Archive of Our Own

Welcome to the wonderful world of pokemon. That’s how these things often start. That’s how Tommy is told it should start. Professor Sycamore offers a starter pokemon, gives you your pokedex, all while your parents cheer you on when you leave the research center. Ignore how some people don’t have parents, or two parents, or parents who love each other. It doesn’t matter. Because they live in the wonderful world of pokemon. Where humans and pokemon coexist in harmony.

That is the fairytale told to innocent children as they’re tucked in for the night, the family pokemon at the foot of their bed as they get told sweet nothings. It’s not Tommy’s reality. And honestly he’s okay with that. He doesn't need the fairytale start to his journey. It’s supposed to start when you’re ten years old. That’s when you start exploring the region. That’s when the fairytale begins.

Kalos is expansive as is. The goal is to become a champion while filling out the pokedex that you get at the starting line. That is the goal of almost every ten year old who gets their chespin, or froakie, or hell even a fennekin. That is the dream. It’s the dream that any kid who’s any kid has. Or at least that’s how it’s sold to you.

Tommy’s journey didn’t start when he was ten. It started earlier than that. It started in a far off grass field, tears streaming down his face after yet another fight with his parents. He was what? Eight. That’s how his journey started. It was stupid of him, he knows. You don’t have to tell him that is was stupid to run into the tall grass. That’s where all wild pokemon are found. You’re always warned about it.

Don’t go into the grass without a partner , they tell him.

He didn’t care. He just needed out. So he got out. His vision was blurry with fresh tears, his face hurt from phantom pains. He kept running. He kept running until he stumbled into a Lucario and her child. He was so sure that Lucario was going to kill him, knock him out like all people did with the pokemon of the grasses.

He must have incited some sort of motherly instinct in that Lucario. She wiped the tears from Tommy’s face and with a little chur brought him some oran berries. He bit down on them, letting the sweet taste coat his tongue. He wanted it. The love that was so eminent from something not even human he wanted it more than anything. He wanted to feel loved and cherished. He wanted to feel special.

The Lucario didn’t turn him away. The riolu played with him. They fought with sticks: pretending they were swords. Each day he found himself returning. They were close, really close. It was kinda sad. After school, he wouldn’t go home, he’d wander into the tall grass. The townspeople all looked at him like he was crazy. Perhaps he was.

It wasn’t like he had anyone else though. It’s not like he could stop to question it. His parents weren’t there when he turned ten years old. They weren’t there when he went to the pokemon research center. Sycamore looked at Tommy like he was deranged. With an exhausted smile plastered on his face.

Tommy didn’t blame him, even so many years later. After all, he had a reputation in the small village. He was that kid who played with pokemon. He didn’t need pokeballs to make friends with the wild creatures who infested the earth. All he needed was a smile as he reached out with a gentle hand. They wouldn’t hurt him if he didn’t hurt them.

So no, when he got his pokedex there was no grand celebration. All there was was pain and suffering. A cold sting followed by a swimming stomach as he realized he’d never be normal. He’d never be able to claim to have that fairytale childhood. When he got his froakie his hair was dirtied with sticks and mud. His pants were torn and his white shirt had turned brown. He scuffed his dirty boots against the polished tile creating skid marks.

There was a fletchinder in his hair and that same riolu clutching onto the hem of his pants. That was how Tommy started his journey. Sycamore gave him a dex and ten or so pokeballs, settling Tommy for the journey ahead of him. Tommy ended up not needing to hurt Fletchinder or Riolu for them to enter the pokeballs willingly.

Tommy had already mastered natural remedies by the time he left his home village. Already three pokemon out of six on his team. He didn’t have parents waving him off. The most he got from them was a tent so they wouldn’t seem like the neglectful shits that they were. He did get to say goodbye to Lucario though, he promised that he would take good care of Riolu.

He lived in the wonderful world of pokemon. Where Pokemon and humans could live in harmony They could get along and coexist. He didn’t have big dreams when he left his town. All he knew was that he wanted out of that dingy village, away from his reputation as the weird kid. He didn't want it to haunt his every waking moment. He didn’t want the eyes to follow him as he walked to his house at the ass crack of dawn.

He wanted a new start. And a new start is what he got. With a pep in his step he left and he never looked back.

Tommy didn’t go for the champion title. He didn’t try to fill out his entire pokedex. He didn’t try to be a breeder or an idol. He was content to live out in the wilds, him and the six pokemon on his team. They were all delightful, better friends than anyone else had ever been to him. He swore it was like sometimes he could hear what they were saying. He wasn’t kidding either. They were better people than the people Tommy had met.

Sycamore had told him that he was disappointed in Tommy. Said that Tommy had great potential and he was throwing it away. Tommy didn’t care. He just wanted to breathe. He didn’t want pressure on him to do a good or right thing. He wanted to live. To truly live. 

He got to do that.

Riolu evolved into Lucario, a spitting image of his mother. Fletchinder still tried to nest in Tommy’s hair even as a Talonflame. Froakie was the best Greninja that Tommy could have hoped for. He loved each and every one of his pokemon, regardless of their bright and colorful personalities.

He wanted them to be able to be as happy as he never was.

That was until he received a poster to the face. He was on the roof of an abandoned manor, sharing sandwiches with his team. Leafeon as always was lounging, ignoring how the youngest (Axew) tried to pick fights with Lucario. Lucario tolerated Axew at best, but he made it known that he missed Absol.

Tommy promised with a bright smile that he was just raising Axew until she was a Haxourous, then they could get Absol on the team again. He had tried in the past to get more than six pokemon with him as he journeyed but he was caught and was issued a fine. And gods, that was annoying to pay off. He actually had to work.

The poster hit him, whipping in the winds as it traveled through the air. It hit him and an idea did as well. The champion of the region, Techno Blade, was looking for a protege. What better way to prove to everyone that he wasn’t a total loser than by making it so that even the champion had to admit that he was the coolest.

He didn’t care about all the benefits it boasted. He ignored much of the posters' words, opting instead to send his pokemon back to their pokeballs, and starting the long and arduous trek to Lumiose city. 

Tommy was sure that things could only look up from there. He didn’t even want to be the official protege, but if he could beat the champion in a non official match, that was just as good as becoming the champion himself.

Being the champion seemed like a bore, so it’s not like that was something he wanted to do. But he did want to be the best, or at least prove that he was already the best. Sure, he didn’t have a ton of megas on his team, not like Champion Techno did. But he had Lucario, who traveled at his side faithfully, and that had to be enough, surely. He could do anything if he put his mind to it. He was Tommy fucking Innit after all.

Who were they to say no to him? He’s just a poor boy after all.

He laughed at his own joke. Yeah, champion seemed lame. But guy who defeated the champion and turned down the title seemed cooler.

___

Techno takes a look at all the candidates in front of him and leaves the room before any of them can show him what they have. It’s not like he doesn’t want a protege. Okay, he doesn’t. Phil talked him into it alright? Phil talks him into a lot of stuff that he doesn't want to do. But he has a job to the people of the land, and that includes keeping face.

He regrets ever actually becoming Champion. It’s a lot less time to do anything fun, and a lot more public appearances and showing off his pokemon. Those pokemon that he had raised since babies were currently doing a routine check up at the pokecenter. It’s not even like they’re allowed to battle that often. It’s more so that they can stay up to date on everything like diets and vaccines so they don't die on him. He doesn’t want them to die, but the logic always seems flawed to him.

All he knows is that there’s one thing he doesn’t want, and that’s a protege. Sure, he agreed to it. But he agreed on his terms. He’s allowed to turn anyone away. He’s allowed to not choose a protege in one day. He’s allowed to turn someone away and then let them back. He’s allowed to do whatever the hell he wants. He needs someone with a spark. He needs someone with the true spark of a champion.

He crosses his arms and scans over each and every person who’s decided to come out. It’s a lot of kids who are bright eyed and bushy tailed. There’s also some adults who are deciding to chase their dream again. Tehno looks at each of them and he sees that something is missing. He doesn’t know what's missing. All he knows is that something is missing. Not a single person has come to him for the right reasons.

They all want to be champions someday, and sure that’s most people's dreams. But they’re doing it for the fame. Not for the reason he did it. He did it to show his pokemon that they had the greatness he saw in them. He’s looking for the same spark in a protege as there was in the pokemon he chose.

They’re all lacking that spark.

Phil sighs and chases after him. His shoes clack against the polished floors. It’s all too clean, smelling like lemon and chemicals. He wishes that it smelt better. Maybe he’s glad that his pokemon aren’t with him at the moment. Because they’d hate the smell. Aegislash would probably kill him. And that guy's sword is in fact, as sharp as a sword. It’s nauseating and doesn't help the immense pressure that’s dragging down on his shoulders.

