suddenly looked very nauseous.

'What did he look like?' Sam asked.

Amy tried to remember.

'Uh, he had a hood up so I didn't see much of his face,' Amy replied, 'Maybe mid twenties, dark hair, pale skin, beard - Dad, seriously, what's wrong?'

Sam had shot to his feet and started pacing back and forth across the living room.

'I - but - can't be -'

'Dad!'

Sam snapped his head back, his attention on Amy again.

He sighed heavily.

'Alright, sorry, it's just - I'm processing - shock -'

'Just calm down and explain what's happening.' Amy said.

She had never seen her Dad like this before. It scared her.

'Alright, I'll tell you everything. Go put the kettle on, this might take a while.'