Storm Sworn
Aric Fisk's Team:
Tynamo (Vita)
Veluza (Ascalon)
Silver Magikarp
Skrelp
White-Striped Basculin
Prinplup (Vorpal)
Red Tropius
Nessa's Feebas (Quin/Tessa)
Elesa Kamisture's Team:
Zebstrika (Stripes)
Male Emolga (Code)
Female Emolga (Current)
Tynamo (Wonder)
Chichou (Source)
Galvantula
Luxray (was supposed to be a Luxio but I had written this as if it were a Luxray, whoops-)
Note: The alternative POV is a beefy one again, but I'm sure no one will complain since it's a certain blonde. There's more world building and character interactions after all~
This chapter wasn't exactly intended to be all Elesa. But, much like my Tropius introspective, I wouldn't have been satisfied with the "little" I would've written. Elesa deserves more.
I mean so does Tropius, but I chose otherwise in that case to push the story further instead, koff— Sorry about the random break again. The next chapter is mostly done. I'm just really bad at closing chapters.
- [ᛊ] -
Elesa woke up with a gasp. It startled an otherwise relaxed nurse doing their innocuous check-up rounds.
"Miss Kamitsure, take it easy, please," came the soft voice of the young woman at her bedside. There was a hint of sudden nervousness as she helped the blonde calm. Elesa, for her part, didn't take long to control herself quietly.
Seeing immediate success, the brown-haired nurse said, "I'll b-be back with some water and a doctor." She scurried off in a rush without waiting for an answer.
And so, the budding gym leader was left with her thoughts. Those of which only encompassed her last moments of consciousness.
Instantly, she could feel her breath hitch and her pulse quicken.
She had almost died.
Her eyes stared into the vast white of the ceiling, feeling like she should be more... distraught? Emotional? Scarred? And yet, other than remembering the lingering fear that no longer gripped her tightly like it did whilst drowning, she honestly couldn't say she felt anything strong, if that made sense?
Maybe she was tricking herself. Maybe she was hiding her pain even from herself. Or especially from herself. She wasn't and couldn't be quite sure.
Her mind trailed back to the nurse's word, having finally processed them.
A cup. Of water.
Water.
No reaction?
There was none. Maybe she was expecting a newfound fear given all the dramas she watched with her grandmother, but there was nothing, other than the desire to clear up the rampant dryness in her throat.
Her sky blue eyes finally tore away from the white ceiling to take in the rest of the room. She was in a hospital room. Where else would a drowning victim be?
Elesa shook her head. Her spiteful mental voice, usually one that sang and dutifully pointed out her doubts, was unusually active. In doing so, she realized she had a pounding headache. It was much worse than sitting in a room full of paparazzi flashing their cameras for hours on end.
"Ow..." she managed to groan, trying to nurse her head with one arm. She failed, finding her arm wrapped and linked to the railing with cuffs. Above it, an IV fed a clear liquid into her, and various other wires trailed past it to monitor her.
And now that she noticed the wires, the incessant beeping echoed loudly. However, she could only stare at the cuffs, blankly. Her current line of thoughts ceased immediately. Had she done something worthy of arrest? Her spiteful inner voice returned to supply an answer immediately: Current had attacked the people with her specialized Swifts.
Elesa nodded in partial understanding. This was one of the biggest reasons why Unova stayed out of the business of other regions, and travel was frowned upon. Her home region was, in many ways, far more lenient regarding Pokemon even without her bias.
Kanto was probably the closest region in terms of freedoms with Pokemon, but they were still a very superstitious bunch with many laws in place to help the fears grow—or so, that was what she had been told. To be completely fair, it was hard to blame them. They had to deal with the seasonal rampages of Legendary Birds, which were almost like a wilder reflection of Unova's Legendary Forces of Nature, who preferred to help the land most years.
They were all gods in the flesh, each with the powers to warp the sky and ruin hundreds of lives with a mere gust. Elesa had heard of the stories, and she imagined that it would still be worse than what she had gone through. A luxury cruise was nothing in comparison to the potential destruction of a city, after all. Fortunately, it had been over 40 years since Tornadus and Thunderus had last rampaged and kept away from one another since then.
She hoped it stayed that way.
Hoenn was very interwoven with nature. While one would think because of that, there would be much more freedom with their Pokemon...
Instead, there was a careful balance the Hoenn League struck, relying on laws and punishment to rein their trainers in. As such, they had many protections to the wilds and supposedly agreements with wild Pokemon even, of whom trusted them little, last she heard. Unlike Unova's current landscape with similar wild Pokemon.
She wasn't quite that far in her deeper studies for world history for her future Gym Leader station. Admittedly, Unova didn't put much importance on it either, but there were rumors that even spanned over the ocean undeterred. The biggest sentiments Unovian texts shared was the fact, Hoenn's peace was a manufactured one, fragile at that, and, similar to Johto, preferred to uphold traditions almost above all else.
Maybe, she should've studied more before choosing Hoenn as her vacation point. Doing the bare minimum as a mere tourist wasn't enough, given she was now a future Pillar of Unova...
Anyway, to help differentiate from wild Pokemon, Hoenn trainers had to ingrain into their captured Pokemon that attacking humans was a big no-no much deeper than most. Her own female Emolga had shown pause, but all the same, had thankfully followed her lead to help save others.
Elesa would stand by her Pokemon's actions when given the chance without fail. She was proud of her small mouse in ways she never expected but welcomed all the same. She just wished it wasn't so costly...
The bedridden girl squeezed her eyes and continued with her introspection to figure out what she could say as a foreigner.
Pokemon in Hoenn had a ton more restrictions, unless you were an active trainer or coordinator. For example, Pet Pokemon were by law forced to carry Everstones where sudden evolution was a concern, and each Pokemon was limited to only one per household.
To be completely fair, it could be one of those laws where they were loosely enforced as an archaic rule. Unova had plenty of those...
Whereas, Unova allowed even small businesses to use Pokemon even without a hired or retired trainer on hand if certified. Some Pokemon species even had rights for use of their labor in place or irrespective of their owner or superior. The Pokemon protections were respected by the Unovans and enforced by their local communities more often than not. Most countries loved to throw policemen or rangers at an issue, Unova taught everyone at a young age to respect the Pokemon around them. Not fear, neither suspicion. It was a major ideological difference.
Thankfully, she hoped and believed the gap was slowly closing. Her gaze wandered to her restraints. Maybe she was being optimistic...
"Ugh..." this time, the girl used the correct hand to nurse her head. She was thinking an awful lot for someone with a headache.
It was then the door to her room slid open. Her eyes flicked over, barely hiding her annoyance and spying a male ranger with bags under his eyes, another man—a doctor she assumed—and the nurse from earlier, now with a tray.
The supposed doctor spoke first, "Good evening, Miss Kamitsure." She mustered a nod, shutting her eyes. The lights were starting to annoy her as well. Because of that, she did not see him gesture for the nervous nurse to move forward with her cups. "Please drink up."
Almost begrudgingly, she rose and thanked the nurse for helping her drink. As she did so, the doctor continued speaking as he gradually detracted the wires and drip. He mentioned what the ranger was there for before the other man could cut him off, her various injuries (burns, scraps, overexertion, and the long but thankfully shallow cut to the back of her head), and his recommended route to a complete recovery.