He makes his way to the end of the hallway. He throws open the window, staring out at the bright lights that cover Lumiose city even in the night time. The cool air bites at his skin, but it’s more refreshing than the sparkling water that he’s been given.

Phil sighs as he settles next to Techno. Techno doesn’t look over, knowing fully well that he’s being judged. He’s always being judged. No matter where he goes in the region he is surrounded by watching and waiting eyes. His reputation is sometimes too much to bear. He’d have thrown one of the champion title matches already if it wouldn’t be something so gods awful obvious.

“You’re avoiding this,” Phil says simply. Always one to not skim around sensitive topics. Techno would never admit, but out of everyone who could have become his manager he was glad that it was Phil. He wouldn’t trade that for anything. He’d sooner have killed himself than ask Wilbur of all people to manage his career.

The thought eases some of the tension from his shoulders. It's not much. Choosing a protege is a hard thing to do. What he did would dictate so much. He was basically ensuring the next champion of the region. He was going to pick out what kid would have to take on this responsibility. It’d be torture for him to know that one the time came he’d have to watch the light leave some kids eyes.

Techno takes a deep breath. “Maybe.” He mutters. Curses. Phil’s too good at reading him even when he’s mastered his poker face, ignoring how he looked, it wasn’t like Phil ever fell for it. He was the picture of stone faced yet it didn’t bother Phil. Phil knew what he was doing. Phil knew what he was waiting for. Phil knew what to look for to see what Techno is thinking.

“Why? Talk to me, Techno. We can’t do this if you don’t talk. You seemed to want to do it.”

“The Public wants me to do it. Who am I to say no to them?” Techno rests his head on one of his hands. The wind whistles, brushing against leaves. The city always looks so alive. More alive than he’s felt in awhile.

He needs something new and exciting. His life has become so monotonous. It’s become so soul sucking. He can’t do that to a ten year old. And the adults he sees have already lost their true passion, they’re just hoping for the salary. He needs someone who still has that blind hope yet knows the tragedy of the world.

Techno’s asking for the impossible. He’s asking for a miracle, he knows. But he can’t help but have these crazy high expectations. It’s what everyone will have for them once they become his protege they need thick skin. They need to know what they're getting into already. It’s a paradox. He knows he’s creating a paradox But he can’t help it. He can’t pay? There’s already so much riding on him.

He regrets ever becoming the champion in the first place. It was a mistake. A big giant, fat fucking mistake. If he could undo it. He would.

“You’re stressing yourself out mate. There’s nothing for you to worry about. But if you turn everyone away-”

“Phil you promised,” Techno all but hisses.

“Sorry, mate. You’re right. How about this? We call it a night, and then you can reconvene after you’ve destressed a little.”

Destress? What a fat fucking joke. Phil must be kidding. One glance though and Techno knows that Phil isn’t lying. Techno sighs and nods. He’ll do what Phil says because the alternative is agreeing to do interviews with Wilbur, and those were fucking insufferable.

Before he leaves he speaks, hesitant when he does.“That’s the problem though Phil, I can’t .” And that’s the terrible truth of it all. No matter how hard he tries he will never be stress free. Until some poor nobody defeats him he’ll be stuck being the somebody of the region. It’s pathetic but everyone looks to Techno more than they look to their voted officials and politicians.

Phil opens his arms and Techno doesn’t hesitate to fall into the hold. For a moment they are not champion and manager. For a brief, fleeting second they border on something familial. Techno wishes that the moment could last forever, that he could be a little kid again enjoying the warmth of his father. He needs something to hold him together. He hasn’t earned retirement yet. He will someday, and that day will be sweet.

Phil pulls away too soon and sends Techno on his merry way. He does need a break after all. He needs a break from the eyes and from the expectations. He needs a break, and maybe having a protege will at least give him that. So with a reluctant nod of his head Techno leaves the tower. He wanders the streets with his hands in his pockets, unsure of what to do with himself.

Despite the bright lights that seem like a must for the city, there wasn’t really anyone out and about. He waved to a few stray ghost type pokemon who liked to wander about, but he only saw the idle one or two people who were up at the egregious hour. He doesn’t know what to do with himself, and anyone who sees him can tell the same. They know that he’s aimlessly wandering, so they don’t come up and bother him for a picture like most people normally would.

He turns around abruptly, he’ll go see his pokemon. He knows that joy is going to want them to stay the night for monitoring as if he doesn’t take good care of his pokemon, but he’ll visit them before he retires for the night. They're always right there to comfort him. And he’s always right there for them.

He takes a deep breath and nods to himself. Yeah. Yeah that’s a good plan. He’ll distract himself from the weight that pulls him deeper and deeper underwater. He’ll ignore how it feels like his ears are stuffed with cotton and an iron band wraps about his lungs. He’ll ignore it and busy himself with what he knows best, pokemon.

If he wasn’t a champion he’d find himself a match at one of the dojos and try to get some of his anxiety out with a friendly battle. But he is the champion so such luxuries are no longer an option for him. Such luxuries are for nobodies. He is a somebody and that has ruined his life. He just needs to prove to everyone that he's a normal person. But people put him on a pedestal and suddenly there he is. Cursing under his breath as he tries to fight against the current and fails.

He’s drowning and he can’t tell anyone. He’s drawing and he’s going to pull another kid under with him. He can’t do that. But he is. He is because he already promised that he would. He’s a horrible person, but they already knew it. He's a horrible person. He wasn’t a person though. He’s an idol, and that's all that matters. He can smile and shake his head and no one will be all the wiser to how his heart aches for the simpler times.

He remembers when he first got his mareep, now a proud ampharos. He remembers laying in his parents' fields, gazing at the stars and making a wish as they shot across the sky. He remembers nestling close to the static filled coat of the mareep, how he wasn’t scared that he’d get hurt because his mareep was too kind for that.

Many people's Pokemon journies start when they’re ten. He remembers Sycamore handing him his chespin while Mareep waited for him and his new pokeballs outside. He remembers how people told him to ditch his mareep for a better pokemon. Mareep is stupid and slow, they told him. Look at them now. Proud as they stand on podium after podium.

Things used to be so simple. It wasn't so simple anymore. He missed it. He really really issued it. He missed the way that mareep would nudge his leg ‘cause she was shy. He missed the way that Chespin would refuse to eat berries because of some sort of misplaced kinship with the plant life. He loves his team, but they’ve died as much as he had. They’re no longer so vibrant. They perform like circus animals and it’s his fault.

He’ll never admit it outloud, but he’d rather destroy his pokedex than make another pokemon go through that.

He’s lost in thought. It’s a bad habit and Techno knows it. He’s lost it thought as he walks to the Lumiose city pokecenter so he doesn't notice the way that the air drops to frigid temperatures. He doesn’t notice the way that the street is covered in ice. It’s fall, the first frost doesn’t come till December, and it’s early October. Techno doesn’t notice till the chill is eating at his arm.

He jumps back, searing heat flashes across his flesh and he looks down to see ice crystals dancing on his skin. Sharp talons rake his back and he’s falling to the ground. It hurts. He’s dying. At least he won't be required to find a protege if he dies.

He’s dying and all he can think about is how lost the city will be. One of the elite four will have to step up to take his place and then someone will have to become another member of the elite four and it’ll be disarray. He’s dying and he doesn’t know why.

The wind is knocked out of him as he tries to breathe, scrambling so that he can see what’s attacked him.

“Holy shit,” someone yells.

And yeah. Holy Shit is the only phrase that Techno thinks is appropriate. Holy shit because that’s a legendary bird. No. No, that can’t be right. He wipes his eye with his good hand, the one that isn’t seizing because of irregular ice. He rubs his eyes till he sees sparkles in his vision but it doesn’t disappear. Articuno is still right in front of him. He reaches for his pokeball. Ampharos would be perfect for this. He can already feel the distinct hum of his mega stone but it’s futile.

His pokemon are at the poke center. He’s well and truly fucked. He staggers to his feet while Articuno lets out a distressed trill. Flapping his wings and sending Techno’s long hair into a frenzy. Wilbur will be pissed about that.

Great, he's thinking about Wilbur and he’s on the verge of death. He coughs as he staggers to his feet.

He raises his fist. That won’t do anything. He knows it won’t do anything. He knows that he’s going to die to the legendary bird. But what other choice does he have? He’s not fast enough to out run it and he left his phone in his room with his dex.

