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Chapter Text

You looked at the small pond of water, extending to a river that spiraled downwards into a series of twists and turns either way. Arceus, it was your birthday, it was supposed to be a good day.

The space-time rift was supposed to leave. All the nobles had been calmed down. You were supposed to spend the day with Akari, Rei, and even Laventon on your birthday. Hell, it wasn’t even gonna be fancy. You would just all bake treats for your Pokémon, as to make a mess in Beni’s place as he scolded all of you, as you battled to your hearts’ content.

You were supposed to be loved.

Yet…

You were kicked off the Galaxy Team. Expelled from Jubilife Village. Exiled from any lands involving the team or such. Having to leave with only what you had.

Which was absolute bullshit. You were only carrying four of your Pokémon members since the previous day was just to let the rest roam around in the pastures that kept them from leaving.

A single tear rolled down your cheek.

How were you going to prove that it wasn’t you who caused the sky to go mayhem?

It was all unfair, so unfair.

…You were just a tool for the Galaxy Team. They only needed your skills. They didn’t give a shit about your feelings. As long as they got what they wanted, everything was fine… as long as it benefited them, all was okay.

As long as you stayed and helped, you wouldn’t get your tongue cut off for ‘wasting’ village resources on you.

Cold started to pierce your throat. Vision blurred as tears swam in your eyes.

“Shi-shinx!”

Your head whipped towards the sudden yip. Nudging its’ paw at your ankle, a small Shinx stood innocently. It smiled, as though sensing how you felt.

“Shi-shinx!” It cried again.

A weak smile tugged at your lips. Who were you to complain? These Pokémon…

They always had to fight to live. They could get killed within any moment, never having a moment like safety. In comparison, you were living in heaven. A bigger creature, with the ability to fight off or capture the wild all in the palm of your hand.

The small lion-like Pokémon yipped once more before turning and running towards two Luxio. Ah, perhaps those were its siblings. Or even parents.

The three walked off as if it was another ordinary day, like the sky hadn’t just turned into a mess of red-green-blue.

Arceus…

You couldn’t help but look as the small Pokémon walked away. Why? Why did Arceus send you back here?

To suffer hardships and appreciate the world beforehand? There was no stopping whatever this was unless you had a clue.

To question life itself? No, no, Arceus could be a philosopher sometimes but it didn’t think things through that much. After all, it tried to send Ingo here only for the man to lose his memories altogether. The timeline was jumbling up- you aren’t even certain about your past journeys anymore.

“Strange events seem to follow you wherever you go, don’t they?”

You whipped your head around in astonishment. You’d recognize that voice anywhere-

Right there, was Ginkgo Guild’s signature and most well-known (heartthrob) man, Volo.

What… what was he doing here?

His signature smile appeared, causing more confusion to well up with the other emotions that were going haywire. “Found you at last, [Y/N]!”

“I’ve been looking for you everywhere, you know!” He put one hand on his hip while the other wagged a finger at you.

Your mind went blank at hearing such a familiar voice, feeling the usual cheerful aura the merchant radiated that was so warm…

No…

Letting yourself have false hope and getting betrayed again, that was not going to happen again. Even if it was a simple minor friendship like with Volo.

He noticed your frown and his voice went a little higher this time. “Now now, don’t look so grim and shocked! What would I do if I were to lose one of my favorite customers!”

Your mouth slacked open, vision blurring once more. But it was with a twinge of gratefulness. Volo was… was looking for you? Why not the other way around?

Volo stopped doing his little signature pose and took a step closer to you, as though not wanting anyone to hear what he was about to say. In this case, the Pokémon.

Well, it was strange but the whole day was strange too.

“Don’t worry. I’ve already heard what happened.” He saved you the grace of having to relive the painful memory that happened not too long ago. “A good merchant knows well the importance of staying abreast of all the latest news.”

Of course Volo would heard what happened- you and him were friends after all. Not as close as the others per say, but he cared enough as to eavesdrop on what happened.

But as Volo said before, did he really rush out to find you the second he heard you were exiled?

You then looked as he took off his bag, before rummaging inside it. The merchant seemed to be fully concentrated on what was inside.

More confusion settled in you. You did sort of like Volo more than you should, but.. but it was almost like wrong to see him caring for you this much.

Volo’s eyes- your favorite shade of silver grey- narrowed as he grinned, pulling out a Pokéball. He hands it to you, which oddly enough pushes your curiosity.