In regard to the latter most, there wasn't much that she needed to do. While, apparently, she lost a lot of blood, she recovered most of it with help from the hospital. She would just have to adjust her diet accordingly, temporarily, and generally take it easy.
Still, she couldn't recall being so injured. She had damned near drowned, yes, but she couldn't recall any harm to her head. The once potential sprained arm was but a dying bruise as well. Human medicine has evolved greatly in the era following the many wars; mostly the ones between Kanto and Johto.
The two had tried to one up each other in every way possible. Honestly, it was quite embarrassing...
Before she could try to think back to the danger from the cruise, the ranger jumped into the fresh lull in conversation. The doctor and nurse left, but she had been busy with taking in the information to notice until it was too late. They hadn't even waited for a thank you...
They were busy with all the other people from the cruise, she imagined.
As the Ranger spoke, he gently unlocked the cuffs, much to her muted surprise. "Sorry about that, miss." The older man mustered a tired smile. "It was all protocol, mostly to keep all parties where we knew they were. All orders from above, y'know?" She tried to nod, but the headache was becoming too all-encompassing.
Seeing that, the man straightened before adding, "I'll be quick. Wouldn't want one of the heroines to suffer longer. Since you're in no condition to speak much, I'll return with a paper you could fill out when you feel better about your experience. It'll help sort out your reasons for turning your Pokemon on others and put those who deserve it away for a long time."
"R-Right," the blonde murmured. "I shouldn't need to nap long." she was no stranger to long hours at work, after all.
The man shook his head. "Take your time, Gym Leader. We already have reports from those you helped. This'll just be the League checking off their checklist." And before she could reply, the man bowed with a small farewell, "Thank you for your immediate efforts, Gym Leader Kamitsure!"
It took her a moment to recover from her wide-eyed shock.
"...I-I'm not a Gym Leader yet," Elesa just barely whispered, but there was no one to hear her. She could only sigh at the futility.
Either way, it was time to follow the doctor's order and get some rest. The headache best be gone before then too. She'd worry about her Pokemon, Nessa and the girl's crew later.
They should be in good hands if they were letting her go without much fanfare. Her general optimism hadn't steered her wrong yet... even if the thoughts prior to her drowning had threatened to bring her low.
...Although, being swarmed by reporters and fans hours later wasn't something Elesa expected when she left. The police and rangers were thankfully able to teleport her to the Pokemon Center, directly.
There, another tired ranger met her and passed her a letter, stamped by a familiar seal: a wax imprint of Unova's twin dragons, drawing a difference in the two with elevation rather than color. The letter had been from Alder, asking that she call her assigned Elite Four as soon as she recovered enough (there was an international number at the bottom) and that she try to enjoy the rest of her vacation, instead of returning at once.
The latter part was odd. Maybe a bit pars the course with the boisterous redhead. But, she expected to be forced to return. Honestly, she wouldn't have minded too much...
It was in a private booth, she then found herself waiting on her "sponsor" after being pointed to a PC both by a kind Nurse Joy at the front desk.
After ringing for what seemed like forever (just a couple seconds), the video call revealed one of Unova's Elite Four, Caitlin. The doll-like woman, dressed in actual pajamas and not her Elite Four wear, yawned into her hand as she searched Elesa's features. And despite all her bravado to get this meeting out of the way, the younger woman froze in place, suddenly unsure about herself.
Smooth, collected and soft, Caitlin spoke up first, "I'm glad to see you in a better state, Elesa."
"You- you came by?"
The Elite shook her head. "Your dear friend made sure to alert us to your condition before the news reached us and reassured us that things would be fine without our direct intervention."
Elesa's blood ran cold.
The last time Unova's League intervened in another region, a war sprouted.
As if sensing her dread, the petite woman in the computer giggled. "It wouldn't be so drastic, don't worry. I would make sure of it." There was such finality in her tone, Elesa could only believe her. The girl just didn't know if it meant one thing or the other...
Caitlin was the youngest Elite Four member Unova had ever hired, joining when she was 20.
Her career started in Hoenn, where her rich family moved to leave the recovering Unova soon after her birth. It was there she started her Pokemon Journey, when the Trainer's License age limit was a measly 10, and rapidly heightened her battle prowess, then joined the upstart Battle Frontier as one of the hired trainers when she was just 13. She only stayed for a couple of years. Her journey continued into Sinnoh, where she soon became a student of the current Psychic Elite Four of Sinnoh, Lucian, given her unique psychic powers. The then-accomplished woman soon returned home, with her richer family in tow, after travel to Unova had gradually reopened with the flames of war dying off and general prosperity returned to the country.
On her first Unova circuit, the dirty blonde tried her hand for Champion, but lost to one of two remaining and original Elite Four members, Grimsley, in a hard-fought match despite her oppressive matchup and after clearing two of his equals beforehand. The champion immediately recruited her for a multitude of reasons.
Elesa couldn't recall them at the moment...
It had been a long, tenacious four years since she held that position. She clung to it strongly, beating back any opposition swiftly.
"So," Elesa started unsurely, "Am I to return immediately?"
The older woman tilted her head. "You are still on vacation, no? It is your choice."
The girl didn't know what to make of that. If this was a test or not. Perhaps, the older woman was seeing if she was—
The woman's expression fell from nonchalant tiredness to mild concern. "Elesa, this was supposed to be your final break for years to come. My gift of future sight hadn't accounted for anything like this coming, so I hadn't been worried."
There were few things that could bypass Psychic's powers...
"There were a lot of Dark Pokemon apparently, Elite Caitlin..."
But, it was a lil comforting to know that the woman had read her future for the trip. That she had allowed it, knowing Elesa would make it through into the end. Or at least, that was how she assumed these things worked.
Her mentor-to-be merely smiled, not taking the words as insult. "I should've seen something. Nonetheless, if you want to return to training tomorrow, say the word, but there's no need to rush. I'll recommend checking up on your friend. Young Nessa had been in the thick of it."
Elesa merely nodded. That had been the plan either way.
"Also, Elesa?"
"Yes?"
"Congratulations on your promotion to Gym Leader." There was a knowing smile on Caitlin, but Elesa was too busy panicking. And so, the Elite Four member explained, carefully, "There were... politics at play that even my reputation in Hoenn couldn't help with." There was a flicker of annoyance, but the gym leader was still too panicked to catch it. "The best way to solve it was to reveal your candidacy outright, unfortunately. I know you wanted to hold off on it as long as possible, but we had no choice, Gym Leader."
It shouldn't have shocked Elesa that the Unovan Psychic Master knew how she felt about her role, but it did. A part of her felt fear—but she immediately shoved that away by drawing on her memories with the calm and lethargic woman.
Caitlin had given Elesa the tools to teach her Pokemon on how to manipulate Electric aura, manually. The day was a bright one, eight months back, and it was the same day that the League had privately confirmed she was indeed the only candidate they wanted, with the said Elite as a proxy.
It was rare that Elesa found herself starstruck, but it was impossible not to when faced with the face of a young woman in power. As mystical as her psychic powers, Caitlin graced her with a soft voice, congratulating her. Then, as if sensing her panic, she had tried her best to reassure the younger girl. It wasn't what Elesa needed or wanted, but she couldn't deny the help.
