Chapter Text
Everything hurt. That was the first thing Volo noticed upon waking up. He could faintly hear rain in the distance. He lifted his head off the concrete. Where was he? As a matter of fact, who was he? He couldn't remember anything before waking up here. He sat up with a groan, rubbing his head. It was dark, save for a few fluorescent lights lighting up the tunnel, going as far as the eye could see. He looked around. What was this place? He stood up, his whole body lighting up in pain. Volo groaned, wrapping his arms around his stomach. He was hungry as well. A purple glow at the end of the tunnel caught his attention. He tilted his head, was someone there? He began to move towards it. It came closer, seemingly moving faster. Volo froze, the closer it got the more it wasn't just a glow. Five eerie purple flames, and a set of yellow eyes looking at him from the darkness. Whatever it was, it wasn't human. He turned and ran. He was sure this was one of the few things he did remember; a pokemon. Of what species he didn't know. It didn't look like any of the few he could recall off the top of his head. He turned back around, the flames were speeding up, the eyes narrowed slightly. He yelped and kept running. It felt like he had been running for days, his legs and lungs were already burning when he woke up. Maybe he had died and gone to hell, forced to run from some unidentified creature for the rest of time. His eyes welled up at the thought. His legs started to fail him, constantly locking and trying to get him to rest, and eventually, they had enough. Volo collapsed. He groaned, pushing himself up on his forearms. There was a flash and a strange noise, he turned his head. Some sort of bird was standing guard over him. A few memories sparked. His Togekiss. He smiled weakly at it. He opened his mouth to thank out, only for a few weak noises to come out, his throat was so dry. The creature came into sight. It was a flaming chandelier, with yellow eyes fixed on him and Togekiss. The fairy let out another screech, trying to intimidate the monster.
“Chandelure that's enough!” A voice spoke up.
Volo lifted his head up, a man in a white and orange jacket was walking towards them. The chandelier hissed slightly, but flew behind the man, Volo assumed it must be its trainer. Togekiss moved to face the newcomer, crowing softly, clearly not sensing any threat from him. He knelt down in front of Volo. He cocked his head, he looked sort of familiar, but he had never seen him before, maybe he was famous or something.
“What are you doing down here? It's veeeerry late.” He asked.
Volo croaked, unable to form words. Togekiss nudged him slightly.
“That doesn't sound good. Here.”
The man sat Volo up, leaning him against the wall before digging in his pockets, pulling out a water bottle. Volo perked up at that, weakly reaching a hand out for it.
“Think you drink this by yourself?” He asked, raising an eyebrow. Volo nodded, but Togekiss shook its head.
Volo put his hand on Togekiss’s head and smiled to reassure it. The man clearly didn't buy into his lies.
“I'll help you, open up.” He said, cracking open the water bottle and pressing it to Volo’s lips.
He drank quickly, closing his eyes. “Not too fast, don't want you to choke.” The man said.
Volo drained the entire bottle rather quickly.
“My god, you must've been thirsty, Chandelure must've chased you a whole mile or more.” He turned disapprovingly to the creature behind him.
“Thank you.” Volo forced out, his voice cracking horribly.
“No problem. I am Emmet. What's your name?” He asked.
“Volo.” His name was one the few things he remembered.
“Volo hm. You're not from around here are you? You look dressed as if it never stops snowing.” Emmet tilted his head.
“I-I don't think so, but you seem kinda familiar.” Volo mumbled.
Emmet’s eyes narrowed slightly, every part of his response was confusing.
“You don't think so?” He echoed back.
“I can't remember. I can't remember anything really.” Volo shook his head. “I could barely remember my own partner.” He sighed. Togekiss cooed softly, pressing into Volo’s side.
“If you don't remember anything, how am I familiar?” Emmet asked.
Volo shrugged. “Maybe I saw you before I smacked my head on the ground, or whatever happened.”
Emmet knew he had never seen Volo before, so either he was insane, or there was something more going on here.
“Does the name Ingo ring any bells?” He asked.
A small flicker of a memory lit up in Volo’s head, gone as fast as it came. He shook his head.
“No. I'm sorry. Who’s Ingo?” He asked.
Chandelure hissed sadly, its flames burning low. Emmet sighed, his eyes welling slightly.
“My missing twin brother.” His voice shook.
Volo’s heart sank slightly. “I'm sorry to hear that.” He said softly.
“No matter, I will find him in due time, but it looks like you need help. I take it you don't have anywhere to stay?” Emmet asked, straightening up and offering his hand to Volo. The latter shook his head.
“I don't even know where I am, let alone if I know anyone around here.” He shrugged, before taking Emmet’s hand, and pulling himself to his feet.
“I suppose you can stay at my place. I can't just leave you here.” Emmet said, letting go of his hand and turning to lead him out, Chandelure following him.
Togekiss flapped its wings, floating beside Volo. He smiled at it and walked out behind Emmet.
Emmet had other reasons to bring this stranger with him, sure it was because he had no idea where he was and he was being nice, but he seemed to know something about Ingo’s disappearance, if his memories ever came back.