Before you could make any assumptions, he spoke up. “A few of my fellow merchants also heard from a certain Akari who was complaining you only had four of your strong ones. Do not worry [Y/N], for I had my dear Togekiss sneak into the pastures to nab your partner. We couldn’t possibly have my favorite customer in danger, could we now?”

Your fingers trembled as they closed around the Pokeball, suddenly recognizing the many marks, especially the typings. How did he-?

You didn’t even realize you started to grit your teeth, shaking at the recognition and appreciation Volo gave you.

He wasn’t even your ‘family’ as they called each other in the Galaxy Team. He wasn’t even a close friend. Yet, he still found a way to keep an eye on you, observe you… admire you…

Your heart physically hurt in that moment. You felt a jolt of pain stab you.

He… he actually…

He cared.

As Volo spoke again, you couldn’t help but feel yourself longing for more. More appreciation, more comfort, more acknowledgment.

“It seems you’re in quite the pinch. No place for you among the Diamond Clan or the Pearl Clan–to say nothing of how poorly the Galaxy Team has treated you!” He frowned, his voice a little lower and it had a slight edge to it. As if he was angry the Galaxy Team and the Clans for treating you like shit. “But not to worry. There are still corners of the Hisui region where we can stash you away in secret. I know a spot that will be the perfect hideaway. Leave it all up to me!"

Volo was going to help you?

Slight relief flooded warmth in your cold tightened throat. Yet, you couldn’t help but feel on edge.

Volo offered you a hand to accompany him, which you couldn’t take because of your alertness. “Volo?” Your voice suddenly crawls out of your throat like a frightened child. “Is it just me or… or is the usual atmosphere gone?”

You sounded insane even just saying it. The merchant looked at you as if you just proposed that Pokémon were a fever dream. “[Y/N]? Are you alright? It’s… the only thing that changed is the sky, nothing else…”

Except your exile, you were pretty sure he was about to say that. But of course he stopped himself.

“…Never mind. Where is this corner in Hisui? Or as you said, corners.” The subject was immediately changed. Why were you second guessing yourself with a person who risked his career, his main source of income to help you?

Dozens of questions ran through your mind, although you knew one thing: Volo was a source of warmth that you didn’t want to let go of.

A hot feeling was burning inside you as you realized Volo had took your hand with no further inquiries as he dragged you more east near the mountains.

“Unfortunately, before we begin, I must insist on speaking of another matter with you.”

He stopped pulling your hand.

“Would you like to… celebrate your birthday with me?”

How did he remember so much?

“You remembered?” The words came out of your mouth so quickly, you didn’t mean for it to sound rude.

Volo just laughed lightly at this- a pleasant sound after all the trauma you just endured. “Why wouldn’t I? Any information you tell me is glued to my brain! Curiosity knows no limits!”

He turned to look at you, his silver eyes sparkling with mischief. “Your answer?”

If the sunlight were here, it would have perfectly refracted off his face to make him look like an angel.

“I, Volo, but how would we be able to do that?” Your voice weakly pointed out. You still couldn’t believe Volo was just..

So perfect.

“Ah, not to worry once more! I’ll take you to the area I have in mind. But it might take us a day- considering we don’t have any sun to guide us.”

You considered his offer. Well, what other place would you have to rest, eat, and gather your thoughts? What other place would provide you comfort, other than someone you know?

“Now now, Dialga’s waiting upon us!”

A sigh escaped your mouth. “There’s no other place to go other than a wild Pokémon’s den or cave. I suppose I’ll go.” 

At this, Volo poked your shoulder. “Don’t sound so dull and sad! Those Galaxy people will regret ever expelling you, the most important member!”

He was about to walk again before stopping and looking at you sheepishly. “You do have the noble Pokémon to ride, don’t you?”

Another sigh was audibly heard. “Why wouldn’t I?”

“Answering a question with a question, ah the mysteries of youth!”

“Aren’t you like older than me by a year?” You mutter under your breath, taking out the Flute Adaman gave you (which by the way, he cannot play for his life), and started playing on it.

The soft tunes started playing, going from here to and fro.

“Well, I never mentioned my age, did I?”

You looked at him as you put the flute away. “Well you seem-“

“Wyeeer!”

He ignored your question as Wyrdeer arrived right to interrupt your conversation. Volo immediately climbed upon the noble Pokemon’s back, only receiving a suspicious glance from it. He reached out a hand to you.