She had released her Pokemon on the Elite's command, and with one ask to look at them with her Psychic vision (she still didn't know what that was exactly but agreed readily), Caitlin knew enough. A serene smile, one that even made Elesa's worries fade away a bit and enraptured her and her Pokemon, took over before she said, "This only confirms our choice, Elesa. Your trainer career doesn't do your Pokemon justice. Let me help you take the next step. I know you and yours can handle it."
Elesa could recall at the time that she thought, 'it wasn't on purpose.' There wasn't a day where she wasn't training her Pokemon in some shape or form, despite the lack of evolutions or badges to show for it. However, she would have never assumed she had the ability to be a Pillar of Unova, to foster and to protect an entire city.
The woman had opened her palms and with a small flash, a few small books fell in. "These are Shauntal's, so do please take care of the books, ok?" Like a ghost, she left via teleport under her own power.
One didn't just not listen to an Elite Four member, not that Elesa could ever imagine ever doing exactly that. And so, the rest of that day, which was supposed to be her coordinator-focus day, she spent that day carefully reading in autopilot.
It seemed to be a simple thing in concept. However, Electric-Type Pokemon were infamous for being rather instinctive with their electricity, which made sense given how potentially dangerous out-of-control energy could be. That only went double for something as volatile as raw energy. Because of all the training, her male Emolga, Code, was able to hold back against Nessa's Pokemon. Though, it helped Elesa gauge how prepared Code would be fighting at a lower level. She would need it until she was sent extra pokemon and went around to capture suitable others.
Based on Nessa's lack of reaction, her ploy worked.
Yeah, Elesa had decided to lie and pretend. She had hid her strength from her friend. Nessa did not need another goal to reach. At least, that was what she convinced herself to think...
Then, there was also that first time Elesa met the newest Elite Four member at a gala to raise money for the families and orphans still recovering from the war. It was Caitlin's first tenure in the Elite Four and Elesa's second year being a trainer at 16 years of age.
There was a time when the girl had benefited from these things. It was the reason grandmother was able to support any endeavors younger-Elesa wanted to take upon herself. These charity events were the only reason why she was able to become a young model.
She had helped organize it, Caitlin mentioned it in every way except in those words. The younger girl didn't know if the Elite was being humble or not. And unintentionally, Elesa had pointed it out in confusion before she could bite her tongue.
Caitlin had smiled sadly, conveying that Unova needed much help but hated it from outside sources. The land's long history could attest to it.
"Elesa?" Caitlin's voice was full of worry, but she did not say more, simply waiting on the girl. All traces of tiredness and annoyance were gone as well.
"I'm sorry, Elite Caitlin. I.." she didn't know what to say. What was there to say? Thank you? Probably, but the older girl seemed to know her own feelings on the promotion...
And so, Caitlin took the reins.
She shuffled around for a bit first and pulled up a bundle of letters. They were decorated by children, one could tell with but a glance. "I wanted to save these as a gift after your in-person swear-in. Alder had tried to coax you, probably, but he's... a bit foolish. He's only getting on with his age." Hearing and seeing no reaction from the bright blonde, she opened the top letter. "The children look up to you across the region, Elesa. I'm sure you know that much—but, do you truly understand the weight you hold?"
Behind Caitlin, more bundles of letters rose with pink psychic energy. The straps that held them, unraveled in unison. Letters by the hundreds unfolded. Thousands of drawings, photos, and most definitely, millions of words filled the screen. They captured the smiles of those human and Pokemon-nature alike as they sat around TVs or Nimbasa's fields, stood in clothing shops, and so on. Each letter and note had keywords that glowed.
inspired.
Driftveil City!
happy!
Narene City!
loved!
Striaton City!
your shows!
Iccirus City!
Beauty!
Undella Town!
training
Castelia City!
your battles!
Nimbasa!
Genius!
Nuvema Town!
...
It sucked all of Elesa's focus as she gasped.
"You're not just a model. You're an inspiring sensation, beloved by all the youth. Beyond that, you're an international figure, who's helped Unova heal impossibly fast."
International...
Her sapphire eyes watered as the newly-appointed Gym Leader recalled the faces of those who cheered when she rushed to save as many as she could. Almost none of them were Unovan.
Maybe, except the family with the Stoutland...
If the older woman noticed the flicker of sadness, she didn't show it as she continued her show undeterred.
Letters vanished with a flicker and were replaced by wisps of Elesa's catalogs. Images of Unova's many sights rippled in the air. There were Pokemon, either wild, who had been kind enough to join, those from her crew, local area, or random trainers. Pictures of the city, intertwined with people and pokemon. Sharing food, resting peacefully, enjoying the night air, swimming boisterously through the hot summer season...
"You're Unova's current treasure, Elesa. I don't believe you understand how much it needed you." The live imagery faded away, leaving Caitlin and three other figures, the rest of the Elite Four. A small bit of irritation revealed itself on her face, "Alder is.. Somewhere, unfortunately, but let the Elite Four welcome you in as the latest Pillar of Unova in his steed."
All four of them nodded in unison.
" "Unova welcomes you as one of her Pillars, Elesa Kamitsure. Do you solemnly swear to protect and cherish your country to the best of your ability?" "
Nothing could prepare the nineteen-year-old for this. All her acting ability, her trained motor skills, nor her unyielding discipline did, but she quickly stood and held a hand to her drumming heart.
"I-I swear!"
She wanted to die. Preferably, now. But, as soon as possible was perfectly fine too.
Grimsley broke the stoic atmosphere with a laugh. "Don't worry, girl. There'll be a professional swear-in." For the man's age, he looked unbelievably well. His hearty laugh only reinforced that.
Caitlin sent him a scathing look, breaking her calm and collected persona for the first time. She then smacked his arm, hissing, "Let me handle this!"
"Sorry, sorry," he said, completely unapologetic.
The two other Elite Four members merely smiled, kindly and patiently, at Elesa through the screen.
"Ahem," Caitlin coughed into a fist, "It's as he said. There'll be a ceremony a few days after you return from your vacation on the agreed upon date, after a few practiced runs. It's probably best you don't return early. Unless, of course, you wish to dodge the media who've been quite thorough even from Hoenn?"
Elesa paused, thinking clearly for once.
Anything to bypass the rabid members of society, after all...
"Maybe a day early?" she tried, somehow able to find her voice again. They all sent her knowing looks. "I-I'll definitely be coming back a day earlier."
"Great!" The older woman ushered the rest of her coworkers out, instead of teleporting them out. With them gone, Caitlin deflated slightly. "I'm so sorry to lay this all on you after your... experience in Hoenn, Elesa."
Said girl hid a wince as she moved to reply. "It's okay. I think I understand why your hand was forced. And uhm, thank you for the live show. I think I needed it."
Her gaze drooped into the keyboard. She tried to focus on the call and ignored what she had gone through. At least, for now.
"You don't, but that's okay. You're still young. I would know, since I was once in your shoes."
Elesa wanted to shake her head, but she didn't want to seem disrespectful. Heading a gym didn't seem all that impressive when becoming an Elite Four member of an entire country. Comparing her own lack of a journey to Caitlin's strenuous path to power across regions was inane to the younger woman.
To Elesa, there was no inconceivable comparison even possible.
However, she had completely misread the words from Caitlin.
