Year 2, Age 8

The first year of Cynthia's reign as champion has passed in the Sinnoh region and it has been a resounding success. The Elite Four has been founded, her ordinances have been enacted and new infrastructure is under construction all over. Mortality rates have been decreasing rapidly all over the region and despite the recency of Helheim people are once again beginning to feel safer.

With her decrees zoos have become reservations, pokemon rangers have come to work alongside trainers and the quality of life for all has been improved. Despite her young age she has set out to do everything she had in mind and more. Her allies work in tandem to support her endeavors, including the strongest leader Volkner who has worked tirelessly to improve the region's power supply situation.

The young boy Topaz has grown accustomed to his life without his parents. There's frequent change across the region, but he finds his home life to be rather stable and surprisingly lively. While he has only one friend of equal age, he calls the pokemon of Sunyshore Gym his compatriots as well as looking up to the gym trainers who always make sure he's taken care of. Nonetheless, on occasion, his soul aches for the familiarity of his parents.

~~Spring~~

Topaz Heart

Location: Beacon Household.

"Jade, did you get the snacks?"
"I can't find them! Why don't you get them, it's your house!"

"Ugh," I grunted as I ran into the kitchen to help Jade get the snacks he apparently could not find. I looked in the first cupboard I opened and pulled out the snacks. "Here. Come on."

Jade huffed, but sat down next to me on the living room couch. "Isn't this a lot just to watch the news?"

I gasped at the audacity. "Cynthia is going to be speaking today! She's making an important announcement about… something, but Volkner said we should watch it."

"It actually relates to the both of you, actually."

We heard a voice behind us and we turned to see Volkner in his casual clothes leaning against the wall. "The League is making a few more major changes, but they're for the best for the region. You kids too."

He always talks like he's super old. He's not THAT much older than us. Kinda.

"Yeah yeah, come on sit, Volt!" Jade said as he began to tug on Volkner's arm.

"How many times do I have to say don't call me that," He complained before relenting. "Here it's starting."

The screen transitioned to a lady reporter talking about something more boring, but that didn't last long.

"Today we have important news for the region and new trainers alike from our champion, Cynthia Valkyrie. Thank you for joining us today, Champion Cynthia. I leave the stage to you."

The screen transitioned once again to Cynthia in what I assume is her office since it gave off her vibes. Minimalistic, but chic and stylish. It had quite a number of papers all over it, but they were… somewhat tidied up for the announcement. She smiled.

"Hullo and welcome! As I'm sure you've all seen, Rangers from Almia have begun arriving in the region. That's due to how we wanted to make sure that we treat the Pokemon of the region with the respect they deserve, and to make sure that we don't intrude upon their habitats unnecessarily with future projects. They've also given us an important piece of information about Pokeballs."

Jade turned to Volkner. "Is that what they are building by Route 222?"

Volkner nodded. "That is going to be the Sunyshore City ranger base. It's close enough to Lake Valor, Hotel Grand Lake and our city. They've got a wide area to look out, but it'll increase the general safety of the area."

Cynthia continued on to explain how Pokeballs made by certain companies made Pokemon overly subservient, how they had unrestricted stasis lock features and how the League will be pursuing legal action if the code to said Pokeballs are not changed.

"Wait! We've been mind controlling Pokemon!?" Nearly jumping out of my seat to look at Volkner. "And we're just stopping it!?"

"Yeah, Volt what's up with that?" Jade turned to him equally angry. "Does that mean Pokemon aren't our friends!?"

"Sheesh, calm down. It isn't mind control, but it was an unstated feature of Pokeballs that the League deemed unethical and we're working on removing it entirely. We've spoken with the regional council extensively. My Pokeballs have been updated so Roland and everyone else is fine."

I took a huge sigh of relief at that.

Thank goodness. I guess not much changed since they already liked us!

Cynthia took a breath before resuming. "In another trainer related issue, we are raising the journey age from ten to fifteen. Due to the immense danger of Sinnoh's landscape, weather especially during winter and a general lack of time to impress upon upcoming trainers the importance of survival skills? Young trainers still have an uncomfortably high mortality rate. All the Helheim victims were asked about their thoughts on this new rule, and due to how they were all either children or adults who got captured while defending children? They all wanted this implemented as soon as possible. On a lighter note, trainers will still get their license at ten, as well as being offered a starter Pokemon. Of course, the Pokemon has to accept you as their trainer, but that should go without saying."