Then the unspeakable happens. Techno sees the spark he’s looking for. Blond hair takes over  his vision as what can only be described as a clown and their pokemon step in front of him. Techno coughs again. The frost has creeped into his lungs and every breath he takes is like he just had a mint. Way too cool, and in no way as minty.

“Get out of the way kid,” Techno gasps. His voice is hoarse and it’s hard for his vocal chords to work for him.

The kid turns his head to face Techno and it’s astonishing. It’s icy cool blue that matches the chill of Articuno with a raging fire that couldn't be put out. He’s so stupid. This is the spark he’s looking for. This kid is something. And he’s going to die before he can even give a compliment.

“You don’t have any pokemon sir,” The kid says with a shit eating grin.

Sir? God that makes him feel old. It also implies that this kid doesn’t know who he is. Which is both refreshing and also weird. Everyone knows who he is. His face is plastered on every single surface and poster in every city and town in the religion. His name is known internationally as well, as most champions meet up at least once annually for a fun get together and good light hearted competition.

“And you’re a kid. I have this,” he tries to keep his face neutral, but gods is he in a lot of pain. His chest seizes and he can’t close his hand into a fist. But he’s got this, really.

The Lurcario next to the kid lets out a roar and the Articuno replies with its own cry. “No no. I want to do this. I never fought a legendary before. This could be cool.” The kids says.

It’s a blink and you’ll miss it moment, but the kid's hands light up, the glow comes from his veins and for a moment Techno is sure that the boy must have golden blood.  Then Lucario is rearing, jumping from foot to foot as a mega evolution. The weirdest part is that Techno didn’t see a mega stone on either pokemon or trainer.

This kid has the guts of a champion. Techno wants this kid to be his protege. His knees lock. He catches himself before he falls again. But he’s sure he can feel blood dripping down his back. Shit. He coughs. 

“You’re dying, old man,” the kid shouts. He balled his hands into fists and pointed at the Articuno. “I’m saving your ass so shut up and be grateful!”

“I’m not…” Techno couldn’t finish his sentence. He’s falling, legs giving out under him before he can protest. He’s aware of the flash of a pokeball opening under him. His vision goes black. He’s dying and he couldn’t even save the kid, rotten luck isn’t it?

____________

Tommy turns around with a smile on his face. Articuno flies away happier than it was before. He claps his hands together. That weird pink haired bitch should be thanking him. Talonflame looks up from where it is on the ground, gently nested on the guy's chest. Oh yeah. He passed out. He missed the best part of the show.

“Lucario, do you know who this guy is?” Tommy asks. The guy looks vaguely familiar, but he can’t put a name to the face.

He looks like a wreck, in all honesty. Dark circles around his eyes are evident through fading makeup. They’re like bruises, they're so dark. The rest of him looks neat enough, a frenzied long pink braid tied with a golden pin seems like the guy's signature thing. He feels like he should know this person, but he’s not sure

Lucario, still very much mega evolved, shakes his head. He lets out a cry. It’s a fearsome thing that has Tommy squawking indignantly. 

“No! No! I am but a poor little boy. You’re a monster! A literal fighting machine!” Talonflame trills from where he sits on the guy's chest, heat radiating off the bird's body. “Not you too! Talonflame, buddy, where’s the love?” Tommy crosses his arms and taps his foot. Lucario mimics the movement.

“Fine then! Lucario and I will carry him together . Happy now?” Tommy punctuates his sentence with an eyeroll.

Lucario chirps and picks up the guy with ease. He was throwing a fuss the whole time over nothing. It’s a bit comical. The guy has to be like two feet longer than Riolu, yet he’s like a baby in the fighting type's arms. Ah, the glories of having what equates to an incredibly bulky bipedal dog as a best friend. Don’t tell Lucario he said that. 

Talonflame stays right next to the guy the whole time, occasionally sending a gentle stream of fire to the guy when he shudders. They drag him back to their camp, a small thing right on the edge of the city.

Lucario sets the guy down on Tommy’s sleeping bag. 

Well then, they have their work cut out for them don’t they? Tommy lets all the rest of the pokemon out of their pokeballs, waiting until they each give a friendly cry of awareness before he gathers their attention. “Alright! We have a guy who got hit by Articuno’s ice!” Leafeon flips her hair, annoyed that she missed the fight. “Leafeon, I’m so glad you volunteered. You’re going to get us the oran berries. I think we still have some Burnt Berries from that one farmers market, Axew?”

Axew churs and rushes to Tommy’s bag of things, rifling through. Leafeon lets out a low hiss, making her displeasure abundant. Tommy’s already around. The brat. Honestly, she has to learn to respect her elders. And by elders Tommy meant him. She needs to learn to respect him .

“Talonflame, Heliolisk,” the two of them stand at attention. “You two are going to fight that ice with your heat. If he stirs, let me know.” They nod and waddle into the tent, curling up around him. He trusts them to take good care of the guy.

Lucario huffs, crossing his arms. “You’re with me like always.” He turns to Greninja. “Keep him steady, okay? Make sure he gets fresh water and that he’s comfortable while Lucario and I make him the freeze cure. This dumb bitch isn’t dying on my watch.” All of his pokemon turn to him. “ Our watch.” And like that they all go back to their respective duties.

Tommy can’t shake the idea that he should know who this guy is. Maybe he just has one of those every person faces, that’s it. Hey! Maybe he’ll know where the Champion is staying. That’d be convenient.

_________

He’s so tired. It’s hard being awesome. It’s even harder getting Lucario to un-evolve. Getting him to the mega stage is easy, the power flows easily between the two of them. The un-megafying of Lucario takes three times as long. The longer he stays a mega the more suspicious they become. Tommy’s pretty sure he’s already on a few watch lists from some chance encounters.

Talonflame is pulling on his hair, it’s a morning ritual. Tommy peaks open his eyes, the moon is starting to set. The stars are still high above him. He closes them again, trying to ignore Talonflames pestering. The stars are really nice. Despite the hair yanking, Tommy is able to relax, thinking about what a day he had.

He fought a legendary bird! The worst part is that there was only one other person there to witness it. They’d never believe him otherwise. That guy was dying. Tommy wonders how he’s doing. Tommy rolls to his side. He hears a groan and Talonflame shrieks, rushing away from Tommy with the click clack of talons against stone.

Oh.

The guy was dying.

Tommy opens his eyes. “You’re not dead!” He exclaims, bolting upright and rushing to the guy's side. He looks like hell, but that’s to be expected. The guy was dying after all. And that freeze was awfully stubborn. Lucky for this guy, Tommy could probably become some sort of pokemon natural pathist or whatever the fuck those people were called. He’s the best.

The guy holds up his head, Tommy helps him sit up.

“Greninja!” Tommy calls, and like that Greninja is grumbling with a cup of water in her hand as she offers it to the guy. “Thanks, bud. You’re the best.” Greninja rolls her eyes and goes back to where she was curled up with Leafeon seconds prior.

The guy stares at the cup with hesitation. What, like Tommy’s going to waste his Burnt Berries just to kill the guy? Those things are exotic and rare . The Johto region is freaking possessive over those and rarely exports them. Tommy got lucky. He’s not going to waste those precious resources for nothing.

“Where am I?” He rasps. He finally meets Tommy’s eyes. “Who are you?” There’s a sparkle of mischief in the guys features for but a fraction of a second.

“Names Tommy Innit. Kinda a big deal. I saved you, no need to thank me. Articuno got you good, take it slow. Humans aren’t adapted to handle pokemon status conditions.” Tommy eyes the guy. “If you’re hungry then I can get some stuff cooked up real quick. I might still have some shit for curry.”

The guy's face falls. He reaches for his braid and seems to calm. “Articuno? You defeated Articuno?”

“What, like it’s hard?” Tommy asks, keeping his face dead serious. When bewilderment etches into the guys face, when he tenses, only then does Tommy laugh. “No. Not at all. Lucario did most of that, but even then it was like two weak ass punches–” Lucario frowns, Tommy ignores him– “and then we gave Articuno a sandwich and fixed up its wing and it was gone. She was just scared.”

The guy. Okay this is getting annoying. He obviously has a name, Tommy just doesn’t know what it is. The guy rubs the bridge of his nose. “You’re telling me, you had a picnic with Articuno? The legendary bird of ice.”

Tommy shrugs. “Sounds about right. Say, what’s your name Mister sir. I didn’t really ask when you were dying.”

This gives the guy pause. “You don’t know my name?”