You reluctantly took it after Wyrdeer gave him a bit of a glare. Jeez, you’ve never seen your trusty steed be that pissed off. Well, not really pissed at all, but still.

“Off we go!” Volo chirped as you told Wyrdeer to follow wherever Volo ordered.

______

“I think the mountains are a little too much,” you tried to convince Volo. The sun was setting, and trusting the noble Pokémon to always land on a safe and steady rock was a bit terrifying. Even if Volo was comforting you and reassuring you as both of you climbed up the mountains, it was still scary.

“Oh my favorite customer, we cannot just back down yet! It’s only a little more till we get to the top, then we can set camp!”

“But it’s going to be nighttime by then!”

You couldn’t see Volo directly because you were in front of him, but it was clear the merchant was getting a bit impatient. Who wouldn’t?

Still, heights didn’t work well with you.

“My dear [Y/N],” you momentarily dazed out by the way he said your name, like it was some sort of formed worship, “no need to worry. It’ll all be alright, I swear on Arceus’s name.”

That slightly struck a nerve. “Arceus?”

“The Diamond and Pearl clan call it Almighty Sinnoh though it’s very clear they believe in two different deities while the true one lies behind the shadows having created others. I suppose you know the name?”

“It’s familiar…”

One of the hands around your waist squeezes it. “I’m glad you do. We have much in common, don’t you agree?”

This man was already such a charmer with words and his looks: he just had to be a dreamboat didn’t he?

“I guess,” you mutter back, before almost gasping as Wyrdeer gives a jump that has you praying to Arceus internally. “Holy shi-“

“No foul language here!” Volo clamps a hand over your mouth.

“Mmph!”

“Ah ah, you can just stop being dramatic and breath through your nose.” You can tell he’s smiling, because of the way his voice rose at the end.

____

You only manage to reach to the top of the mountains before setting up camp. Well, before Volo set up camp. Exhausted, your body couldn’t tolerate more. After all, resisting that one Drifloon’s attack while half asleep laying down against Volo was no easy feat. At least your arm took the hit, though it was practically useless now ‘till reaching the place Volo mentioned.

And somehow the only thing your mind found important was the way you embarrassingly dozed off, before waking up as Volo carried you to the tent. He didn’t notice until opening the flap, and gently placing you down. The light from a fire (you assumed) reflected off your eyes, and he just grinned. What a… handsome… bastard…

“[Y/N]! I have to admit I was a bit worried when you weren’t responding!”

“Huh? What do you mean-“

“-I was gently smacking your cheeks,” Volo said.

What.

“… Huh! ?”

Well on a day like your birthday, that phrase was awfully suggestive.

Volo looked at you, silver eyes narrowing in confusion, before the corners of his mouth went in a straight line. A sweat bead was visible.

“Of course not like that!” He flushed slightly. “Why in the name of Arceus would I do that other meaning without your permission! I mean, it’s not like I’d even do it if you ask but if you asked-“ the merchant was clearly panicked.

“Volo, please never say something like that again.” Your face was burning a fiery red even a Cheri Berry couldn’t compete with. “…I’ll get up, it’s my birthday and just sleeping through wouldn’t be enough celebration.” Talk about needing a change of subject.

“Ah… yes, of course. Allow me to leave.”

Volo half crawled out of the small tent before the light of the fire was seen again.

Calm down calm down calm down calm down calm down calm down calm down calm down calm down calm down calm down calm down calm down calm down calm down calm down calm down.

___

After actually calming down and not just internally melting at the words, you also crawl out of the tent, as a tantalizing scent hits you in the face. There’s a pot over the fire, brewing what seems to be a soup or stew.

What mildly surprised you is that Volo was using a Togekiss to use a move on a dead Barboach.

“Togekiss, use Air Slash!”

It obeyed and let out a roar of triumph before a blur of blue and white was seen. Then, the Barboach was completely skinned.

It puzzled you how it perfectly obeyed him…

“Volo?”

“Ah, [Y/N]?” He turned around. “Come sit with me!” Volo patted the wooden log he had probably chopped off a poor berry tree.

He threw the actual Barboach fish part (you couldn’t honestly remember for your life any terms right now) into the stew, causing a slight splash. 

You go over and sit right next to him, staring at the Barboach skin. “How’s Togepi? Is this Togekiss the parent of Togepi?”