"We all have to start somewhere," the Elite said with such emotion that Elesa had to look up, making no move to clear up the misunderstanding. She was greeted with the smile from earlier during the show. "I believe you've done much better than I could in your position. Anyway, I'm sorry that I have to cut this short, but it's probably time for me to finalize some more things in Alder's place..." It was impossible to miss the tone of irritation, but it was quickly removed. "Please enjoy your time with your friend, ok?"
"I'll try," she promised.
"That's the best we can ask for."
The screen closed in on itself, and Elesa was still left to stare bewildered still.
She was no longer a Gym Leader Prospect. There were hundreds of reasons she could think why this was a bad thing. But ultimately, it wouldn't change a thing.
Her eyes trailed the length of her arm. It no longer ached with burns and the throbs of a bruise. She had put a strong face on for the call, but she swallowed thickly as water pooled in her eyes again.
Unlike the hospital, Elesa knew she could be truly alone in this private booth.
It had hurt so bad. Thinking clearly was impossible. She was just so damned tired! And then, there was so much going on. A part of her was even glad that she was deafened with the first blast because she felt all the screaming and stomping. A small part of her wondered how Current could even hear her orders with her extra sensitive ears...
Somehow, even with the lingering ringing in her own ears at the time, Elesa could still hear the rising cold waters embracing her. It happened too quickly.
It really shouldn't have been possible!
The blonde bit her lip, stopping herself from yelling those exact words, even despite the private booth being covered in muting material. Perhaps, in spite of it..
She couldn't muster words, barely able to think, and devoid of air. And if Dr. Osumi's Floatzel hadn't arrived when it had, she would've drowned, buried in.
Probably crushed by the caving ceiling you had sent the civilians away from, her inner voice supplied.
She hiccuped once. Twice. Then, the dam broke, and she sobbed loudly into her open palms. Her shoulders and arms filled with goosebumps as they hit the cold, uncaring desk. The weight of holding her head felt monumental with her struggling limbs as did her new duties on her shaking shoulders.
It just wasn't fair!
First, her parents—of whom, she could scarcely recall, growing more and more murky as she matured. Now, her freedom, all for a country she of course wanted to repay for building her up into who she was now... But, she never imagined in this manner.
Just, how many people had she failed because she slipped? How many had to deal with her kind of loss because she wasn't enough?
Her inner voice, once so active, was now mute. And she knew why. The facade of calm wasn't her. Despite her optimism, she was pretty realistic, she always assumed. Her cranky grandmother saw to it.
And honestly, it helped, even now.
Thinking back to her aging grandmother only returned deep-seated worries.
As much as she wanted to pretend otherwise, her grandmother didn't have much time left. The stress of losing her children and retiring amidst a war had done more than taken a toll. The thin, elderly woman couldn't do much without help. And if it weren't for Unova's practices with using Pokemon, Elesa was sure she would've been just another orphan.
But, it was only a matter of time before the world took her last remaining family from her. The newly-crowned Gym Leader couldn't imagine how she would even begin to deal with that as her sobs deepened and renewed.
By the Legendary Musketeers, she was so weak for sobbing so hard for something that hasn't even happened yet. Her grandmother never failed to bring up her own age and impending ending. That it was only a matter of time, but the elderly woman had little regrets of her faults, having raised Elesa into.. Unova's treasure.
She sniffled into her hospital gown's sleeve.
—Only to freeze.
It was rare that Elesa wasn't conscious of what she was wearing. She was a model, second only to her "job" as her grandmother's main caretaker. And yet, the girl hadn't noticed she had left the hospital in little more than tacky and cheap pajamas. It was no wonder that the first tired ranger had looked at her funny for denying the first offer to teleport straight to the PokeCenter from her hospital room.
And now, she was dreading leaving the small room.
She had nothing. Whatever expensive clothes she had brought onboard were gone, she assumed. Whatever money she had pooled for the trip, separated specifically from her savings, was now down the drain. There was no doubt Unovan Capitol Bank didn't exist in Hoenn, so she couldn't even begin to request for a new card. And if she tried to request one across countries, she was sure by the time she received it, her once-innocuous vacation would be over.
Her breathing became labored, heavier as each second grew longer than the next. Her fear of being poor again gripped her tight. She had forgotten all about it in her many years of grand success.
Elesa slumped her upper body against the desk, propped up by her elbows. Squeezing her eyes shut, she tried her best to focus on what she could do.
There wasn't much.
Perhaps, she could leverage her Gym Leader status, but she hadn't the faintest clue on how far such prestige could take her or how effective it would even be in a far away country. She'd have to figure out how much support the region would provide for those who had been in a Tier 4 Pokemon Crisis, which was just a step below a Legendary Rampage. But, again, that was assuming Hoenn followed what Elesa could only assume were Pokemon Disaster Ratings unique to Unova.
There were much too many unknowns...!
A short rapt of knuckles against the private booth's entrance snapped the girl from her growing panic. "Leader Elesa?" The soft and calm voice of the Nurse Joy from earlier helped the blonde relax slightly. However, the following words did the opposite. "May I come in?"
That was a strange request... but, it was from a Nurse Joy.
"Y-Yes." Again, Elesa cursed herself for stuttering for the third time that day. She had long gotten over that issue!
The pink-haired woman entered with her professional and permanent smile, softly muttering, "Pardon me." Following her, a lithe and regal Gardevoir followed her, who seemed to do the same thing before shutting the door without a touch.
Now the private booth began to feel a little cramped with two more figures. Or maybe that was her overreacting, but Elesa tried not to show her inner thoughts.
The Nurse Joy allowed the younger woman a few seconds to collect herself, and then, bowed deeply. Besides her, the Gardevoir dipped forward as well. "Thank you for services during the disaster, Gym Leader."
You didn't do much, her mind supplied unhelpfully.
"...I just wished I could've done more," Elesa finally replied, softly. Her fingers were neatly intertwined as she tried to uphold the new image of Gym Leader with full seriousness. It helped to channel her own image of Elite Caitlin. However, she felt the look fell short because of her attire...
The pink-haired woman before her didn't respond immediately, but rose, staring at the blonde intensely. It was enough that Elesa found it difficult to not squirm as they matched gazes. "Your friend said much of the same," the certified doctor and veterinarian eventually murmured, softening her look with a sheepish smile. "My friend here," she gestured at the quiet Pokemon at her side, "was worried about what was taking place here. We.. We wanted to wait for you to calm down, but it seemed like you were spiraling. So, here we are."
Elesa's bright blue eyes didn't widen. Gardevoir were pretty famous for their empathetic sensing. Instead, she only deflated.
"I'm- I'm sorry for worrying you both," she found herself saying on autopilot. "I'll be leaving now."
"And go where?" Elesa flinched so hard, she looked as she had been slapped as she could only stare in muted shock. "And without your Pokemon?" Seven pokeballs floated from behind the pair, surrounded by visible Psychic energy. "With what clothes?" A bundle of clothing teleported in next. "And now, how will you get anything without any money?" This time, the woman stepped forth and brandished a black card. "Your companion denied it.." she trailed off with a small hint of annoyance.
Despite everything, the blond cracked a small smile. "Yeah. That... That definitely sounds like her."
Again, the Nurse Joy bowed, still holding the card up. "Please take it and help yourselves. It wouldn't reflect well on Hoenn to not reward our heroes, foreign as they may be." As the young woman gingerly pinched the card from the Joy's hand, said woman explained further, "I personally couldn't stand by more than I already have." The woman's face scrunched, betraying her age, tiredness, and worry. "I've been too busy to do anymore. Please see to your friend's state and get up on your feet together."