Consent is key.

"We have to wait!? But we were so close, plus she's not even 15 yet! Isn't this unfair, Zio?"

I was silent for a moment, my mind surfing through a series of thoughts.

How could Cynthia do this to me? I was so close to going on my journey, but now I have to wait even longer? I live with a gym leader, I would've been fine on my own… in a region where terrorists just recently kidnapped and killed scores of pokemon and humans. Or I could die freezing to death before I get to a pokemon center because I had to take a detour… Okay I can see her logic.

"Too many people have been lost in recent years to negligence. We're done taking chances, so we're changing up the school system to teach future trainers better. It's all for your safety." Volkner made sure that all sank in with a deep look, but I just had to interrupt. "I thought you'd be more upset, Topaz. Like Jade over here."

"Mm. I had a brain battle, but logic won. It's alright Jade, we can still practice battle!" Cheering him on. Then I realized something.

"Wait. D-did you even learn any of this important trainer stuff? You haven't been on a journey since you first left Sunyshore. Actually, I can't remember the last time you went to school."

Volkner pouted as if I hit a sour spot he had forgotten he was sour about. "I've been creating solar panels since I was 10, I don't need basic school anymore. But since we need to learn how to run a country, the younger members of the League have private tutors until age 18. It's whatever."

I wonder if the electric shocks supercharged his brain, but in exchange it only works in bursts and when it runs out he becomes all mopey.

Cynthia began again.

"Trainers are allowed to have two more Pokemon on their team for a total of three before reaching the age of 15. At that point, their license functions as a standard one. I am entirely aware that I don't meet the age requirement of this myself, but I would hope that I've proven myself capable of being Champion all the same. And if you disagree, you're more than welcome to challenge me."

Did becoming Champion make her even sassier?

Her face shifted from a more serious look to a kinder one. "In addition, I am more than aware that those who do not have Pokemon capable of quick transport would like to be able to see the rest of the region before they're fifteen. As such, we will be constructing a railway system. This will take time, as we need to make certain it's safe for the environment and doesn't intrude on important areas for Pokemon. However given the fact we have Pokemon to assist us with this project, it should be completed in a couple years. I thoroughly believe that it's needed for the sake of the region's continued prosperity and for the safety of all living in it. Thank you for taking the time to listen."

Hmmm. The railroad would be nice. It's not like I'll be going on a real journey anytime soon, but maybe soon I'll be able to travel around.

Jade leaned back into the couch and groaned, talking upside down. "Ughhh, we have to wait 7 more years instead of 2 to go on our journeys this suuuuucks."

"It really doesn't though. You two are lucky, everything the League is doing is making things convenient and safer without ruining any of the fun for journeys. Since it can be as fun as you want, but it won't be if you're dead. Soon we'll almost be as safe as Unova or Kalos maybe. Not entirely since we aren't as industrialized, but we'll work on it," Volkner explained in his attempt to appease Jade.

"Okay, but like, what will we even do with a pokemon if we're stuck here?" Jade complained before righting himself to face Volkner.

"Damn, you're really stuck on going on a journey. No one is forcing you to stay here, you'll just have more restrictions on your license, but you can still leave town once you have a pokemon."

"But I want to leave…" Jade said looking at his feet, more defeatist than usual. It was… upsetting.

"Hey. Once we get our starters, it'll be alright. Maybe some of the train will be done and we can ride it with them and go all the way to uhhh Snowpoint City!"

Volkner scoffed at that, but I gave him a look.

"Go all the way to Canalave City then!" Giving Jade my determined expression again. He looked at me thoughtfully before relenting.

"Fine! I can wait, but school better suck less once we get our pokemon! I'm gonna take care of them like no one has ever seen!" Jade got up to begin shadow boxing.

He's a little confused, but the enthusiasm is there.

~~Summer~~

Location: Hau'Oli Outskirts, Alola.

Finally, we're here.

I leaned in close to witness our descent to the beautiful island region, Alola. Even from this distance in the sky I could see all the tourists enjoying themselves, savoring their vacations from whatever lives they lead in their home regions.

I spotted 4 large main islands, but in the center there was some sort of artificial island. There wasn't much to it and I could tell there was a lot of construction going on, but it was there. Not too big though.

How long has that been there?