Volo stared at you for a full few seconds before laughing. “Ah my dearest [Y/N]!” He chuckled to himself, before putting a hand on your shoulder. “This Togekiss is Togepi! Well… I must admit we haven’t battled in a while so it must be a shock to not see the middle evolution form.”

You glanced at the Togekiss, trying to hide your shock. “Oh, I see…”

He wagged a finger at you. “Don’t feel like a fool! Dearest Arceus, it’s alright to let yourself feel flustered once in a while. Besides, a nice red shade on that skin of yours is just a sight to behold- dare I say, cute?”

Immediately your body turns away and looks at the pond that a few Magikarp were swimming in. “I wouldn’t say cute.” Yet, the blood was rushing to your face immediately. You? Cute?

Togekiss angrily chirped at the attention you got and flew off. 

Two fingers are on your chin and are pulling you to look straight at Volo. Suddenly, something in your stomach feels fiery, as though someone had lit a fire in you. Volo was smirking.

“I find it hard to believe you were crying your eyes out a few hours ago. Now you’re here, face almost as bright as the fire I’ve illuminated…”

“Question is however, did I also light your fire?”

Volo didn’t wait for you to respond as he went on.

“[Y/N], I’ve been wondering for so long… perhaps you can give me an answer that’ll satisfy my knowledge?” He was leaning in now, but not towards your face. It was right next to it.

“…How can I possibly answer something you don’t provide for me?” It slipped off your tongue quicker than expected.

Another chuckle. “Answering questions with questions I see? Very well [Y/N]…~ You must answer truthfully however…”

His voice was now next to your ear, a gentle whisper that was a mere breeze. This should’ve been more alarming, alas, the fiery feeling continued to grow.

“Why must you stare?”

Unexpected.

“Why must you look in my direction every time you see me?”

Daring.

“Why must your face flush up into that adorable red shade I’m now so familiar with?”

Inquisitive.

“Why…”

He pulled back from your ear, looking directly in your eyes. It would’ve been quiet, if not for the fire crackling besides the two of you.

“…must your eyes avert to my eyes?”

He shouldn’t know.

“You must tell me… after all, the Ginkgo Guild despises deceiving customers…”

His hot breath was on your face now. There was no escaping that look in his eyes- the one of knowledge, and the advantage of it.

“…Perhaps you can be an exception.” The smirk faded away, and the shadow from his cap over his face left a bit, as he pulled back. “After all, it is your birthday, and one must not ruin a special day for such a special person like you,” he cooed.

You didn’t realize his hand was cupping your cheek, until he pulled back. There was only warmth from his hand now.

“T oge…”

Oh that poor Togekiss had to witness it’s Trainer flirting with you. Wait, when did it get back?

“Togekiss! Would you be as kind as to lift the pot up and set it on that rock?”

Togekiss happily cried out before removing the pot, continuing the stew and Barboach (perhaps even multiple) onto a heavy rock. Stone Edge move, perhaps?

“Shall we enjoy our late dinner?” Volo offers a hand to you as he gets up.

You accepted it as both of you went over to the pot. It would’ve been more convenient to have the rock or log near each other, but a little movement doesn’t hurt, no?

Volo poured in some of the stew for you in a bowl… strangely shaped and familiar… yet you shrug it off. There’s no need to overthink things. Right now, you should be celebrating the day you were born.

“Thank you Volo.”

He looked at you with the sweetest of all smiles.

“Anytime [Y/N]… anytime.”

You thanked him. You truly meant it. Having your favorite merchant cook a meal on the day of your birthday, the day the Galaxy people abandoned you trying to pretend they’ve never interacted with such a specimen… was such a treat.

____

After having such a delicious meal you just had to lay down in the cramped tent, only letting out your small Pokémon, the baby of the team, Shinx out.

It purred happily and ran over to you, before diving on your mat. You laughed as it ran around, before settling at the flap of the tent. It had decided on the cutest fiercest glare it could muster. You didn’t laugh this time; after all… it was no joke.

…Shinx saved you multiple times.

You couldn’t do anything but make it stronger in return.

No peaceful lives.

Just ones of violence.

“[Y/N]?”

Volo’s voice snapped you out of your thoughts. “Yes?”

“…I hope you don’t mind if I have to curl up next to you. It’s quite the struggle to even get in, let alone roll around until finding the right spot to sleep. Unlike your Shinx here,” he added grimly.

