Chapter Text
break down [verb]
- To stop functioning or working properly.
- To lose control of one's emotions while upset.
The book snapped shut.
The blond young man who had been reading it placed the large volume on the table. He sighed- it was rare for him to act so impulsively because of such small things now. His back began to hurt a bit from the slouching as he leant forward then back onto the couch.
"Rrrii," the chimera nearby trilled impatiently, clicking her beak and adjusting herself in a small, fluffy pink bean bag. "Sorry, Silv," the man said, placing both his feet nonchalantly on the Pokémon's body. However, the latter had other plans, getting up and walking over to the massive bookshelves in the Aether Library and disappearing for a few minutes. Soon after, she returned with another book in her beak, sitting on the floor and looking at him. Her Trainer accepted it, looking over the title.
"The Secret Garden? Isn't that, like, a children's book?"
"Rrriiiiiiiiiiiiiii-"
"Okay, fine!"
He did actually like the book; it had reminded him of what Aether was: a blooming paradise for life, and eerily similar to the novel, it had later been left to rot after its caretaker's demise. The happy ending helped ease his emotions towards the whole thing, as well as the knowledge that the organization was once again at the height of its splendour and benevolence. The man then flipped to the first page of the book. From Mohn, to Gladion and Lillie.
Gladion put the book down next to the dictionary carefully. Looking down at the Synthetic Pokémon, he smiled, patting her on the head. "Thanks, girl. It helped."
The latter narrowed her eyes at him and clicked her beak again as if saying, Good to know it didn't bring up any bad memories. Oh, and next time, please read proper books instead of dictionaries.
"Will do, buddy," Gladion smiled, but it faded as soon as it appeared. To lose control of one's emotions while upset. To break down.
His thoughts wandered off to a time when he was much more afraid of that phrase than he let on. And how it affected him- and the ones close to him. Actually, it was many times, wasn't it? And weren't they connected to so many people and Pokémon? And to top it all off, looking around himself-
The book in his hand. Aether Paradise. Mohn.
His past. His demon. Lusamine.
He looked down. Silvally.
The Aether Library. Wicke.
His new black wristwatch. Guzma. Plumeria.
His Z-Ring. Moon..
Silvally's bean bag. Hau.
His amulet, holding a Key Stone. Anabel. Looker.
Him even still being here. Lillie.
As he remembered, he had but one prominent thought.
Arceus really had it for him this time.