"Ambi?" Marsil, Volkner's Ambipom, leaned over my shoulder to see what I was looking at and her eyes immediately sparkled.

I'm visiting my grandparents- my dad's parents, in Hau'Oli for a week or two since it's been awhile since I've last been here. I… can't really even remember the last time I was here.

It's been so long.

Marsil is here to accompany and keep me safe. She's been working hard with Volkner all this time, but she practically demanded a vacation. So right now she's my chaperone. I know I can rely on her to keep me safe, Alola isn't all that dangerous though. The pokemon and humans are equally chill and from what we know there's no random kidnappings going on.

It's also kind of strange since they don't have gyms like most regions. Instead, they've got this whole island trial thing. It just sounds like budget gyms in my opinion.

"We're about to land Marsil. My family should already be at the airport by now, we just need to find them," I informed her.

She gave a quick nod before turning back to the window to look down at the world.

Someone is going to enjoy herself.

"Alola Topaz, my beautiful grandson has come to see his grandmummy! This is truly a blessed day!"

I couldn't even get out a reply before my grandmum Palila pulled me into a powerful hug.

"Come now Palila, give the lad some air to breathe," My grandpop Nahele said, placing a hand on grandmum's shoulder. "Plus I need to give the ole boy a grand hug too!"

She opened her arms to welcome him in for a great hug squeezing me tighter. For good measure, Marsil decided to join in on the hugging endeavors.

And already this is more physical contact than I'm used to.

Not to say my grandparents back at home are cold, it's just that um. I guess they are a lot more distant? They have their moments sure, but really they go about with their own devices leaving me and Volkner to do whatever.

"And this must be Marsil, a pleasure for you to be joining us," Grandmum said, after she released me turning to Marsil to shake her hands. Ambipom love to shake hands. Marsil shook her hands with the expected excited fervor you'd get from an Ambipom.

"It's been awhile, glad to see you both," I spoke in a slightly lighter beat than my typical monotone voice. This was Alola, I ought to try and sound a bit happier.

"Come now, child. Loosen up. Now tell us everything!" Grandmum said as she picked up my luggage and led us away.

I have to admit it was nice being back. The air has a distinctly different feel and taste, even though I live in a beach city and this is just a beach country. Sinnoh has a crisp, cooler feel to it while Alola has this constant warm, lively energy at all times.

My family here resembles me way more than my family back in Sinnoh. I've got the same skin tone as my grandparents and similar hair. Though I've been told I resemble a black Volkner at times which isn't too far from the truth, I guess.

My family at home never really made me feel like an outsider, but my grandparents tend to just do their own thing and Volkner isn't exactly the typical paragon of a loving uncle. Don't get me wrong I don't wish for him to change at all, it's just… a hug would be nice every once in a while…

They loaded my luggage into their buggy and we drove to their place. Marsil was marveling at everything while my grandparents were talking about how everyone in the family was excited to see Rod's kid after all these years. Rod being my dad.

I don't remember him all too well, but apparently we look alike. Very different temperaments though, he was all energetic and happy, always getting into trouble. Really the way they talk about him it's like he was Tarzan. I am not Tarzan.

Dwelling on a father I can't remember isn't my favorite way to spend the time so I took to tuning everyone out once again to stare at the scenery we drove by. Up close I could finally see everyone I had watched from in the sky. The intense sun glistened against the sun causing it to sparkle. In the distance, I spotted several pokemon I was vaguely familiar with from my last time visiting Alola all those years ago. Pikipek flocks soaring through the skies, Yungoos and black Rattata groups fighting over berries, Cutiefly peacefully pollinating on the ample amount of flowers on the route and Rockruff playing fetch with their human families.

While there was a distinct difference between the summers of Sunyshore, it was still quite similar. It made me feel like home was a lot closer than it actually was.

I felt a small hand on top of my own to see Marsil's normal hand was patting me, giving me her usual smile. I smiled back before turning back to the sea as her tail hand curled around me to give me a snug hug.

When we finally got my grandparents' home there were relatives all over happy to see me already starting a BBQ. Marsil luckily stayed close to me despite some of my younger cousins being really curious about her. Everyone kept asking me if I remembered them before they told me they haven't seen me since I was actually a baby.

I can barely remember my parents, how can I remember all of you?