Who did this bitch think he is? The Champion . Everyone knows the Champions name. This guy didn’t look like a champion. He looks like someone who clearly doesn’t get enough vitamin D. Like for real! He’s so pale that Tommy can clearly see all of his veins, that shit’s creepy enough on Ghost pokemon. Yeah. This guy is another nobody graced by Tommy’s epic presence.

“Should I? Are you like, a politician or something? I don’t pay attention to politics, and not in a ‘I don’t care about other people's lives’ way. Rather in a ‘I am never around when elections happen’ way.”

The guy pauses and offers the saddest looking smile ever. “My name is uh, Techno. Techno B– Birch.”

“Do you know where the Champion is? Did you know you share a first name with him?” Tommy prattles as he often does. He prattles until Talonflame hits Tommy with his wing. Tommy reaches down and scratches at Talonflames neck. He picks up the pokemon and places him on Techno’s lap. “You need to stay warm, Big T.”

Techno nods, unsure of what to do. He stares at his water again, taking a tentative sip. Once deeming that Tommy and his team weren’t looking to add a body to the counter, he takes more. Tommy takes the cup once it’s empty.

The winds whistle, bringing the songs of nocturnal pokemon with them. There’s the squawking of Murkrow, but also the subtle sounds of chirping Clefairy and the happy trills of Chancey. Tommy smiles, relaxing into the chilly atmosphere. It’s not harsh, not yet. He’ll have to find a cave to turn into his winter home soon.

It’s funny. Talonflame is cooing on Techno’s lap and Techno is acting as though he’s never seen a pokemon before. Tommy laughs under his breath when Techno brings a hesitant hand to Talonflames head. Talonflame absolutely melts.

“He likes you,” Tommy says. Techno nods numbly, in awe of the way that Talonflame presses himself against Techno’s chest.

“Most Pokémon are scared of me,” Techno whispers. It’s a broken melody; a somber note. Distorted and dissonant. It’s muddled with the breadth of society, and the noxious fumes of the self appointed elites. “They don’t like me anymore.”

A pang of sympathy. Tommy isn’t a people person. They have done nothing but wrong him time and time again. Other people only know how to hurt. Under the watchful eye of Arceus and the solemn gaze of the twinkling stars, Tommy sees someone else who has been truly robbed. He has seen men and women and people of all kinds abandon the truth they seek for the easy settlements of city life. Tommy takes a deep breath. There is beauty in nature, and there is much to live for. Perhaps he can give this desperate soldier a spark of hope to truly live for.

Tommy offers out his hand. “Do you trust me?”

“I’m sorry, what?” Techno asks, mouth hanging agape.

“Will you choose to trust me,” he amends with a small smile.

Techno closes his eyes and accepts Tommy’s hand. It’s a single moment that writes the rest of their eternity. Tommy feels that same warm buzz that he feels right before his Pokémon mega evolve. There’s a slight glow as Tommy (with the help of Talonflame) helps Techno onto his feet. He’s slow at first but with another sip of Burnt Berry and Oran juice he’s moving a lot steadier.

Eternity is written by the gods of the earth, the ones who have deemed to protect Tommy and give him the gift that he’s been so blessed by. He smiles, not bothering to slide on his boots as he leaves the tent. He tosses his head back and traces the stars. It’s regality and majesty, the true order of the world. Harmony is something so few see, yet Tommy watches and waits and he feels true balance. It is the only thing that kept him going as he waited for that day he could leave home. It’s the thing that keeps him helping when no one else would.

Techno slips on a jacket, wincing as he’s still not at peak performance. “What are we going to do? You better not kill me.”

Tommy turns to face him, eyes sparkling with something otherworldly. “I’m going to show you the world as you never knew it before.”

________

Techno wakes up and it’s nearing midday. He knows that he should start getting back, he has obligations and stuff. He can’t put a name to it, but something about Tommy has Techno hesitating. He’s groggy after their late night wandering. It had been surreal, something that Techno hadn’t expected. Yet it had been an earnest moment where he had let himself be truly vulnerable.

It’s weird.

It’s not normal.

Somehow, with one single look, Tommy had Techno crumbling. He had all the hard built walls that Techno had built with blood, sweat, and tears, crumbling like they were made of dust. It’s scary. But it’s exhilarating. Someone who doesn’t know who he is, who has no expectations for how he has to behave. It’s what he’s wanted for a long time.

It’s a breath of fresh air.

Tommy had led Techno to the top of a waterfall. He pointed out constellations, sharing the story of Pokemon long past. It’s jaw dropping how well Tommy has the stories memorized. Victini, Keldos, Diance… all names that Techno knew were familiar but never once had thought that there was too much to their stories.

Tommy had proved him wrong.

Techno sits up and stretches out. He rubs the sleep from his eyes. Tommy is nowhere to be seen, though Techno can hear his faint humming from outside of the tent. Talonflame lets out a low coo, one that sounds as tired as Techno feels. It takes a moment but once Talonflame is awake, he’s rushing to grab a cup of the weird burnt berry concoction that Tommy made.

He doesn’t ask how the kid, really ‘cause that’s what Tommy has to be, got his hands on Burnt Berries, but he’s not complaining. It’s kept him alive at the very least. Plus it tastes good. Like hot lava on his mouth, warming him up from the inside out. No wonder this stuff did wonders for Pokemon. Maybe more humans should get on whatever Tommy was doing.

“Thanks bud,” Techno mutters.

It’s been so long since he’s seen Pokemon being pokemon, having fun in fields and hanging out outside their pokeballs. Last night as Techno was walking through the campsite he saw all of Tommy’s pokemon sleeping under the stars. He had said that they preferred it to their pokeballs. Lucario had chirped in agreement. Tommy truly was in tune with his partners.

Techno clutches at his chest, remembering the way it felt as ice creeped closer and closer to his heart. He didn’t bother thinking about it much longer. He stands up with a small groan. The hike up the waterfall leaves him sore. He assumed that he was in peak physical condition. Turns out he is not. He hasn’t been on a hike like that since he started his pokemon journey.

Talonflame chirps, though doesn’t try to physically stop Techno from getting up. It’s a slow process. The ache in his limbs is nice, compared to the remnants of freezing chill. It’s a show that he’s still alive. He’s still growing. He’s not done yet. And that’s invigorating. He’s still alive.

Techno smiles, leaving the tent with nothing but a slightly too small shirt on –courtesy of Tommy– and his red jacket with gold detailing. The jacket was a gift from Wilbur, something about Techno’s brand that Techno didn’t pay too much attention to. He was just happy to get something to remember Wil with, whenever they were separated Techno would hold it close. And though it didn’t smell like Wil, it was still nice.

“Kid, you out here?” Techno asks. He has to squint as his eyes adjust to the harsh light around him. He blinks a few times before he can really see anything.

It’s domestic… somehow. Techno is in awe as Lucario and Tommy are at a grill, cooking up something. They’re working in tandem, where one faults the other is there to pick up the slack. Watching Tommy communicate like that to his partner makes his heart ache worse than any sore muscle has. It’s a pang of familiarity. He used to do the same thing with Aegislash. Mareep would make fun of them as they failed to make a semi decent meal for the seven of them.

Tommy laughs when Greninja sneaks over, grabbing some of the ingredients off the plastic table Tommy has set up. He doesn’t battle or berate the pokemon, not like Techno has seen a lot of other trainers do. Tommy doesn’t hurt Greninja, instead he offers her some more food.

The spark. Techno is seeing that spark that he wants so badly in a protege.

A leafeon is in the branches of some trees, making fun of an axew who jumps to try to reach her. She laughs, somehow, and flicks a leaf-like tail in playful exasperation. Talonflame zooms over to Greninja with a cluck, and starts to peck at the Greninja’s tucked away shurikens.

It’s so nice to see the pokemon doing anything more than train.

It makes him yearn for his own. He doesn’t want to go back. He doesn’t want to go back to Lumiose City where eyes were always watching him and people were expecting the world of him. He wants to get his pokemon and get back to Tommy’s fun little camp. He has a feeling that their teams will get along.

“Normally Absol is here, and she’d absolutely make fun of you,” Tommy says. Techno knows that it’s directed at him without Tommy needing to turn around. “However, some bitch said that I couldn’t raise a dragon type, and I took that as a personal challenge. Leafeon and Absol were close, it’s why she’s always poking fun at the little guy. I think they have something going on but they’re adamant they don’t.”

Techno laughs under his breath, making his way over to the table where Tommy has eggs, bacon, and pancakes piled on different plates. Techno grabs one of the paper plates. “Sounds like someone Meowstic would love,” he says as he piles some bacon on his plate.

