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Chapter Text

It hadn't even looked at him…

All this time he spent adventuring with his friends, getting stronger and learning more about pokemon, all for his goal of battling the Black Rayquaza… Did he enjoy his time with the Rising Volt Tacklers? Of course he did, they've made his adventure completely worth while, he couldn't ask for any better people to travel with.

But…

To say a part of him doesn't feel some resentment would be a lie. Not towards his friends but towards the Explorer who got in the way of his goal to battle the legendary. Sure he knew that he probably wouldn't have won, actually he knew for a fact that him and Fuecoco wouldn't even be able to match up to the dragon’s might…

But he still could've at least tried. Instead what had happened was that the Explorer, the very same one who had targeted Liko, interfered. Stealing his chance to get noticed by the legend…

Roy knows that his grievances are completely selfish, he knows he's not owed anything from Rayquaza just because he stumbled across the ancient pokeball one day. That's what makes it feel even worse, the entire reason he set out on his journey, behind wanting to see the world and become an adventurer, was to battle the Black Rayquaza… 

In comparison to Liko, who almost seemed destined to pave her own legacy, he needed to keep up otherwise he'd fall behind.

He needs to be able to dig his feet in the dirt, call out to his pokemon, giving them the confidence to stand tall and declare to the dragon that he is here, that him and his pokemon will be the ones to defeat it…

Instead what happened was that the Explorer stole the only thing he could to keep up with his friend… He battled Rayquaza and the worse part? Roy knows that the grey and black haired teen put up a much better fight than he ever could.

It's the bitter truth that leaves a disheartening taste in his mouth. 

But for some reason that's not even the worst part… Sure, it's a big factor but Roy can't help but feel a twinge of guilt building up inside of him.

As the boy stands almost motionless, leaning on the railing of the deck as the Brave Olivine slowly flew through the skies, a light breeze covering the deck as the moon's shine illuminates the young boy, he audibly sighs and hears a snore coming from next to him.

Roy glances over to his partner who had now scummed to exhaustion, lightly snoring next to him which truthfully wasn't a surprise, In fact it was exactly the distraction away from his thoughts the boy needed. 

With a light chuckle escaping the boys lips, Roy scoops up the crocodile in his arms and heads back to his room, making sure as to not wake up any of his friends along the way but with it being dark in the hallways, it's only natural for the boy the stumble every so often before reaching his room.

Opening the door, Roy cringes at the light creak filling the halls from the hinges as he slowly steps inside, resting Fuecoco down in the small bed it had made for itself the night Roy joined the crew. 

As if subconsciously knowing where it is, the fire type rolls over, feeling right at home before quiet snores fill the room. 

Roy yawns, the exhaustion hitting him all at once, it must've easily been past midnight by the time he reached his room. He looks down at Fuecoco soundly sleeping in its own corner of the room, it must've been worried about him seeing as the fire type wasn't known for staying up late, commonly heading back to its bed by itself once it got tired.

Roy smiles at the fire type, wondering what he did to deserve such a pokemon. Looking up at the clock, he realises that he should probably take the crew's advice and get some rest seeing as most of them went straight to sleep after the whole rayquaza fiasco. The only people Roy had seen walking about were Dot, Friede and Likos grandmother, Diana. The former probably editing her Nidothing videos and the latter's usually never sleeping, he has no idea how the two do it but he swears he's never seen those even say they're going to sleep… He jokes to himself that they probably don't even sleep.

After what felt like hours just laying in bed, looking up at the ceiling, A realisation stuck the boy, he wasn't going to get any sleep at this rate. Feeling his mouth go dry, the boy leans up from his bed and stretches.

Roy thought back, the last time he could even recall struggling to sleep this bad was on his first proper night on the Brave Olivine. Being away from home for the first time was a bit unnerving, like he was struggling to relax being in uncharted territory.