Not to say all of this was bad, I was just very out of my element so I did what I vastly prefer to human interaction: Watching all my family members' Pokemon play together. Another thing I noticed in Alola is that the pokemon and human relations are naturally good. Besides those Trial thingies there wasn't too much reason to get stronger or have big teams. Most people had a few Pokemon to live alongside and Pokeballs were rarely used because of it.

Alola doesn't have a documented Pokedex (and I don't have a Pokedex), so it's not always easy to learn about Alola Pokemon. I know the national Pokedex goes up to at least 493 consisting of all the pokemon within the Eastern League, but the Unova region's professor plans on adding their own dex data soon enough. So I'm a bit excited to snoop through Volkner's dex when she's finished.

In my boredom I spotted another new Pokemon I had never seen before. They had a cutesy pink face and body, with dark brown legs. At their rear end they had a little white tag. I got up from where I was sitting to follow the small pokemon as they waddled over into the woods. I was about to follow them until a boy a few years older than me got in my way.

"What are you doing, don'tcha know it's not safe to follow Stufful into the woods!" The mysterious boy chastised me.

I looked past him to watch the Stufful disappear into a bush. "Stufful…"

"Yeah, haven't you seen a Stufful before? Haven't your parents told you about them?"

If only.

"No, I'm from Sinnoh. We don't have Stufful there."

"Sinnoh, but you look so… Alolan," The boy began to look me over as though he was trying to find my Sinnohan parts.

"I'm half Alolan, I'm just visiting family, but they got boring so I decided to follow the Stufful."

"You should be careful though, Alola pokemon are pretty nice, but sometimes they can get carried away. Stufful can throw pro wrestlers around like it's nothing so unless you're a friend, don't get too close. Don't even get me started on Bewear," The boy sighed.

No, don't stop, I'm curious about Bewear too.

Upon closer inspection, the boy looked around 10 or 11 so barely older than me. He wore a baseball cap, had a coat tied around his shoulders and wore black shorts with teal accents. In his hands I noticed a small bag.

"Anyway, I'm Kukui! My dream is to be a Pokemon professor! What's your name?"

"Topaz," I said simply. "Can you show me more pokemon, Kukui?"

"Oh yeah, lemme show you what I've got!" Kukui reached into his bag pulling out a small notebook. He turned to a random page of a sleeping green owl looking Pokemon.

"This is Rowlet, the grass starter of Alola given to trainers who want to go on journeys here on Melemele Island."

So there we were sitting on the grass as he showed me all sorts of Pokemon I had never seen before. He had pictures, drawings, written data and in the greatest detail, how the pokemon would attack.

In hindsight it was really silly of me to just follow a Pokemon I had never seen before. It's been hammered in our heads since kindergarten that Pokemon, while our friends, were super powerful and we should be careful around them. Even the cutest ones could kill you with little effort.

On occasion I'd point out Pokemon we have in the Sinnoh region and how they were different, but I was best with the electric types. Sadly they don't have Shinx naturally in Alola, but they did have Pichu! Kukui told me he was 13 and had a Rockruff as his starter, so he was training so he can observe all sorts of Pokemon safely and I told him I'm a gym leader's nephew which got him asking me a string of questions about the Sinnoh League.

After a bit Kukui checked the time. "Aw man, I've gotta go! My mom made my favorite for dinner today and I don't wanna miss it. You're staying here in the Outskirts right? Do you wanna hang out tomorrow?"

I nodded faster than I expected.

"Then from now on you can be my apprentice in Pokemon. I'll be the professor!" He stood up pointing at me dramatically.

It's not like I wanna be a professor or anything, I just like learning is all.

I huffed. "I'm not your apprentice, but you're the trainer so I'll follow you. That good?"

"That'll do! See ya, Topaz!" And with that Kukui ran off. Not even 10 seconds later, Marsil swung down from a tree right next to me.

"Were you watching us this whole time?"

"Ambi ambipom," She explained oh so eloquently.

"I know, I know you were just looking out for us. Thanks." I patted her on the head as thanks and we returned home. The trip looked a lot more fun than I had initially expected.

From that point on, I spent my days hanging out with Kukui all over the island so we could observe wild pokemon. Marsil and his Rockruff accompanied us and since she was so strong we were able to see some of the rarer, stronger pokemon on the island. While we saw a lot of Alolan pokemon, there were Unovan and Kalosian pokemon I'd never even heard of just walking around like normal which stunned me.