“Who’s Meowstic?” Tommy asks, head whipping to look at Techno.

It’s weird. Tommy is weird. He wears a dark stained shirt that looks like it should have been thrown away ages ago. The pockets on his black cargo pants are filled to the brim with objects and knick knacks, all white his bright, neon red zip up is untouched. He doesn’t wear shoes and takes on this otherworldly feeling sometimes, when his piercing eyes blaze like a fire.

Techno likes it. It’s a wake up call.

“She’s one of the pokemon on my team… they’re all at the pokecenter right now…” Techno trails. While he doesn’t want to go back to Lumiose City, he wants his team back. Seeing Tommy’s own team makes him jealous, a nasty feeling that wraps around his heart and curls in his stomach. 

“Oh! I thought you were a Pokeless weirdo,” Tommy shrugs and turns off the grill. He calls over his Pokemon and makes sure that they all get an adequate amount of food before plating his own meal. It makes Techno a little embarrassed, but Tommy didn’t seem to mind him taking the food early.

He eats it with a plastic fork and with his fingers. It’s nice. To be roughing it out in the wilds again. To feel the crisp morning breeze, the air infecting his lungs and making him alive once again. The damp grass brushes against his leg, it tickles but reminds him of simpler times, times where he wasn’t swamped with paperwork.

“No. I got a whole team, six of them,” Techno laughs under his breath. “We’re quite good actually.” It’s a joke he shares with himself, since Tommy still hasn’t realized that Techno is the champion.

“Hey! My Pokemon are just as strong. Nobody believes me, but I’m going to prove them wrong today!” Tommy takes an exaggerated bite out of his bacon, chewing with his mouth open with all the confidence of a would-be champion. Techno nods, taking a sip of his water. “I’m going to challenge the Champion today.”

Techno spits out his drink. Tommy gives him an awkward look, tilting his head as he swallows his food. “The champion?” Techno asks, his voice not breaking at ALL. For sure. He keeps his cool as he clears his throat. “So you’re going for the protege position? It’s all anyone in the city can talk about.”

As far as Tommy knows, Techno’s just a citizen of Lumiose city, so Techno has to at least play the role. For the time being… he’ll act like just an everyday person with their team of pokemon. Perhaps he could act like he was going for the Champion position himself.

“Nawww, that seems, like, super lame. I’m just going to challenge him to a battle!” Tommy swings his legs. “He’s super strong. And I’m super strong, the gods told me so. I might bring Absol out of my boxes for a bit since she can mega evolve.”

It’s Techno’s turn to be confused. He doesn’t see any mega stones on Tommy. Sure they could be in his pocket, but that seems really stupid. Those things are precious, rare enough that not everyone could use one. What makes it rarer to see mega evolutions is the fact that it requires a strong enough bond between partner and pokemon. Techno’s megastones rest on a bracelet he has tied around his left wrist.

He doesn’t say anything. It’s not his place to.

“Sounds like we’re going to a Pokecenter then,” Techno half smiles. He really wishes he could stay out with Tommy for a pit longer. He loved the way that the waterfall mist felt on his face. The sun warms him from the inside. It’s the best peace that he’s had in a long time.

“Yeah sure thing, nerd. Do you think they’ll let me battle the Champion, though? Aren’t there like processes, I’ll be ignoring all of them…” For the first time Techno sees Tommy’s eyes darken. A look of doubt passes over his face, knitting his brows – a frown pulls at the corner of Tommy’s lips and it makes Techno’s heart shatter.

“I’m sure the Champion will battle you, screw what the others say. I hear that he’s a very kind, generous, and awesome person. If you ask nice enough. He’s been itching for a battle.”

Techno wants to see what this guy is made of. He wants to see what Tommy’s capable of. He speaks of the gods as if they talk to him. He walks around barefoot in tall grasses. He says hello to wild pokemon who don’t seem to mind that Tommy is amongst them. He’s an enigma. It gets Techno excited for a battle. He hasn’t been this excited to fight someone for a long long time.

“You think so?” Tommy perks up, inflating as if a balloon. It’s hilarious how childlike his mannerisms are, despite Tommy looking like an older teen, he’d guess 17 at the oldest.

“I know so.” Techno stretches out. “I’ll help you pack up the camp. And while we’re in the city let me treat you to something. I know all the best spots. My thanks for helping me.” He also wants to get Tommy out of the rags he seems to be wearing. His shirt has holes. Techno has seen Tommy’s shoes and they’re for sure a few sizes too small.

“Hell Yeah! Techno Bitch. My bitch. You are my bitch! Because I am. The best. Actually.” Tommy jumps to his feet and takes all the plates from his pokemon (and Techno). He digs a hole and buries them in the ground. Compostable, that’s what Tommy had said. He only uses compostable material. The gods like it more apparently.

Techno smiles. He’d buy this kid the universe if he could. How the hell did Tommy manage this? Techno swore he wouldn’t get someone else involved. Yet there he is, taking down the tent and packing up the cots. Is it so bad if he sees a bit of himself in Tommy. Sure he was never this loud or unabashed, yet he still sees that same spirit.

___

“Technoooooo,” Tommy whines. He pulls on Techno’s sleeve. “You really don’t have to get anything for me, Big Man. I swear! I helped because I didn’t want to see you die. I swear! It’s out of the goodness of my own heart! You don’t need to pay me back!”

Lumiose City is bustling so early in the morning. Well, it’s more like noon but that’s besides the point. The lights are bright and the people are loud. Tommy reaches down for Lucario’s hand yet it isn’t there. Lucario is in his Pokeball. Tommy hates the cities. They have so many rules and regulations.

All he wants is to get to where the Champion is holding the auditions to be his protege. That’s where he’ll find the protege. That’s where he’ll find his destiny. Well. Destiny isn’t the right word. Tommy doesn’t believe in destiny. What he believes is that he wants to win. He will win at all costs. Not all costs, he’ll fight fair.

“Please, I have more money than I know what to do with. It’s my pleasure. I’m doing a friend a favor,” Techno looks down with a smile. He pulls Tommy into a store.

It’s tamer in the store. It seems smaller. He sees pokemon bandana’s and gasps. In a single moment he goes from Techno’s side to the racks. Oh Absol would absolutely adore these. If Techno is willing to pay, then perhaps Tommy wouldn’t mind asking. He doesn’t want to take advantage of the generosity, but also he’s kinda broke so he can’t afford a lot of niceties. He can afford the necessities, but not anything extra.

Being able to spoil his pokemon is a treat reserved for when a wealthy bloke picks a pokemon fight. He’d have to get an actual job to afford things like bandanna’s or even like a… a bow tie or something. He doesn’t want an actual job. Not because they’re not useful, but because most corporations extort their employees while ignoring the problems that cause the most mayhem. Just seems like a more official version of his parents. 

Pass.

Tommy picks out a nice pick bandanna for Absol and a dapper little bowtie for Leafeon, if only for Leafeon to ditch it and give it to Lucario or someone else on the team. The reaction will be worth it at least. He knows that Techno will probably make him get something for himself, but he’ll just throw a random shirt in the basket and call it good.

Speaking of Techno, he’s standing upfront and talking to the cashier in a hushed voice. Tommy sneaks up behind him, hearing only the ending of the sentence before yelling: “BOO!” He laughs as Techno jumps.

Techno ruffles his hair, causing Tommy to pause. Oh. No one’s done that before. He doesn’t hate it. He decides he’s going to ask Techno if he wants to join him after Techno watches him defeat the way lamer Techno. Yes. Sounds like a great plan. They can explore Kalos together! Maybe together they can explore the rest of the world!

Don’t tell him though, lingers in the back of his mind. He shakes his head, throwing the bandanna and bowtie into the basket. Surely if Techno doesn’t want him to know something, then it’s for a good reason.

He can’t give the guy that much benefit of the doubt, Tommy’s only known him for less than 24 hours officially. He purses his lips.

“Alright, we’ll be back up in a bit with some stuff,” Techno waves to the sales clerk.

Tommy doesn’t want to get much for himself. He really doesn’t. At the first store he gets so into trying on clothes that he ends up with two new shirts and a new pair of pants. He feels a bit guilty. He’ll have to give some back at some point, he doesn’t have much room in his bags for so much stuff. 

He shakes off the guilt. If he needs too he can donate the nice clothes to kids who need it. After all, they’re brand new. Some kid will love them.

Techno drags Tommy to more and more shoes. He finally gets some nice hiking boots. He’s not planning on wearing them often, he likes the feeling of grass under his feet. However, he is going to use them in the rockier areas, like the mountains and caves.