Again, Elesa's throat felt parched. She managed a small nod, not trusting herself to speak.
—Only for her vision to go dark as the woman suddenly embraced her.
"Pardon my unprofessionalism and jumping the gun on everything," the pinkette started, tightening the hold on Elesa slightly. "By the Sea and Land, you both are still so young. You did a lot, I've heard, and I believe it. Please accept the help. You girls need it. It's only right that yall get your due," The older woman all but begged, regathering some of her professionalism by breaking the hug slightly. "My Gardevoir will aid you two for the rest of your stay. She can teleport almost anywhere in Hoenn."
"Devoir," said the pokemon in agreement.
The pink-haired woman continued, "The black card will only work within our borders, but feel free to keep it or return it; doesn't matter 'ither way. Just don't give it away, okay?"
"Right."
The sudden hug fell apart as Nurse Joy stepped back with a complicated look. "I still have much work to do and could only manage my personal pokemon as help," she confessed sadly. "Please don't be afraid to grab a meal to-go before you leave. I must urge that you do, and one for Nessa, if you don't want to use the black card just yet."
"I will, I promise."
"May peace find you in the eons to come."
"Y-You too."
With that, the older woman left after patting her Pokemon as well. "Take care of them, Harp. Oh, Harp don't forget to grab Nessa's Pokemon too!"
The green and white pokemon replied audibly again with a confidence Elesa wished to have at this moment, "Gar-de."
The honored farewell wishes were unfamiliar to Elesa, but she understood it well enough. Peace sounded good, but there was much to do.
Still, even if they were known friends, it was kinda surprising that Nurse Joy would trust Elesa with a random trainer's Pokemon...
Maybe it was because she was a Gym Leader now?
Quickly, she forced herself to move on. "Your name is Harp?" she asked the quiet Pokemon.
The Psychic-type Pokemon nodded before gliding the clothes closer, reminding Elesa of the Pokemon's literal calming presence.
Changing in front of others was something she had grown accustomed to as a model. While it was always in front of a sorted few crew members, she could trust a Pokemon of a Nurse Joy.
She changed quickly into the baggy but not unwieldy long-sleeved shirt and men's sport shorts. The former was patterned with white waves on blue while the bottoms were a plain blue. It covered less than the lengthy gown but was much less embarrassing and probably less eye-catching.
If not for her bright blond hair, that was.
As she finished stretching, she tucked some locks behind an ear before turning to the quiet pokemon. Said Pokemon was a pretty rare sight in Unova. Cultivating the Ralt's line in her region was a closely guarded ordeal. Which was a shame because Ralts were very cute...
As if sensing her thoughts, Harp spoke up, "G-Gardevoir." The floating pokeballs pushed forward, just in her reach, as if to hide any embarrassment.
Staring at them, Elesa paused.
More memories rushed her. She had at least caught one Pokemon during the final moments. Maybe more in her scramble to save as many as she could. She couldn't quite recall it with clarity, still nursing a small headache.
Tacked on two of the balls were a sticky note. She all but snatched them, reading them to herself.
It informed her of the original owners, but ultimately, it gave her complete control over the Pokemon if she decided to keep them. She assumed it had something to do with the messiness of the whole situation and her revealed status. Still, giving her the final say on someone's Pokemon... Nevermind a dead person's...
Elesa knew that Hoenn liked their policies and laws, but she was an outsider...
The girl tried to hide her wince as her head pulsed uncomfortably.
It seemed the dutiful Gardevoir noticed her onset of head throbs. "...Gar," She murmured, knowing exactly what to do to help. Her assigned Nurse Joy had her fair share of headaches, after all.
A cup of warm water and a pill suddenly appeared before the blond. The flash that accompanied it drew Elesa back.
"Thank you," she mustered a small smile before reaching the two items out of the psychic hold.
There wasn't immediate relief, but it did help to know that relief would be coming in the first place.
"Harp, is there a place where I can release all my Pokemon?"
The named Pokemon nodded before holding out a hand, asking for permission without a word. And so, Elesa wordlessly grasped it with a smile. Harp's red eyes widened at the quick trust but teleported soon after.
They popped into existence in a lone battlefield, surrounded at all sides with walls of white and a single stone entrance. It was completely unfamiliar, but the new Gym Leader had a guess.
"We're beneath the PokeCenter?"
Harp made a sound of agreement.
"Right.."
Elesa turned from the empty surroundings to each of her pokeballs and a bag of other pokeballs. Nessa's she could only assume. A small part of her mind drifted back to her grandmother, wondering how she was dealing without familiar Pokemon to help her.
..Probably being even more demanding than normal..
She rummaged through the bag first, double-checking it.
Her blood turned to ice. There was a pokeball missing. The only one SHE would recognize fondly was missing. The Feebas she traded to Nessa, Quintessa.
Her mind jumped to the worst conclusion. However, before she could spiral for something had no real clue on, Elesa shook her head vigorously, making Harp flinch in surprise.
She would comfort Nessa if she needed it. In the best case, Tessa was simply used as a support-mon or something. Still, it gave her a clue on how her friend could be feeling.
The young woman nodded to herself resolutely and refocused on her own pokeballs. She plucked the ball she knew best: a luxury ball with electrified lines instead of the simple rings. It was her starter's pokeball, who only deserve the best.
The blond observed the knob to see what mode the pokeball was on. It was "Stasis." That made sense if it had been sent across regions. It probably protected the Pokemon from any potential glitches on his long trip across the entranet.
With a familiar click and flash of red, her loyal starter appeared with a high-pitched neigh. He rose from the ground, eventually standing as tall as she was. His white stripes flashed rapidly as he trotted in circles, stretching all the while—only to freeze.
These were wholly unfamiliar grounds, and his normally beautified trainer had seen better days.
"Zeb zebstrika?!"
The quick concern made Elesa smile reassuringly. "I'm okay, Stripes. Just a little weak and still tired."
His approach was swift, nearing the speed she last saw her female Emolga undertook but with little startup. Which was to say, she blinked and the next thing she knew, Stripes was trying to support her like he would her grandmother.
Strips was a majestic beast that grew stronger by the day. She only wished her parents could see how much their gift developed. And that she could thank them for Stripes one more time...
Elesa could only giggle. "I'm really okay, Stripes, I promise. I'm not that weak!" She brushed her fingers through his normally static-inducing mane to calm her stallion.
It no longer shocked or frazzled her. This was only possible due to the books the two Elites had bequeath her that Stripes was able to instantly stop any Electric Aura from pouring down his mane at the moment's notice.
The training had really helped. Before it, she had to make sure to use specialized gloves and brush. Since the books, Zebstrika was focused on cultivating his control and energy powers. The hurdles they've leapt over since then were nothing.
Though, it's been a while since she last had a challenge. It might be time to challenge her—
Colleagues?
Elesa shoved the startling revelation to the back of her mind, returning to her starter for her own piece of mind.
"I'm glad to have you back."
"Strika!"
She knew what that meant as she leaned her head onto his. 'Forever and always.' His stripes flickered, betraying his sense of joy despite his concern and outward calm.