In the end I asked Volkner if I could stay the whole month and he agreed, so it was a fantastic time spent in Alola.

He told me how he wanted to explore all of Alola and one day make a Pokedex for all the Pokemon here. Judging by the number of new pokemon in Alola it seemed entirely possible, albeit still difficult. I admired his dream and determination though. I tried to help as best I could as we explored Melemele recording what we found into his notebook. When the trip finally came to an end though Kukui and Rockruff gladly came to see Marsil and I off.

"You were the best apprentice ever, Topaz. I'll never forget you!"

"Ruff ruff!"

"I'm not dying, I'm just going home. I'll come back again," I calmly stated. It was a fact after all, I really wanted to come back and see the other islands one day.

"Heh, you're right. It was great meeting you, maybe the next time you're here Alola will have a pokedex!"

"That just depends on how hard you work," I smiled at him. Marsil cheered from behind. "I had fun, Kukui. Thanks for showing me around." I raised a hand up for a high five. "See ya later?"

He high fived me back. "See ya later!"

Marsil said goodbye to Rockruff and we each said our good-byes to my relatives. This was a really great trip and I have even more love for my Alola heritage, but it was time to go home. Marsil and I waved once more before we began to board the plane with all our luggage.

~Meanwhile~

While Topaz bid adieu his family and new friends, outside of the airport a distressed Trumbeak had managed to find themselves on the runway. Now why were they said distress?

While they were searching for prey they had decided to go for something simple, such as a Grubbin. A nice meal they could complement with some berries. Now, usually Grubbin tend to live near electric types, but on occasion the Trumbeak was able to find the more foolish ones by themselves, vulnerable.

This one was anything but vulnerable. Usually Grubbin avoid conflict and live underground until they evolve into Charjabug. This particular Grubbin though? This one was 8 degrees of crazy.

You see, the Trumbeak hadn't even intended on going after them. They had descended close to spot an unaware Caterpie and figured this would be simpler and safer. Grubbin on the other hand had different plans. They saw a threat and decided to eliminate it before they caused problems.

Once the Trumbeak had gotten close enough Grubbin had jumped into the air and firmly planted their pincers on the poor Trumbeak's derriere. This was not the first time Grubbin had done this, this particular one had a tendency to attack on sight and hold on until they were viciously thrown off.

Due to their antics most of the birds within the forest have taken to avoiding him. This one did not receive the memo. Grubbin was oddly aggressive compared to their compatriots. While others hid from predators, he attacked them out of spite. He needed no protectors and he needed no allies. If he died, so be it. He would die a soldier.

As you can guess he did not have any friends.

Nonetheless, this Trumbeak had managed to find themselves all the way at the airport where they got the bright idea to slam their assailant into one of the airplanes. It took a few tries, but eventually even the mighty Grubbin had to let go. He made sure to take a few feathers with him.

As he watched his opponent flee in terror he began to look around. In the distance he saw another one of these strange creatures ascend into the sky and he came to the only natural conclusion: Giant enemy birds.

The Grubbin having finally found a worthy challenge prepared to attack before he began to feel his own enemy bird move, faster and faster. Not willing to let them escape he dug his pincers deep within the aircraft's exterior in order to hold on. For the duration of the flight he stayed that way, angrily telling the bird to give up and that it needs to try harder than that to kill him. All the way from Hau'Oli to Sunyshore.

When the plane finally landed Grubbin considered it another win. His opponent could not take anymore and so he quickly hopped off to go back home. Except, he began to look around and home looked vastly different.

A typical Pokemon would've been perturbed, but moments after landing a naive Staravia began their descent to eat the strange, angry looking bug only for Grubbin to stare the new bird in the eye and preemptively tackle them out of the sky.

While Staravia stumbled into the ground trying to process why the bug did not flee, Grubbin merely sighed. Wherever he was, it still had totally new birds that needed to be taken down and as a soldier he was all too happy to oblige. Grubbin thus began to waddle over to Route 222 to set up his new homebase and recruit new soldiers.

~~Winter~~

Location: Sunyshore Lumifrost Fair.

Lumifrost, the shining light winter festival, the highlight of the year for children and businesses everywhere! It takes place in December to celebrate the end of the year. It originated in Snowpoint City at the time known as Snowgleam Festival due to the beautiful auroras in winter. As the holiday caught on all over the world the name changed due to the general lack of auroras in most places.