That thought hadn’t occurred to you out of all things. Volo? Sleeping right against you?

“I don’t mind, really.” You tried not to sound as eager as your heart, which was pounding against your chest furiously all of a sudden.

He smiled at you, before his head went back out the tent. The glimmer of a fire went away, sparks settling on the grass eventually fading away.

Darkness engulfed your vision. The night was quiet. Save that for the same Magikarp in that pond who are too dumb to realize they’ll be dazed in the morning after not resting.

You heard a few rustling noises before something opened the flap of the tent, before it closed again, blocking off the moonlight. Then, warmth pressed against your whole back- from the top of your neck to the tip of your ankles.

Then, in the midst of all your feelings trying to get in control of this freaky situation…

“Honestly, how shameless can one get?”

Volo’s voice was soft, so incredibly sweet. The way he spoke… Arceus, did it send an angel to Hisui?

An even hotter warmth spread across your chest and stomach as two firmly trained arms wrapped around you. Just by that it was clear Volo didn’t see the point in wearing the Guild’s shirt.

“…Volo, what are you doing?” Your voice was now a whisper, weak. On the contrary of the earlier day when you were furious, tears slipping down from your eyes.

“What else?” A little giggle escaped from his mouth.

A leg swung over yours, as though it had to be a chain of some sorts.

“…Oh please, do not be silent. Besides, I know how much you already talk with that pretty little mouth of yours. Every word that’s spelled with your lips.”

“I just….” Your face was burning at this point. “This doesn’t feel right.”

And of course it didn’t. What were to happen with the two of you if someone stumbled upon such a scene as this? That the prized member went to gather affections from the most sought out of the village? Perhaps, even more than just a little affection?

“Why does it have to?” Oh Arceus, he shifted slightly to get closer to your ear. “[Y/N], don’t tell me you’re not enjoying this. I’ve seen your eyes fixated upon me many times…”

“Is this not satisfying enough for you?” His voice goes lower. “I need a review. After all… the Ginkgo Guild always needs to accommodate to their customers needs. ”

There was a pause, before another word was heard.

“Oh of course I always need payment in return. However, it is your birthday… so anything can go until the light Arceus blessed us with shines upon the grounds of Hisui.”

A soft kiss was planted on your neck.

“[Y/N], you don’t need to fear to ask. I can give you any special services, on your special day.”

His leg swung over and back to his other. Unwrapping his arms, he spoke in the same sweet voice. “[Y/N], won’t you be obedient and turn around to face me?”

Your heart was practically screeching at this point, yet your mind warned you to not. It was a slight conflict…

But you turned.

It was a bit awkward since you wanted to stretch, but your arms could only touch Volo’s shoulders, which you hesitantly did.

“Look at me.”

Up.

And your body froze.

Volo’s hands went to your back as he kissed you, thumb rubbing against the cloth. His tongue pushed past your lip and into your mouth, before tilting his head for a better angle.

Oh Arceus…

Your knees trembled below you. How your body wanted to melt at this, as there was no one around, no one to judge. There was only the slightly spicy taste Volo left against your tongue, from the earlier meal.

He pulled back. Despite the darkness, just from the air itself, you could tell he was grinning.

“How wonderful is it for the two of us to lock mouths, hm?”

No response from you. Only stunned silence.

Volo chuckled, before kissing you again, albeit a bit rougher. He was surprisingly not pushing past any boundaries to go further, but barely met the expectations for a merely heavy make out session.

After a particularly heated kiss, he pulled his lips away, only to continue smiling at you. It was awfully sweet in a way.

“Oh, how I was right in my mind. This is why you’re my favorite, always my favorite. So incredibly compliant…”

Dazed, your mind didn’t take sense of this, and only kissed him again.

“Sh-Shinx?”

You immediately pulled back from Volo, to see just from a tiny glimpse in the moonlight, your very flustered Shinx.

“Ah, Shinx! Sorry!”

You sighed. Arceus forbid you getting even more distracted. “Volo… let’s just…”

“Cuddle?”

You blinked. Not everyone used that term here in present Hisui… but what did you know? In the present of Sinnoh, it was more common.

“I suppose.”

Volo smiled at you so endearingly as he pecked you on the lips, before turning you back around to face the tent instead.

“As much as I enjoy teasing you, truly, I love you till the end of Hisui’s time being.”

Chapter Text

Those silver eyes weren’t the ones you knew anymore. They were filled with pure contempt, even a slight glint of an attempted murder.