"I.. I caught some other Pokemon, Stripes. Some under bad circumstances." She bit her lip as she shoved away the memories. "I'll explain with the rest of the team out, okay?" Stripes nodded again and glanced over to the silent onlooker, who nodded once respectfully. His head cocked slightly at the two familiar premier balls as well.
His trainer had always kept them in her purse. They were part of the original batch of pokeballs she bought at the start of her trainer "journey." She never really used up the batch of pokeballs, kept busy with her grandmother, modeling, and other things. She had even eventually shifted her team into luxury balls. However, as a keepsake, she kept the two premier balls, which were no better than the pokeballs she originally got.
It was only a miracle she had them on hand during the crisis and hadn't broke during her stumbles and falls, before or after said crisis.
Even now, the two white balls were married with scuffs and makeup. And that was despite the polish someone had tried to give them, it seemed.
And now, he could feel energy thrumming within them. They were no longer empty.
The pair of energetic Emolga were next. Their luxury balls were tuned for rest (similar to stasis but allowed for the Pokemon to heal/rest in private), like she had left them. It was best after a check up. Code's had been with Nessa, she hoped prior to the event. And Current's checkup had probably been with the Nurse Joy at standby.
"Emol!"
"Ga!"
Code and Current circled each other, immediately clasping hands—before the latter broke off the greeting suddenly, gliding down to Elesa.
"I'm- hehe, I'm okay, Current!" The flurry of fur tickled the girl as she tried to calm down the flying mouse. Code joined his partner, simply out of principle. The two were a whirlwind of fur and squeaks, pointing and questioning various things.
It took a small flash from Stripes to reel in the two Pokemon.
"Thank you, Stripes," she laughed, hugging her two small Pokemon to herself. They squirmed, never one for being confined physically, even if against the bosom of their favorite person.
Her cute Tynamo and round Chichou was next. Their balls were tuned for limited consciousness, even if the latter had traveled across countries alongside Stripes—her grandmother was lazy or forgot, she guessed. In other words, if they weren't sleeping, they had heard everything but were unable to release themselves. Which also meant Wonder had experienced the fall of the cruise, trapped in his ball, but thankfully safe with Nessa and Dr. Osumi she assumed.
The two balls shook, lightly, registering her warmth. Her bright blue eyes watered as she clutched the balls tighter.
In the next moment she released the two floating Pokemon with more red flashes. They immediately rushed her. A gray blur zoomed into her neck. Meanwhile the blue Pokemon was a little slower, using her big eyes to take in the surroundings as she floated forward.
"Tynamo!" Her smallest partner cried into her neck. It flared her nearly forgotten headache, but she could ignore it for now. The Pokemon was worried sick, and if she didn't respect Nurse Joy's as much as she did, she'd think the little guy was actually sick with all the out-of-control flickering he was doing.
"I'm alright now, Wonder. No need to cry for me, sweetie." Elesa cooed as she cradled the Pokemon—who wasn't as small as she last remembered? "I'm back on land, safe and sound."
"Ty ty ty ty- Ty!"
She let the Pokemon continue his outburst in the crook of her neck, focusing on the more dutiful Water-Electric type.
"Hi, Source," she greeted early and gestured at the round angler to join the hug. As she did so, almost comically large tears welled up, having found no hint of danger and catching the feelings Wonder was radiating, nevermind her own.
"Chouuu!" The Pokemon sobbed as she threw herself at the duo, knocking Elesa onto her back. Or would have, if not for the psychic interception from Harp that softly put the girl on her butt.
She sent a mental thank-you before focusing on comforting her two youngest team members. They were no longer babies, but all the same, they were more prone emotional outbursts.
It wasn't too unheard of from Chichou's, but Tynamo's were rather simple and single-minded on average. Chichou and their evolution's typing made sure that there were very few that could threaten them in their habitats. They could afford to be softer in the wilds.
Aric's entourage and eventually Wonder were the exceptions she's found among other Tynamo. Perhaps, it was possible to train emotions or emotional intelligence into them? That was a thought for another time.
It didn't take long for her Pokemon to calm down, fortunately.
She was left seated on the dirt ground with Chichou taking her entire lap. Her pair of Emolga perched on each shoulder. Wonder wrapped himself over forearm, twice over.
He had really gotten bigger.
Was there something she missed?
"Striiika."
As her starter approached, so did the final two balls in Harp's psychic hold. A glance at the knobs reminded her that they had been put in complete stasis. So, they may come out in a state of heightened adrenaline. Or not, depending on how Nurse Joy checked up on and healed them.
She swallowed then pursed her lips as she reached out to the two premier balls.
"As you all can see, we got two more teammates. I.. I had to catch them in order to save them." From the corner of her eyes, she saw Wonder perk up. "We were on a cruise, but I only had Current on hand."
Elesa coaxed said Pokemon into her hands, petting her softly as the Pokemon preened under the attention, momentarily forgetting her own concern for her trainer.
"The cruise was attacked, and the two of us tried to minimize casualties. I'm not sure what exactly attacked the ship yet, but we'll be meeting up with Nessa to get the details."
Elesa purposefully left out how she ended up so banged up. Both Wonder and Stripes noticed. She knew the former did as he had tightened his hold slightly, but still didn't say anything. Stripes, she knew, would ask Current all about it in private.
"But for now, let's meet our new friends, hopefully," Elesa murmured the last part. She then turned her head to the lithe, green Pokemon that watched on silently, "I may need your psychic services once more, Harp."
The Gardevoir nodded and floated to stand beside Stripes, who eyed her unsurely but trusted Elesa's judgment on the matter. He was still pretty sure there was much his trainer hadn't yet revealed...
Slowly, the blond climbed to her feet. Source now floated next to her with trained control of water; Nessa had been unbelievably essential for this. Ahead of them all, Stripes took point as Elesa unleashed the first ball.
The red flash became white then yellow, forming a round shape. Six limbs splayed from a segmented body. Yellow fur was revealed first. Then, six eyes blinked open as the spider-like body tense instinctively.
As she took in the familiar Unovan Pokemon, she corrected herself. Four limbs, not six. The mandibles at the front were so large, she had thought they were front limbs.
Although, oddly enough, they weren't as intimidating as her imagination had made spiders out to be. Perhaps, the slight familiarity and soft-looking fur helped...
"Easy, Galvantula. We're safe now." She stepped between Stripes and Harp before lowering the Galvantula's capture device. "I don't know who you were trying to save. I can barely recall what happened myself. E-Everything was happening so fast... But, I guess, I caught you, and it only worked because... Your original ball was crushed."
The pokemon squeezed shut all of its eyes as it deflated and collapsed with a sharp whine. "Tuuuuuul!"
It wasn't a simple cry. It was a feint. Each of the onlookers recoiled as the effects of Screech overtook their bodies. Even Harp was taken off guard, having felt the overwhelming anguish exploding from the yellow Pokemon right before.
Electrified webs sprayed in every direction.
Her group of Pokemon lunged to action, resisting the Screech that delayed and slowed their follow-ups.
Her twin mice sent a rush of bladed wind to cut the webbed wave down to size. The disruption to their twin attack weakened the blades so they would dissipate soon after contact. Source and Wonder countered the crackling energy with a combined Thunder Wave. A practiced maneuver she taught them for this exact purpose, deflecting other Electric attacks in case training went out of control.
That technique had caught the eye of Shauntel apparently.