Lumifrost is meant to signify luminescence, so bright colorful lights are a huge theme for the holiday meaning Sunyshore is quite bright and beautiful contrasting the Sinnoh snow. Frost is common all over the world, even places without snow necessarily. Thus bringing on the name Lumifrost.

To celebrate the joys of the end of the year a new custom was born: gift giving. Sure it's a company ploy for people to spend large sums of cash to end the year, but what can ya say? New stuff is nice. Sunyshore is a port city receiving goods and people from all over the world meaning there is a lot to be sold and even more to be bought. While Lumifrost isn't the liveliest time for Sunyshore compared to summer, it's still busy due to all the consumers running about.

To celebrate the spirit of Lumifrst Volkner, who has completed the complex solar panel walkways of the city, makes them all glow an array of festive colors. The usual red, white and green flood the city along with the typical decorations, it's quite beautiful walking around at night because of it. Currently, Jade and I were appreciating quite a bit.

"Jade come look at Munchlax Rock!" I called Jade over to point to the rock. They put up a projection of a Munchlax's face onto the rock and it went through several different facial expressions. In the distance I could see a wild Munchlax attempting to copy each facial expression in kind.

"Wow!" Jade quickly compared the projection and actual Munchlax. "They got it perfect."

"It was pretty easy. Figured people wanted something special for Munchlax rock, so here it is," Volkner followed up behind us along with Roland.

I took out my camera to take a pic.

"Hey Munchlax! Do you want to take a picture?" I called out. The Munchlax turned to us before smiling and running over to Jade. I took a few pics before handing the camera to Volkner so I could join in. Afterwards, I showed them to Munchlax who seemed happy to be included before he walked away jollily.

"It's getting chilly, let's hit up the mall now," Volkner offered.

Jade and I practically raced each other to the local mall. It's been too cold for stalls to be outside so they've taken to them having them inside malls. We entered the mall to be surrounded by a bounty of decorations and 50% off signs. There were people bustling all over with bags of newly bought items, little plushies they got from a stall or cinnamon buns.

"Volkner. Volkner!" I tugged on his arm.

"What?"

"Cinnamon buns!" I pointed at the cinnamon bun cart.

"I thought you wanted fried chicken."

"I'm growing, I can eat both. Right Jade?"

"Come on Volkner, we're starving!" Jade pulled him over to the cinnabon cart.

Cinnamon buns or cinnabuns for short are a staple treat during the winter. Another odd Lumifrost tradition is eating fried chicken. Now where do we get the fried chicken? Don't worry about it, humans don't eat Pokemon anymore. It's actually crazy illegal to hunt, kill or consume a pokemon. Laws protecting Pokemon are insane. If a Pokemon kills another Pokemon or human on behalf of a human's orders, then the human gets into a lot of trouble while the Pokemon typically gets counseling.

Thanks to the power of science humans have been able to create synthetic meat by using berries of all things. By processing using some sort of complicated formula our teacher skimmed over and I haven't personally read about yet we can consume meat without any of the moral issues. It's also quite a bit safer since it's berries after all and not corpses we consume.

Nonetheless, we got our cinnabuns and fried chicken from Volkner who was all too happy to pay. Even the usually stoic Roland broke into a smile when he tasted the heavenly cream from the cinnabuns.

"Roland, you've got to try this fried chicken! I put honey on it for the extra sweetness!" I handed Roland a chicken leg with honey practically dripping off the meat. He happily accepted eating the whole thing at once. After a few curious chews his tails began to sway happily as he barked? Barked a thanks.

"Vire!"

"I'm glad you're happy, buddy," Volkner said, giving Roland a somber smile. I looked at him with some concern.

"Are you feeling super sad again, Volkner?"

He sighed and took a sip from his water. "A little bit, Nephew. The League circuit takes a break during the holidays so no challengers. Not even much work besides what I've got back home."

I frowned. Uncle Volkner has a tendency to get really unmotivated to do anything sometimes. Sometimes it gets so bad he doesn't even run the gym. I don't really get it, but I asked my teacher and they said that sometimes we just feel depressed. It's during these times Flint tends to stop by and help out till Volkner gets his spark back.

Once it's back though he's full of ideas and way more fun. He looked pretty sad today, so I asked him if he could take Jade and I out, but it looks like it's not enough.