He grabs treats for his Pokemon, he grabs fresh berries and fun items for them. He beams, happy to be able to get stuff for them. They deserve so much. They deserve recognition for how awesome they are. They’re the best pokemon he could ask for, really. It’s a bit pathetic but he and Lucario are practically brothers.

That’s when he spots the most ridiculous glasses ever. He throws them on, turning on with a pretentious mask on his face. “Pip pip, cheerio!” Tommy mocks. He bursts out laughing, the gold framed round glasses almost falling off.

“Oh gods, you look just like Wil,” Techno laughs under his breath. He tries so hard to not show that he’s fallen for the Tommy charm, but he fails miserably each time.

Tommy puts the glasses back, they’ll just break when he’s back on the road. “Who’s Wil?” Techno hasn’t talked a lot about what he does. He stayed quiet, asking Tommy about him instead.

Tommy hasn’t lied about anything, he has however refused to answer questions about his family. He hates thinking about them. He hasn’t been back to visit since he set out 6 years ago on his journey. He misses them, or at least he thinks he does. No. He doesn’t miss them. He misses the way that it felt to have a family.

He hasn’t felt like that before. The careful naive idea that someone could care. He wants so desperately to have that again.

“My… cousin?”

Tommy can spot a liar when he sees one. He doesn’t comment on the way that Techno’s voice pitches up like a question. Wil, whoever they are, isn’t actually Techno’s cousin. But Tommy has his secrets, so Techno can have his. He brings his hand up to play with the white streak in his hair. Arceus is a little bitch sometimes.

“Sure… I don’t think there’s anything else to do, so to the pokecenter?”

Techno hesitates for just a moment as he takes the shopping bag. He doesn’t want to go. You’d think someone who talks constantly about their pokemon would be excited to get them back. He looks sad, he looks defeated. Techno is for sure hiding something. And the more Tommy catches people's stares, the more his heart sinks. He hopes he’s wrong about this. He hopes for once his intuition is failing him.

“Yeah… let’s go,” Techno says with a sigh.

They walk to the pokecenter in silence. Tommy catches all the stares. For once he knows that it’s not just his odd looks or behavior that are garnering the whispers and pointed fingers. There’s something more going on. He knows what it is, he just doesn’t want to admit it. There’s a reason he doesn’t trust people, right? Why did he have to go and let down his walls for some stranger.

There are guards waiting outside of it. There are fucking guards. Techno isn’t just some citizen. And he’s for sure no Techno Birch . Techno Bastard and Techno Bitch are more apt names at this point. Tommy doesn’t want to think about it. The guards try to stop Tommy when Techno enters the center.

Techno makes them let Tommy in. They apologize. They apologize to a “Mr. Blade”. The fucking liar.

“Techno?” Tommy asks.

“Later,” Techno mutters. And like that he’s an entirely different person. He’s gone. The Techno that Tommy has saved is gone. 

“Techno,” Tommy insists. He’s not dignified with a response.

There’s no one else in the pokecenter save for a man with blond hair pulled back in a ponytail, and a taller man with gold rimmed round glasses. Wil, Tommy assumes. Wil wears a long brown trench coat. Tommy zips up his own coat, like some sort of faux armor. He has his hands in his pockets and lights up when he sees Techno enter.

The blond guy, who’s dressed in a neat, green business suit hangs up the phone call he’s on when Wil nudges him. The guy smiles. Tommy hangs back by the vending machines, letting Axew and Lucario out of their pokeballs. He feels severely underdressed, and severely out of place. He doesn’t belong here. He’s a fool for thinking that Techno gave a fuck.

It was probably all for a publicity stunt. They never change, do they?

Tommy lets out a half hearted, bittersweet chuckle. Lucario lifts his paw up and grabs Tommy’s hand. This is why he doesn’t do cities. This is why he prefers Pokemon. At least Pokemon don’t have ulterior motives, most of the time.

“Techno!” Wil cries out, waving him over. Tommy stays to the edges of the Pokecenter, doing his best to look inconspicuous. “You almost gave us a media scare. Phil was calling the police to get a missing poster up.”

“I was gone for less than 24 hours, chill…” Techno muttered. And clearly he hated this as much as Tommy did.

Tommy walked over to the Pokemon boxes, recalling Axew back to his Pokeball. He slid the ball into the machine, waiting as it analyzed his pokemon. He zoned out of whatever conversation the important people were having. He rolled forward and backwards on his heels, in his new shoes. Gods, no wonder Techno has so much money.

The switch happens soon enough and Tommy is putting Absol's pokeball on his belt. He takes a deep breath.

He lets Absol out of her Pokeball. She roars. Tommy smiles. The attention turns to him.

“Techno? Who is the homeless kid in here?” Wil asks.

“Wilbur,” the blond guy chides. Techno remains silent. “Come over mate, it’s nice to meet you.”

Tommy stays silent. Tommy stays still. Techno stares at the ground, and only when Techno looks up does Tommy speak. “You’re a fat fucking liar, aren’t you?”

Techno doesn’t say a word. Wilbur, however, gets pissed. Tommy’s good at that. He’s good at pissing off the elite. He’s surprised that Techno put up with him as long as he did. That must be a new record or something.

Tommy sticks his hands in his pockets, face passively neutral.

“Don’t speak to him like that! He’s the champion after all,” Wilbur says. Oh you can tell he must be from one of the inner cities. That high and mighty accent gave away Wilbur’s whole story. He must be Techno’s pr rep if Tommy had to guess.

Absol pads in front of Tommy’s feet, hackles raised.

“You fucking owe me. I gave you a fucking chance and you blew it. You lied to me,” Tommy can’t stop the way his voice breaks. It’s wet with emotion. He thought he was over getting easily attached.

“I didn’t want you acting differently around me,” Techno whispered. It’s a quiet admission, but one that makes Tommy’s blood boil.

“Like I give a fuck? I don’t care about fancy titles or how popular you are. I don’t know if you’ve noticed, but I live in the woods most of the time. I’m not someone who can judge anyone else! I’ll be at the fucking battle terf at 6. If you’re too pussy to face me then tough luck. I’m leaving in the morning.”

There’s a reason he doesn’t trust anyone.

“You can’t just do that,” Wilbur tries to argue. “There’s a system in place. You have to schedule a battle, and even then you need too–”

Tommy at Wilbur’s side in a heartbeat. He smiles as he sweeps the guys legs under him. He’s next to Techno now, Techno who’s staring at Tommy with pity and guilt. Good. The guy should feel guilty. “You told me, didn’t you? The Champion would do it if I asked?”

“I’ll be there,” Techno says. He levels Tommy with an even stare.

“Good.” Tommy leaves. He forgets too easily how people hurt him. He was better than this. He will be better than this.

It’s called the wonderful world of pokemon for a reason. There’s a reason it’s not called the wonderful world of humans. Sometimes he wishes he really was more pokemon than human like the other kids used to tease him for. Sometimes he wishes he didn’t have to be the trainer. He wouldn’t have to deal with people who tried to use him and traitors who lie. 

____________

Techno doesn’t move until Tommy’s out of the building. It’s terrifying, watching the fire fade and turn into ice as cold as Articuno’s. He’s fucked up. He knows he’s fucked up. He wasn’t expecting Phil and Wilbur to be at the pokecenter. He was planning on explaining everything to Tommy here and then they could battle. He didn’t want to battle like this.

He takes a deep breath. He picks Wilbur up by the collar. “What the fuck man?”

Wilbur isn’t lifted off the ground, it’s not as satisfying as Techno wishes it was. The look on Wilbur’s face is still worth it. It’s still worth the panic and confusion that has Wilbur tensing his shoulders.

Techno sucks his teeth when Phil inevitably pulls him off of his pr manager. Sometimes Techno thinks that Wilbur would look better with a black eye. He hears that black and gold go well together… he wouldn’t want his perfect image to be ruined though. Techno holds back, if only because he’s not willing to get on Wilbur’s bad side.

Wilbur might be a bitch but he’s also terrifying when it comes to the media. He can spin stories to make the assailant look like the victim. He’s the best pr manager Techno could hope for, but he’s also the most terrifying person Techno knows. One move and Wilbur wouldn’t hesitate to ruin Techno’s entire career. His entire image relies on being an everybody guy.

“So testy,” Wilbur sighs. He brushes off his jacket and straightens out the collar of his shirt. “Maybe I ought to be asking that question of you.”