She would've loved to give her Pokemon treats, but Strips had stood in front of her, glaring at her to stay behind her, knowing exactly what she was thinking.
It wasn't like she had some on hand anyway...
Harp prevented any more attacks from the grieving Galvantula. An instant use of Disable nearly put the Pokemon out of commission. The Electric-Bug Pokemon was left to slump listlessly onto the dirt. The pain of loss was so clear, Elesa could overlook the fact that it was a Bug type and just lashed out...
Geez, Nurse Joy's Pokemon was no joke.
"Follow Stripes," she said as she patted her starter's mane. He sent back a whine, disapprovingly. The blond ignored it, sidestepping his body.
She would try to connect to the Pokemon with or without him. She could trust that Harp nor the rest of her team wouldn't be taken off guard from this point on. It wasn't long until the Zebstrika trotted after her, unhappily, but ever the loyal steed.
"Hey, Galvantula.." There was no response. "I—" The Gym Leader paused, realizing she hadn't exactly formulated a plan. She had been so caught up in her thoughts and her Pokemon that she completely forgot to do so.
Dealing with this kind of grief was a totally new experience for her. Wonder's loss of his family didn't affect him like this, being both very young and their species being mostly comfortable with the idea of death. That was a scary concept, but the concern he showed early swayed any worries about how he's grown since.
The person who helped her raise her Tynamo was her spitfire grandmother.
A small smile overtook her lips as inspiration hit her.
"Do you have a name, Galvantula? One given to you by your trainer? I think her name was Shigana Mias."
The Pokemon reacted to the mention of their trainer.
"La," the spider said, lifelessly, with only one of its many eyes open.
Elesa glanced at the psychic nearby, giving visible permission for psychic entry. Harp hesitated, again surprised by the easy trust, but soon nodded.
The polite Pokemon's voice was soft and invisible as if she hadn't been expecting to use it. ['"Specs."']
The girl tested the name, "Specs. What a cute name." She could find herself naming Galvantula that as well...
She crouched, inching forward. "Here's what we'll do, Specs. I'm leaving Hoenn in a week's time. It's a big change and a lot to ask after losing your trainer. If there's anyone else you'd rather stay with, just say the word, and I'll hand over your ball to them, ok?"
"Galll.." the yellow spider managed to shutter out with a painful face while deflating to the ground completely.
['T-There's no one.'] This time, even Harp seemed mortified.
Even her headstrong starter was taken aback by the reveal. Just behind her, she could practically hear her Chichou, Source, tear up.
"I.. I see," she caught herself murmuring.
Her team broke the lull for her, following her lead in trying to reach out. Source floated forward, followed by Wonder. It garnered a single eye of the shut six eyes. She had heard spider Pokemon had amazing senses, but Source and Wonder made no noise in their approach...
Only made her wonder if the Galvantula had sensed the oncoming destruction and danger... And if it felt at fault for not warning or save its trainer... It may explain trying to keep people away from it. Or, it may not. It was much too early to tell or assume.
An "audible" gaze burned into the back of her head. It was Harp, who stared at her with an unreadable expression—which may be her unfamiliarity with the Gardevoir species as a whole.
H-Hopefully my thoughts aren't too loud or distracting, Harp, Elesa tried to convey without disrupting the other Pokemon.
It worked as the Pokemon shook her head softly.
['Nothing of the sort, Leader Elesa.'] the psychic Pokemon continued staring longer in silence. Almost uncomfortably so. ['I find myself surprised by your humility and kindness. It is no wonder you've been elected despite your age.']
Was it really so special? It's what Unova tried to teach "her" people. From her spicy grandmother, to her honor-bound parents, and finally, to lil ol her.
Apparently, again, Elesa broadcasted her thoughts.
['There's a difference between knowing kindness and acting on it. If more people—lives, in general, were more like you, life would be a better place. Pardon my presumption, but becoming a pillar was only a matter of time, Leader Elesa. You'll see in due time, I promise. It seems like your country only wanted to foster your career more directly.']
Knowing the Pokemon had sensed and perhaps "heard" her panic attack about her future (given how easily the Pokemon had converse with her and herself having little ways to protect herself mentally thus far) made the words impact her doubly so. Still, it was odd she was having this conversation with a Pokemon. And one that wasn't even hers, at that...
A small cry of glee drew her attention back to Specs. Her female Emolga, Current, had been surprised by the fur on the Galvantula. It seemed to be soft, enough that she was frantically rubbing against it. Enough that there was visible static building up between the two. Enough that her recently pampered (prior to the near death experience at least) Emolga's fur was becoming frazzled.
"Emol!" Her male Emolga, Code, chided, floating just outside of the range so he wouldn't get caught up in the gathered energy.
"Mol.." Current apologized to Specs.
The Galvantula hadn't minded nor made any movement to unlatch the flying mouse. Instead, it seemed to grow sad for no apparent reason as it glanced at her.
Or more specifically, the premier ball in her grasp still.
With a small smile, Elesa held it out with an unsaid question. Specs nodded readily. She tuned the ball for rest instead of stasis. She wanted it to catch some rest and be able to process the traumatic event in part by itself.
And so, with a push of a button, the Pokemon was absorbed in a red flash.
Although, she felt a lil bad to refer to the Pokemon as an "it." She had completely forgotten to ask nor was knowledgeable enough to know. Galvantula was even a Unova native species..
['He is a male on the cusp of reaching adulthood. Females are bigger on average with larger claws.'] Harp supplied.
She nodded a thanks before turning to the last pokeball on the agenda.
"Hey everyone, we got one more Pokemon to introduce ourselves to."
Her team nodded and huddled around her. They wouldn't be caught off guard again.
Still, she was glad nothing else came of the attack. Her Pokemon were both able to read the situation accordingly and adjust their plans without direct intervention from her. And despite the danger the depressed Pokemon presented, they hadn't retaliated.
It made her heart want to melt. All the hours that went into her career outside being a Pokemon trainer had built them for this. None of it was a waste. She had never thought of it as such, but it was all too clear she could never begin to think of it as time wasted even if she wanted to.
"Zeb," her starter nudged her softly, knowing his trainer was trying her best to not gomp her team.
"Right!" For what seemed like the first time that day, she smiled brightly. Her normal energy refilled her. She honestly felt like she could take on anything.
Even despite the slight blurring to her eyes from unshed tears, she could see her team react alongside her.
Her Emolga pair clasped each other, as if to cheer themselves for a job well done. Source's protrusions flickered rapidly in joy. Wonder joined her lightshow with his own blinking body and a sharp cry. Her majestic starter was trying his best to stamp down on his own joy, but despite all the energy training, he could never get over the flicker of his back legs as they twitched to stomp in shared excitement.
By the Royal Twin Dragons of Unova, she loved her team.
"Ready?"
Instantly, they shook off their excitement and prepared themselves again. She hid her grin by grasping the final floating pokeball just in case she embarrassed one of them (Stripes, hehe..). Another flash of red left a large feline or canine-like creature. So large, in fact, she stepped back. The glorious mane around the head flared out slightly as it stretched its black body.
The memory of the Pokemon returned to her. She hadn't realized it was so large at her distance in it.
Luxray.
From the corner of her eyes, she saw both her youngest members cower slightly. It made her starter step forward, acting a bit like a shield or a target in case things went awry again.
"Hi, Luxray."