At the time Roy did the only thing he thought he could, he went to Likos room and spoke with her. Finding out alot about her that night, most notably that she grew up in Paldea but went to school in Kanto. He even learned a bit of Paldean from her. They ended up talking till they fell asleep which wasn't really his plan, he even apologised to Liko the next day but all the blue haired girl did was giggle, telling him that it's fine.

It's a memory he cherishes…

Minus some of his online classmates, he'd never actually spoken to anyone close to his age in person before meeting Liko, it was a good change of pace for him. In fact meeting all the Rising Volt Tacklers in general was a nice change of pace, being people not native to his island they managed quelled his boredom and admittedly the loneliness he felt on the island. Even after seeing Friede and Charizard in action, he knew he had so much to learn…

The adventurers didn't have to take him under their wing, no-one would've blamed them for leaving him on that island, continuing along with their adventure but they took him under their wing anyway…

Every day the urge to make it up to them fills up his mind, to show that he's grateful for all of their kindness to him…

Looking up at the clock in his room, the realisation that a few hours had passed hits him as he glances outside, seeing the moon's luminescent light shining down on everything in sight. He's not usually one to care for beauty but even he has to admit, the view looks breathtaking…

Figuring he's not going to get any sleep, the boy leaves his room, this time opening the door much slower as to avoid the sound of the hinges creaking filling the hallway. Thankfully he's more successful this time around, the dryness in his mouth beginning to irritate him, the boy decides to head for the kitchen and get a drink.

What he didn't expect to see was the purple haired younger girl to already be in the kitchen, snacking down on some sweet treats which were just sitting out? He does remember Murdock and Friede acting a bit shady late at night in the kitchen a while back so maybe they were making extra snacks for her? She never used to leave her room back then so maybe that's how they connected with her…

Either way the sound of the door opening caused the purple haired girl to yelp in surprise, dropping the doughnut in her hand as she spun around, glaring at Roy…

At least he thinks she's glaring at him, sometimes it's hard to tell with her hair covering the girl's eyes.

“Roy! You startled me! Don't sneak up on me next time”

The girl let's out a mild irritated sigh, picking up the dropped doughnut and lamenting the fact she can't eat it anymore, muttering something about saving the best for last being a waste.

“heh, sorry Dot, I'd make you a new one but I don't think Murdock would like me cooking in his kitchen”

He lets out a dry chuckle, his voice sounding a bit coarse. Dot notices, opening a cupboard and taking out a glass, filling it up with water.

“Here, you sound like you need it”

The purple haired girl hands the cup over to her friend, the ship's sway barely able to be felt, the sound of the light breeze brushing on the outside of the ship lightly creating some white noise.

“Thanks”

Roy takes the cup and practically gulps down all the water in a matter of seconds before walking over to the sink and placing the cup in it, giving the purple haired girl a light smile.

“That really hit the spot, anyway I should leave you to…eating your snacks?”

His voice now sounding normal, though with a small hint of something unfamiliar, at least that's how Dot hears it, though she can't quite tell. 

The fact that she doesn't know Roy as well as she knows Liko certainly doesn't help, she makes a small mental note to try and get to know Roy a little better.

“I'm surprised you're even awake, especially this late at night…”

Dot questions, slight surprise emanating from her voice which causes Roy to sheepishly scratch the back of his head, glancing back at the girl, hand on the door handle, getting ready to leave.

“I guess I'm still a bit jumpy? Rayquaza will do that to you I guess… Why are you awake?”

Roy pushes out another chuckle though even Dot could tell it's forced, she could also tell the boy was trying to move the conversation along which usually Dot would be all for… but this time around it caused some concern. 

Sure she doesn't know him that well but they have hung out before and his usual chirpy and borderline hyperactive attitude seems to be replaced with a more mellowed out Roy… It was uncanny to see, even from Dot. Maybe it had something to do with it being so late in the night?