It’s moments like this that Techno is reminded that Wilbur was born an elite. He was born with a silver spoon in his mouth and anything he could ever want at his beck and call. Techno grew up on a mareep farm, unsurprisingly. He had to work to get where he was. Tommy had to work to get where he was. Wilbur would never understand the strife of having to struggle for money. Pokemon battles only pay so much. 

His accent comes out and it’s too strong for Techno to handle. They will always be opposites, no matter how familial their interactions can get.

“Homeless? You called a kid homeless . Maybe you ought to have some tact ,” Techno hisses under his breath. He mimics Wilbur’s accent. Sure his anger might not seem valid or earned. He was making progress with Tommy. He got the kid to open up. Tommy is exactly what he wanted in a protege or whatever the fuck the title is. And he blew it.

Techno takes a deep breath. The plan had been to ask Tommy after the battle. Now that seems like a lost cause. He’ll find someone just to appease Phil and the public. He feels sorry for the guy that he inevitably chooses. It’ll be because people are tiring of his indecision.

“He looks homeless!” Wilbur takes a deep breath. “Tell me you’re not actually going to that battle.” Techno looks to the ground. He makes his way over to Nurse Joy. “ Techno , tell me that you’re not going to battle that kid.”

Nurse Joy hands over the pokeballs with a smile on her face. She gives him their files to look over, staying out of the trio’s business. He mutters a thank you and tips her handsomely. She typically tries to deny it, but he insists each and every time.

He clicks the pokeballs in their place on his belt. He fingers over the mega stones on his wrist. “Phil?”

Phil sighs, pulling out his phone when Techno turns around. “Rescheduling the auditions, and the meet and greets, and your meetings now.”

Techno chews his lip for a second. He glances at Wilbur who seems both confused and annoyed, a rare ability that only his bitch ass pr manager would possess. Techno takes a deep breath, he can fix this. He should have been honest with Tommy from the beginning. This is his fault. He can salvage the pieces of his broken plan.

“Cancel the protege bullshit,” he mutters.

Wilbur takes a step forward. “No, you have to find a protege. You’ve agreed to it already, I don’t know how I can spin it if you–”

“That’s the thing, Wilbur,” Techno smiles. It’s real and genuine, perhaps for the first time in a long time Techno means it when he smiles. “I’ve already found one.”

Techno walks out of the pokecenter, Wilbur hot on his trail. “You can’t be serious–”

“I am,” he says as he sticks his hands into his pockets. “You haven’t seen him. He took on Articuno by himself. He has the spark . He’s the one I’m looking for Wil.”

Someone comes up to him, holding Techno’s trainer card in his hand. Techno pulls out a pen and signs it without second thought. It’s routine. It’s what he expected to happen when he was on the streets with Tommy. It hadn’t happened thank god. Maybe it would have been better if it had. He really fucked up, didn’t he? He’ll make it up to Tommy. He’ll give the kid the best fucking battle he’s ever had. Maybe he’ll actually have to give it his all.

It makes him excited. It’s been way too long since he’s been able to have fun while battling. It’s been so long since adrenaline pumped through his veins at the idea of a battle. He has to go easy on most trainers, and even then it’s enough to have most trainers struggling. Tommy’s confident in his abilities, and most overestimate their potential, but something tells Techno that Tommy isn’t.

Most of the time he isn’t allowed to battle. He isn’t allowed to do anything if it’s not in the schedule. It has to be scheduled, it has to be publicized, it needs to be specific. He has to act a specific way and wear a specific outfit. It’s stressful, it’s not fun. It’s not what he wants with a battle. He’s excited to fight Tommy because he doesn't have to care.

He doesn’t have to act aloof and mysterious. He doens’t have to wear the stupid cape and make stupid movements. He doesn’t want to have to force his words, articulating in a specific manner. He hates himself when he’s on the field now. He hates how he defaults whenever other people are watching him. It’s hard to imagine ever being himself again.

He gets lost, desperate desperation clawing at his heart and soul. He wants so badly to go back to the simple life of existence, of tending to flocks and playing with Pokémon. It’s like there are two of him, and he doesn’t know which one is real. What he does know is that he wants someone like Tommy, someone who wouldn’t look to use his name and title to their advantage.

The cold glare. It’s the only thing that Techno can see, it makes him cringe. The way Tommy stared as he walked away. Techno fucked up, for sure. He took a deep breath.

Something tells him that they’re in it for a hard battle, one that challenges them mentally and physically.

“Are you sure?” Wilbur asks. He pulls out his key card, showing his id badge to the guards who watch the floor that the three of them are staying on. 

Techno met Wilbur early on his travels. He had much the same opinion of the man now as he did when they were fourteen. Wilbur is objectively terrifying. Wilbur attached himself to Techno like a leech and refused to let go ever since. He’s fiercely protective and once Techno became a champion Wilbur self appointed himself as Techno’s pr manager.

Thank fuck for that, for all of Techno’s faults, public image might be his worst. If he had a say in it he’d remain in his house for the rest of his life and only come out when people absolutely demanded it of him. Wilbur wouldn’t let him. Wilbur used his connections and actually helped Techno establish himself as a name apart from just a champion.

Techno knows that Wilbur means no real harm, acting out to try to get Techno to think through his actions before taking them. It’s the one thing Wilbur reliably does. He always seems against Techno’s actions not because he is, but rather because if he doesn’t make Techno second guess himself then no one else will. Phil will do something if Techno tells him too because Phil is on Techno’s payroll. Wilbur isn’t. And for all of Wil’s snide remarks and poison words he almost never means any of them.

Techno pulls out his own ID card, staring at his trainer profile picture. He doesn’t look like himself. A gold pin in his hair looks like a crown, and he wears a red cape with white fluff at the ends. He looks regal in the poet's shirt. He doesn’t look like himself. But it’s the brand right? It’s what he’s supposed to do. It’s what the public recognizes him by.

He presses the card to the lock. There’s a ding and the sound of a lock turning. “I am. I have never been more sure of anything.” In a smaller voice he adds, “He’s like me, Wil.”

Wilbur visibly softens. “Alright then. Get ready for the battle then, yeah?”

Techno does. He sits in silence with his pokemon comforting him.

__________

Tommy is waiting for Techno at the field. People clear out only when they see Techno approach. He’s wearing a simple red hoodie, nothing as extravagant as his official battles. That’s okay though. That’s what he wants. He wants to keep this casual. He doesn’t want this to be an official battle. He wants it to be simple. He wants to see Tommy.

This is how you truly know someone. You meet them on the field, Pokemon against Pokemon. That’s when someone's truth comes to light. It’s the only way a lot of them know how to communicate, with adrenaline pumping through their veins and a bright smile on their face.

Tommy doesn’t wear a smile. His face is set in a frown, hands in his pocket while Lucario stands next to him. Techno pulls out his Aegislash, setting him out onto the field. Wilbur takes the position of the referee. It took zero convincing to get Wilbur to agree to it. He’s more than happy to indulge in Techno’s antics when he realizes that there’s no changing the stubborn man's mind.

Techno reattaches the pokeball to his belt. He smiles, giving a curt wave to Tommy. He has no clue how this battle will go. There’s a curling feeling of guilt mixing with anxiety. It tells him that nothing will go right. It tells him that everything will go wrong. Techno takes a deep breath.

“Tommy!” He shouts from across the way. People gather around, Phil does his best to urge them away.

“I don’t want to talk to you,” Tommy replies. It’s cool and distant. Tommy turns to face Wilbur, scuffing his boots on the rubber that makes up the battlefield. “Well what are you waiting for? Get on with it.”

Wilbur takes a step back. He’s not used to being talked to like that. Techno laughs under his breath. Of course Tommy would get Wilbur to actually react. He can’t stop himself from imagining Tommy joining their motley crew, he’d fit right in. Wilbur would love to take the kid shopping, and then Tommy would demand that Wilbur let him get fast food before returning to whatever place they’re staying in for the time being.

Tommy would drag them all back out into the tall grasses, they’d spend nights under the stars. He’d show them all the wonders that are still out there. Phil would complain about his back hurting. Techno’s heart aches as he thinks about the what ifs. He shakes his head. First things first, they have to battle. And Techno would preferably be winning.

“Right then,” Wilbur straightens out his jacket. “Standard rules apply. Each trainer is allowed six pokemon on their team, mega evolutions are allowed and encouraged. The winner is declared when all six of one of the teams are fainted. Items are permitted by Pokebattle ruling. A winner can also be declared should one of the trainers forfeit by three ways, verbal admission, exterior interference, or walking onto the field of play. Do you each accept these rules?”