The Pokemon was almost as tall as she was. Even as it peered up slightly, it "seemed" to look down at her. There was a flash of recognition from the creature before it lowered its head.
Now that the Pokemon lowered its head, Elesa could tell it was a female given the stubbier mane.
The Luxray didn't glance at the Pokemon to her side at all. "Luxray lux..." She muttered softly.
['"You finally recovered."'] Harp even managed to convey the monotone. ['My benefactor and I had gotten a look at her. She was... accepting of the new capture but mourned—is mourning in her own way.'] There was a strange pity to the Psychic Pokemon's tone.
"Y-Yeah, I'm okay. Thank you for the concern." Elesa inched closer. "What about you, Luxray?"
There was a brief pause with no answer nor twitch from the Pokemon.
The new Gym Leader pushed passed it. "Do you have a name I can call you?"
Just like Specs had earlier, the Gleam Eyes Pokemon squeezed her eyes shut. "Ray."
['"Artemis."']
"I like it." She rolled it off her tongue slowly, "Ar-te-mis." If her memory served her right, it was a reference to a time long ago about a wild huntress in a time even before the capture capsule. "I just..." she shook her head, clearing her thoughts. "I just wanted to meet you and introduce you to the team, Artemis."
The lioness nodded, eyes finally drifting away from Elesa. In particular, she locked gazes with the black and white steed. It was strong as steel, whereas everyone else of said team were soft. Artemis paused physically to reel back her assumption. Given what Elesa had managed while the lioness herself had been busy overcome with wild grief, perhaps, there was more to them all than what meets the eye...
Speaking of which, her golden eyes narrowed as they slid back to the Psychic translating everything. The shimmer around the noble Pokemon was odd. Her X-ray vision couldn't pierce through the veil. Whereas, it had worked just fine on her new trainer's Pokemon...
The Chichou had an odd biology, but that was common among aquatic Pokemon. The Tynamo was the same. The twin Emolga surprised her. Their "capes" were parts of their body, similar to the webbing to wings but thinner still and slightly stretchy. The Zebstrika before her was far sturdier.
If Artemis herself hadn't been so used to Electric aura, it would've been hard to peer past the passive energy cultivation within the taller Pokemon. His "motor" was massive...
It was odd that the veil hid the Psychic's shadow from her sight as well. From the corner of her eyes, she could see through the ceilings into the building above them. It was busy—quite reminiscent of the moments of the sea vessel's last moments.
Still, it confirmed her extra vision to be working as intended.
Artemis found it hard to trust this "Harp," but her new master had no such issues. Through her stare, she tried to warn the current pack leader. Based on the way his "motor" fluctuated, she was mostly certain he agreed with her judgement.
Or maybe, it was in preparation in case she herself lashed out.
Still, he deferred to his master on both matters. She would have to as well then...
...
Elesa had allowed for the staring contest, knowing that it was important to establish a hierarchy of sorts. Perhaps, she had gotten lucky with all her Pokemon because Stripes stood at the top without much challenge, not that any of her Pokemon tried to replace him.
This Luxray—she wasn't quite sure how to read her expression. Like Nessa's Drednaw, Archeron, their faces seemed perpetually... upset? Or stuck in one mode. Even if she knew 'Archie' for a good four years now, the blonde would catch herself misreading or assuming the Bite Pokemon's look. It would never fail to well minor pangs of guilt.
If Artemis decided to continue to stick by her, Elesa would have to get better at this. She nodded inwardly at herself at the declaration.
Her distracted nod broke the stare between the two larger Electric Pokemon. The black, blue, and yellow lioness turned her way with her entire body before slowly approaching. Stripes kept to Elesa's side with a soft trot.
"Everything good now?" She asked with a teasing smile. It was always nice to see her colt acting so mature.
Her starter merely raised his head high and slightly out of reach. On purpose, probably. It was too bad that she knew she could comb his mane at any time without any issue.
But, she'd cut him some slack.
Instead, her gaze drifted back to the bag of pokeballs.
"Artemis, I'll be meeting my friend soon and probably scour the area if I'm needed. I'm a Gym Leader, and while this isn't my home country, I feel responsible to stay and do something in the week I have before I return home.
I say all this just to give you a bit of what to expect."
The lioness merely nodded. Stripes sent a threatening snort that even made Harp flinch. The two large Electric types stared at one another, but Artemis lowered her head not long after.
"Lux."
It seemed to placate her starter and that was fine. The blond would trust Stripes on this if he found it necessary to step in. It wasn't like she knew how all of this worked.
['Your Pokemon simply wanted Artemis to give the respect that you deserve. I wouldn't say it's... misplaced with her species that she should show it.']
Elesa nodded but sent her starter a glance.
Still, Artemis was mourning...
Nor did Elesa mind the lack of proper decorum with her Pokemon unless for a shoot... Even then, allowing her Pokemon to be their natural selves made for the best photos.
Harp shook her head through their mental connection. ['It is best to establish immediately despite the current situation.'] The Pokemon seemed to dislike the fact.
Elesa bit back a sigh. She would research her new Pokemon on the way home. For now, she had other things to do.
"I'll put you back in the ball now. Do catch some rest, Artemis. I may need you soon."
"Lux Ray!" The Pokemon stood proudly at that.
['"I won't fail again."'] Harp translated immediately without any of the tone.
Her own group of Pokemon sent the lioness a look of newfound respect. Even Stripes, begrudgingly. Elesa couldn't find a response to say so she approached and allowed the Luxray to recapture herself. Stuffing the ball with her other new team member, she hugged each of her Pokemon before recapturing them as well.
All that was left was Elesa and Harp.
"Do you happen to know where Nessa is staying?"
The Gardevoir nodded.
"I'll meet up with her and wash up. We'll grab.." her mind scrambled to recall the time of day, "breakfast." She paused, turning to the Psychic type once more. "Do you want breakfast too?" She asked now just in case Harp was peculiar about her diet. It would be something to gather on the way before, as to not leave the loaned Pokemon estranged.
This time, Harp shook her head. ['I'll be fine even after you depart, Leader.']
"Huh." The Ralts line was pretty cool and handy.. "Can we teleport to her current location or...?" The Pokemon nodded again. "Let's do that immediately," she said, resolutely, facing Nurse Joy's Pokemon completely. It was because of that, she noticed something odd. Harp lacked a shadow. Was that a common trait? She wasn't able to question it for long as the feeling of teleportation took a hold of her.
[Insert interlude from Ch.7]
- [ᛊ] -
Aes (A/N): Shigana, huh? Who could that be a reference to, I wonder.
A lot of saids and tells but not enough shows, imo; the situation didn't really allow it. Lots of small details, sue me. Hopefully, it didn't drone too much. I just respect these characters so much and want them to feel that much more real. I hope you all can appreciate it (not excusing the lateness by any means).
Perhaps this isn't the chapter you wanted and honestly, I wanted to finish the actual chapter with Aric before this. However, (spoiler) with the sudden timeskip in the story, this slipped in better here imo. The next chapter may even be up before the month is up! That's how close it is to completion.
I swear this interlude wasn't supposed to be this long…
The week following this interlude will be revealed much later from Nessa's POV. Say, 4-5 chapters, give or take.
Edits: did
Words: [12,231]
What's up with this mysterious Gardevoir that's owned by Nurse Joy? HMMM