*1 week later

~ Yuna

I was walking back to grandmother Vylena's house with Yin, because her house was a walking distance from the school. My mother recently brought in a therapy patient to live with us for the time being but there was something about him I just couldn't put my paw on. I swore I saw him up to no good once before and he seemed a little shady.

From what Pachi has said, he is part of a gang of Pokémon who have never graduated high school, that likes to vandalize and even steal items. While he is the one to most likely to listen to reason, he doesn't appreciate the help he gets and I think he's taking advantage of my mother's kindness. I voiced my concerns to Yin but he thinks I'm being unreasonably suspicious.

"I don't trust him."

"That's not very nice, Yuna. Besides you hardly know him."

"Neither do you."

"Even still, you know our parents raised us better than that. We don't judge anyone based on their looks, status, or their upbringing. Whether he is here to cause trouble for mum or not, Gabite is a guest in our home and mum's patient. Let's make it easier for mother by doing as she wishes and treating him with respect."

"Fine. But he makes it difficult to find him likable."

"I only know the spare few details about him from mother, but from what she's said it's clear she empathizes with his living situation. The Pokémon has no home and no family to go to for help. Imagine if you or me or even Vivi was in that situation. Would you still find resentment in us for that?"

"I said I would try to be more respectful for him already didn't I? Can it will you?!"

"Good. I'm glad you understood."

I sighed heavily before my brother gave me a playful shove and I shoved him back in minor annoyance but still managed to crack a smile. We were approaching grandmother's house when the door slammed open startling us both.

"And where do you think you're going young mon?! I'm not done talking to you!"

"I'm leaving! I don't want to stay here for another f*@king minute and listen to this bullcrap!"

"Oh no you don't!"

My mother ran out after Gabite after he tried to storm off and she stopped him from leaving.

"Get out of my way!"

"I only told you need to put in more of an effort and actually try to get your diploma. You're not getting anywhere in life if you refuse to go to school and you won't find fulfillment if you keep acting out. Stop acting like a child and listen to me!"

"Why?! Because you are an authority figure?!"

"You bet your ass I am! Now don't you make me put your ass back inside! You either walk back in yourself or I'm going to force you back in!"

"Try it."

I stood there frozen with my mouth agape and I realized this guy had the utter audacity to talk to my mother that way as if she wasn't a champion of the region. Gabite took one step forward and my mother used Protect.

"Seriously you know I can just walk around it-"

"GrrrrrrrrrrAAGGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!"

My mother let out a feral roar and slammed her Protect like a shield right across his face. She hit him so hard he went crashing back into the door and completely knocked it off its hinges.

"If you can get me to move five feet away from the porch I will let you walk out of here and keep walking. If you can't, listen to my rules in my house and get your diploma. Now are you going to try me or are you going to be a good boy?"

"Uggggghhhhhhh fine!"

"Good. Honey go get a new door with Gabite so we don't have to put a sheet on the doorway tonight. And buy him an ice pack or a drink for his face, it's starting to swell."

"Yes dear."

"Hi kids."

We both flinched when she turned in our direction and smiled at us like that didn't happen.

"Mum. Can we go inside now?"

"Of course dears. Dinner's already done."

~

*Gavin

I groaned in annoyed pain as Lady Eve took the ice pack and pressed it against my swollen cheek.

"Sorry about this."

"What kind of Pokémon apologizes for hitting another? And you don't need to bring me ice, I can walk it off just fine!"

"For Heaven's sake just let me do something for you! You already don't want me to welcome you into my home can I just have a thank you from you for once?!"

I let out a low growl and she stared me down. Her eyes not flinching or bluffing, she didn't show any fear. The things she must have seen to not be afraid like she was. It honestly kind of scared me but I would never admit that.

"Keep a firm claw on the ice and the swelling should go down in about an hour. Again I'm sorry. I hope you have a good night and I'll see you in the morning to take you with my kids to school."

"Whatever."

I looked away and kept the ice pack firmly next to my swollen face. I laid back on the couch feeling too worn out from all the yelling and getting my jaw clogged 2 inches to the left by Lady Eve. Maybe she was right and I didn't feel fulfilled but-

"Agh! What am I thinking of course I'm fulfilled or whatever the fuck the therapist said! I don't have to listen to her sentimental talk. I-"

I heard shuffling close by and set the ice pack down as I listened for who it was. Someone was hiding in the living room closet. I stormed over to the closet and sprung to attack whoever was in there.

"RAGGGHHH!"

"Ahhh!"

I lowered my teeth in surprise as Vivienne flinched against the wall, hiding behind the coats fearfully.

"Oh it's you. What are you doing in there?"

"I saw you had a big boo-boo on your face and I membered mummy left the medi kit in the closet. The door closed behind me and I got locked in."

"So why didn't you knock for your mom and dad to come and get you out?"

"I did but my tiny pawses are too quiet for anyone to hear me."

"Why didn't you- Ugh nevermind. Well you're free now anyways so just run along upstairs."

"I need to get a glass of water before I go to bed."

I sighed heavily and took an unopened water bottle out of my backpack and handed it to her.

"Here. A water."

"Thank you!!"

"Whatever kid."

*The following morning

I sat in the back of Lady Eve's SUV as she took us to the high school. I can't believe I was doing this shit. But out of pride I didn't show any signs of being afraid of her and just reluctantly went along. She dropped off Vivienne first and she waved bye at me as she ran off to the school.

Kids.

We soon arrived at the high school and I followed Yuna and Yin out the car. I felt utterly ridiculous to be wearing the school uniform. Last time I wore one was the first time I joined senior year. I fumbled the tie more loosely and Lady Eve kept trying to fix it every time I undid it.

"Have a good day at school kids."

"Okay. Bye mother."

"Bye kids."

I waited until she drove off before I undid the tie and walked after her kids.