“Yep,” Techno says. He pops the p, handing Aegislash an oran berry before he goes onto the field.

“Don’t worry,” Tommy says. He bends down, making sure Lucario is okay. “We won’t be forfeiting.” With a pat on the back Lucario is running onto the field, jumping from foot to foot and crying out in anticipation.

Techno smiles at that, despite the deadpan way that Techno says it. “I’m counting on it.”

“Then trainers?” Wilbur says. “Battle!”

Tommy smiles for the first time during the conversation. “Lucario! Low Sweep.”

The fight is a long and hard one. They’re equally matched in skill and Techno for once has to try . It’d be a fun battle if it wasn’t for the fact that he’s being given the cold shoulder. Whenever Tommy speaks it’s to direct his pokemon, which isn’t often. He seems to be able to talk to them with nothing but the occasional tilt of his head.

Any attempts at conversation are shut down.

He does have to applaud Tommy for his efficient communication. 

Techno’s always found it stupid crying out your attacks in the middle of battle. He prefers to keep it quiet. He and his pokemon have hand gestures that they use – which changes every couple of months so that no one can get a good read on them. Tommy’s on another wave length though.

Tommy keeps his hands in his pockets, glaring at Techno. He doesn’t talk. He doesn’t banter. His anger makes the air thick and electric. And that wasn’t just Tommy’s Heliolisk. Not for the first time Techno thanks the stars that their fields are made of rubber and not just plain dirt. A zap from any electric pokemon stings like a bitch. Techno takes a deep breath, trying hard to fight the heavy and tense air. The atmosphere is palpable, he could cut it with a knife if he tried too.

“Tommy…” Techno says. “I want to talk about earlier.” He recalls Gyrados as his wonderful friend faints from a nasty iron tail. He stares at Tommy’s Absol. They’re both to their last pokemon. Techno sends out Ampharos, a grimace taking over his face. 

“There’s nothing to talk about,” Tommy says. He tilts his head and Absol levies another Iron tail attack. Ampharos catches it, not without sustaining damage though. Techno busies himself searching through his bag in case he would need a potion or something.

He flicks his wrist, Ampharos retreats, charging up his power in the process. “There is though. I need to explain–”

Tommy grits his teeth. “There’s nothing to explain. You were fucking using me like every other goddamn person.”

“I wasn’t–”

“NO!” Tommy yells. Techno watches Absol cow at the noise. It grates against Techno’s ears, wet with emotion and stained with complications of situations long past. “I–”

And then Tommy grips his head and he screams. He falls to his knees, screaming as he shakes his head. Techno looks over to Phil who shakes his head. He clenches his fists, and shakes his own head at Ampharos.

Then it happens. Techno is woefully unprepared for it.

A burst of golden energy. It invigorates Techno. His mouth hangs agape as he watches that light emanate from Tommy. His eyes are the only thing that doesn’t glow with that divinity. For a fraction of a second Techno could have sworn that he saw Arceus next to the boy, curling around him protectively.

He stares down at his own wrist, which flares with that same light. Ampharos stares back at Techno in confusion. It’s warmth that Techno has never felt before. It’s a brighter fire than mega evolution has. The weirdest part, Techno didn’t initiate the evolution. He didn’t will it, nor want it. He assumed that Tommy couldn’t mega evolve, so he had been keeping it tame. He takes a deep breath, watching as Ampharos’ tail elongates, and the gem on his forehead gleams with power.

Absol flares her wings, the ones that came with mega evolution, and springs into action once the light fades. Techno is on high alert. He curses under his breath. Of course Tommy’s got this going for him. He needs to breathe. He needs to fight the battle in front of him. Yet, when he risks a glance at Tommy he sees similar golden tears trailing down his face.

“I thought you were going to be different!” Tommy yells. Absol looks just as pained as Tommy. She howls in distress, a shadow ball aimed straight for Ampharos. Techno is frozen, he means to shout at him to watch out. Luckily Ampharos dodges the blast, just barely. He breathes a sigh of relief. “I thought I could trust you!”

“Kid–” Techno tries. It’s no use. Tommy cuts him off. Techno tries to ignore how his heart pangs to comfort the crying child in front of him. He ignores it because he has too. He flicks his wrist, letting Ampharos know what to do next.

“ABSOL!” Tommy screeches. His eyes are burning, they’re hardened with hate. “Blizzard.” When Absol hesitates Tommy only gets angrier. “Now!”

Absol pumps her wings until the winds freeze over and a blizzard is reigning over them. The temperatures drop and Techno is left scrambling. This is worse than any move Techno’s seen before. The dark clouds cover most of the city. The winds whip around like crazy.

Shit. Kid . Who hurt you?

“Ampharos. Defense,” Techno commands with an even voice. He has to do something to help Tommy.

“They made fun of me!” Tommy says, still clutching his head between his hands. “They called me crazy. They called me weird. They called me wild. Then Arceus gave me some dumb gift and now they all try to use me. I don’t want to be used. I don’t want to be left alone. I want my mom and dad, who don’t give a shit but that’s better than nothing right?”

The rules state that a trainer isn’t allowed on a pokemon battlefield, they forfeit otherwise. Techno doesn’t give a shit. He steps onto the field. Wilbur doesn’t protest, raising his hand to signify that the battle is over. Unfortunately, the battle has just begun. 

The field is alive with tense energy that feels like static electricity. He’s losing Tommy in the cold. The blizzard obscures Techno’s vision, the clouds cover most of the city from what he can see. Tommy’s own emotion is fueling Absol’s attack. He needs to help Tommy. Guilt eats away at his insides. He doesn’t have a choice. He needs to help Tommy.

“And then you seemed so cool. You were tired and I thought you were like me . But you’re not. You’re just another fucker who wants to hurt me.”

Techno pushes past everything. Collapsing next to Tommy and pulling him into a hug. There’s some resistance for but a single moment. Then Tommy is collapsing in his hold. He grabs onto Techno’s shirt, balling the cloth in his hands. He sobs into Techno’s shoulder. Techno lets him, whispering comforting nothings until Tommy’s calmed down.

Once Tommy is calm, the blizzard stops and the pokemon un-mega evolve.

“I thought you were going to use me,” Techno says. He rocks Tommy back and forth, and gods this really is a kid isn’t it? He laughs under his breath. “All anyones done since I’ve become champion is use me. That’s why I didn’t tell you.”

Tommy sniffles, not lifting his head from Techno’s shoulder. “I just want someone to care.”

“I do. Or, I can. Tommy, this is a bad time but I was wondering if you wanted to be my protege?” Techno whispers. “You’d stay with me and Wil and Phil, and we could care, if you let us.”

“Yes. Please. Please, I want that. I want something. Please.” Tommy all but begs.

They sit like that until Wilbur and Phil pull them away, demanding that the two of them get some rest and some food. They agree. Tommy demands, through sniffles and tears, that they get some greasy fast food. Phil shakes his head but with a laugh he agrees. Ampharos and Absol run over to their trainers. Tommy laughs as Absol licks at his face, her attempt to make Tommy feel better.

Techno stands up, helping Tommy up too. “Absol, I have a gift for you,” Tommy says. Absol barks out in excitement, wagging her tail like an overexcited Furfrou. Tommy pulls out a black and gold bandana, he kneels down and wraps it around Absol’s neck. “I’m sorry, that wasn’t very nice of me.”

Absol rolls her eyes. She presses the button to her pokeball, disappearing into whatever weird dimension houses them. 

Phil nudges Techno’s side. “So are you going to introduce us, or?”

Techno clears his throat, pulling Tommy close into his side. He’s scared that if he lets go then Tommy will disappear into the wind. “Tommy, this is my manager Phil. And my dumbass.”

“Hey!” Wilbur protests.

“Wilbur. This is Wilbur, my self appointed pr manager,” Techno fails to stifle a laugh. “Welcome to the team Tommy,” he adds in a whisper. Tommy blinks back tears, nodding in agreement. He turns to Phil and Wilbur. “Phil, Wil, this is Tommy, my protege.”

“Nice to meet you, mate,” Phil says with a gentle smile. It’s not hard to see that Tommy’s a bit unstable at the moment. Wilbur mirrors the words with a small wave.

They’ll go through all the pleasantries another day. They’ll handle the deal, the specificities and more another day. They’ll handle the press and the interviews and the technicalities tomorrow. For that night they are not trainers. They have no obligations. They are friends, maybe eventually family. There’s no complications. No one is being used. They are friends going out to eat.

Those who witness the clash will swear that they saw Arceus lead the creation trio, vanishing and leaving three friendly strangers in their wake.