"That's okay. Maybe if we pray at the shrine your sadness will go away! Hmmm, we can pray to Mespirit to make you feel happier!"

Jade swallowed his food before happily chiming in. "It works for me!"

Roland concurred by patting Volkner on the back. "Alright, you three have convinced me. I'll bite. Let's go."

We finished our food and made our way to the local shrines. They are in the oldey- I mean, rustic parts of town. So it feels like you just walked into Celestic Town rather than another part of Sunyshore City. Lanterns of all different shapes adorned the shrines, there was a playground covered lightly by snow.

The shrine was large, filled with offering pools for Sinnoh legendaries only. There were shrines for other region legendaries, but we decided to visit this one as they are our legends after all.

Volkner gave us each some pokecents to pray with as we each went to pray. We headed to the offering bowls where the legendaries are ordered by their tiers of influence, Arceus being at the top.

I placed a coin into Mespirit's offering box, knelt down, close my eyes and began to pray. Apparently no one has ever seen someone empty these offering boxes which means the legendaries must take them at some point. I dunno why they needed cash, but I hope they can afford whatever they wanna buy.

Mesprit, being of emotion. It's me Topaz again. My Uncle Volkner is having one of his sad times. If you could give him some more happy that'd be great. I tried my best, but I think he needs a bit more. Anyway, thanks again, hope you can buy whatever you were trying to get. Amen.

I opened my eyes and felt at ease, like a weight was lifted off my shoulders. I don't go all the time, but praying always made me feel a little bit better. Volkner was praying to Uxie while Jade was praying to Shaymin judging by where they were standing. Even Roland seems to have prayed to Cresselia. He offered up a berry rather than money.

I wonder what he's wishing for?

I stepped away from the shrine to stand outside underneath the gently falling snow. My mind began to wander back to my parents until Jade brushed against me awaking me from my stir.

"Volkner and Roland are still praying. You prayed for his happiness right?"

I nodded. "What'd you pray for?"

Jade looked up into the sky. "For spring to come back as soon as possible. I want to paint more sakura blossoms. It's hard to work outside when it's so bloody cold all the time."

"Mmmm…" His statement actually brought something to mind I've been meaning to bring up for a long time. "How come you never go home Jade? You take every chance to not be with your parents. We're always at the gym, my house or out and about."

Jade turned quiet, looking straight ahead. "There's nothing interesting there."

He stopped talking. "Go on…"

"My dad is a workaholic who avoids spending time with us by working abroad and my mom is a coordinator agent so she's always taking calls. I feel like I barely know them sometimes."

"Hm. I had a feeling that was the case," I nodded. It explains a lot about his behavior. He acts out to be seen, to be scolded, to be parented of some kind. That's what I read in a book anyway. "Do you have any Pokemon at home?"

"Nope. My parents can't even be bothered to raise their own child much less a Pokemon. I don't even know if they used to have any when they were kids. Our neighbor though has a Sunflora who always says hi to me when I come from school so that's nice. She's always tending her flower bushes, sometimes I help out."

"What do you do at home?"

"Draw. Paint. Ya know."

"Mmmm. Are your parents home now?"

"Nope. Mum is in Kalos for a Lumifrost shoot and Dad is in Alola trying to sell Lumifrost decorations. Fake snow machines and everything."

"...I could come over and you could show me your room and all the art you don't show people."

"You wanna come to my house?"

"Yeah, why not. Roland can come too, it'll be fun. Not like we'll be bothering anyone and you've seen my place a billion times. New year, new us!"

"It's not the new year yet."

"Not with that attitude. So, which way do we go? I literally have no idea where you live," I said, taking a step forward surveying the area.

"You two going somewhere?" Volkner said as he and Roland emerged from the shrine.

"We're going to Jade's house to hang out. Roland can you chaperone us?"

We all turned to Roland who shrugged non committedly.

"Looks like he's good to go. You guys be careful alright, be back soon Topaz or my parents will throw a fit."

"Got it Uncle, thanks! Jade, lead the way!"

"It's cold, Roland, can you carry us? I'll point to where we have to go," Jade asked.

Roland merely grunted before he effortlessly picked us up in each arm and jumped onto the roof of a building before we were leaping from house to house.

I could hear Jade's shrills of joy overshadow my own. He finally opened up to me and I was relieved. We're so close to becoming trainers and I'm glad I've got a friend like him by my side.

~~Chapter 4 Fin~~