Yet, you weren’t sure why he did this.

Yes, he had cleaned the facade up, devoted himself towards Arceus to make a better world, the only light in his childhood.

But the way he had treated you beforehand… so gently, so kindly, so lovingly.

And it wasn’t just you.

Nearly the whole of Jubilife Village had been in love with the merchant. After all, who wouldn’t be smitten? A handsome young gentleman who always helped whenever he had the opportunity, worked hard at his job, and was good with a Pokémon. Feared creatures who some couldn’t dare even look in the eye.

Even so, reality had hit you in the face as he ordered another command.

That’s right. He wasn’t a Trainer like you were. Merely, he was a Wielder. He used his Pokemon as tools- no… as weapons.

Unlike the way he had fun with his Togekiss around you.

Just for a sight to look at Almighty Sinnoh itself.

Another attack.

It merely missed you by inches as you and your partner Pokemon dodged it.

When he had revealed his true colors and challenged you to a battle, you had tried to convince him to stop. That there would be better times in the future to await, that the past shouldn’t be looked at in the present.

“Why should I listen to such a nuisance who does nothing but gain the favor of everyone?”

Your eyes had widened.

“Even the nobles who I tried to conquer… they’d listen to me no lengths until the power of the rift helped me.”

You tried to reach out for him, just a single touch like the day of your birthday when you two were alone in the tent…

“Ah. I can’t help but feel pity for you. However, fear no more. Once I create the new world you shall be no more than gone along with your feelings.”

A single tear fell from your eye.

Why!? Why did he have to care so much for Arceus! This isn’t like Volo! This isn’t the man who you ended up falling for!

This isn’t the man who helped the elderly sweep inside their rooms.

This isn’t the man who gave out Pokéballs and little treasures like shards to the children.

This isn’t the man… who made you feel as though you were happy for once since you fell from the space-time raft.

The one who had sweetly kissed your lips on your birthday, whispering on how he’d make you feel so much better than the Galaxy Team treated you.

You shouted out your words.

But they were no use to Volo. He had gone too far, too deep to reach out a hand to help him get out of this rabbit hole. He wasn’t the cheerful merchant who flirted on the occasion.

Even as terror fell upon your heart as the creature with two bright red eyes appeared through the portal of pure darkness, anger filled you.

_____

Obscenities spilled out of your mouth as you cursed your life.

When the Azure Flute had fell upon your hands at the aftermath, part of you wished that Volo would stay. That he would change his ways and both of you could watch Arceus descend towards you.

Yet he didn’t want to do anything to you.

Rather, he left the Temple of Sinnoh after wishing to not see Arceus meet you.

Reasonable enough, right? After all, he was the one who set the traps for you to get the Plates for him, not for you.

Still.

A tiny part of you wanted to go up and see Arceus just for a mere thought of making Volo’s skin crawl with envy and rage.

But the sadness and grief of what he had done to you overfilled your emotions completely.

In the end, the Azure Flute was left for its creator to claim once more. You sincerely hoped no one would find it, but after all, this was the doing of Arceus. The creator of Pokémon had nothing to do with you now.

The walk back to camp had made you sick, memories swarming your mind.

It made you wonder what part of Volo had gone mad enough to drive towards the goal of meeting Arceus.

Ugh.

Your mind hurt, aching as a familiar sort of memory brought up. A man, wearing a uniform… strangely resembling Captain Cyllene. As soon as it came however, it left quickly.

But that’s when the heartbreak settled in.

Days passed by. Then, followed months.

You’d do nothing but either work all day in the fields, studying the various types of Pokémon or finding rare shiny colored ones, or lock yourself up in your quarters’ and organized everything even if it was all neat and tidy.

Now distancing yourself from everyone, not wanting to experience the rest of your heart the merchant left behind.

You would soon set out to find the banished Pokémon at Cobalt Coastlands.

At upon capturing the creature you had came to loathe, Professor Laventon had delivered you news you didn’t believe at first.

Volo had came to see him, one last time. Trying to help out with their surveys, and in capturing each and every last type of Pokémon on Hisui.

He had left moments before you arrived.

Why would he come after all the months, loads of studying, loads of worrying, and grieving over your relationship…?

…

Realization finally came to conclude your story with him.

Tears pricked at your eyes.

The very man who you admired, who you loved, was now the same one who had destroyed your life.