“Editing Nidothing videos, you wouldn't believe how much work goes into editing alone. Seriously it takes up most of my time, not even going on about shot composition, scripting and lighting-”

Dot kinda vents out, truthfully it feels a bit good, Liko is great to speak to but she still hasn't gotten used to her friend also being her favourite content creator so she can't really talk about these issues with her…

That and Dot doesn't wanna ruin the magic for the bluette.

“I can't imagine, I wish me or Liko could help you with that but we'd probably get in your way”

Roy laughs, it sounds a bit more genuine this time with Dot chuckling, saying how he's probably right.

“You got a point, the company would be nice though”

Dot admits with Roy smiling at the girl as he opened the door to leave, saying one last thing to the purple haired girl.

“Me and Liko would love to see how your videos are made, she brings Nido- well you up in our conversations all the time!”

Roy admits, letting out a chuckle with Dot letting out her own, feeling slightly embarrassed at the attention, the two saying their goodnights as they head their separate ways.

Stepping out onto the deck, the light breeze swaying past him, leaving behind a light shiver in its wake. Roy realises he should've brought his jacket but truthfully can't be bothered to head back in his room, he doesn't really get ill anyway. Roy looks outwards to the ocean below him, the world seemimg so peaceful from up here, especially in comparison to the events that transpired earlier.

It's cold, being so high up in the sky, there's nothing to block out the cold breeze flowing past him, Roy can feel the goosebumps on his skin stand, pins and needles forming on his arms, none of this hower manages to pull him out of the trance he's in, idly staring out to nothing in particular.

He knows he's the hyperactive member of the crew… He could tell Dot was surprised at his more calm self but even he needs to slow down and relax sometimes.

To take in the view, to enjoy the scenery and normally this would be one of those moments whilst he looks back on his accomplishments…

But it isn't…

He doesn't feel accomplished at all, if anything he feels like he's regressed. 

Desperately calling out to the Black Rayquaza, the ancient pokeball in hand, hoping for it to even glance at him… 

But nothing… It didn't even bat an eye…

He wasn't Liko, whilst the ancient pokemon eventually responded to her, Rayquaza wouldn't respond to him…

He wasn't important…

He was Weak…

A burden…

He knows that thinking this way is ridiculous…. but deep down you can't change the way you feel, letting everyone down, putting them in danger, those thoughts don't ever go away.

He remembers back to the fated moment.

Friede trying to pull him away. Rage bubbling up inside for having his chance to prove himself to Rayquaza torn away from him. Having that anger soon be replaced with paralysing fear, not being able to move an inch, even as a meteor was headed right towards him.

Everyone on the Brave Olivine shouting for everyone to get back to the ship. The meteors crashing down around them all, miraculously having not struck anyone thanks to Charizard and Arcanine…

But there was a moment…

A moment of true fear he felt.

“Watch out Roy!”

Her voice echoed in his head…

He felt himself move, first he thought he finally worked up the courage, in the final moments he pulled through… But instead he felt it more akin to a shove and when he turned his head? 

He saw her…

Somehow Liko had mustered up the courage to push him out of the way of the attack. 

He shouldn't be surprised anymore, time and time again Liko had proven that she wasn't just ordinary, at least to him, even if she'd deny it. This should've just been another moment of her yet again, jumping ahead and exceeding everyone's expectations…his expectations… it shouldn't have been any different.

But it was…

She could've died… All because he was paralysed with fear.

They've helped each other all the time, it was natural for them to be in danger given the nature of their journey. If it wasn't the explorers after Liko, it was one if the six heroes attacking them.

The point is they've saved one another a handful of times, he knows he can rely on her and he hopes Liko knows she can rely on him. But for some reason this time an unfamiliar feeling grew inside of him, latching on and not letting go…

That feeling was an ugly one, one of guilt…

Roy looks down at the empty ancient pokeball, gritting his teeth whilst clutching onto it, almost like it was a lifeline. He might've been angry at the Explorer for seizing his opportunity, but that anger would mellow out over time… 

Seeing his friends hurt however… especially because of him, it was a feeling he couldn't ever shake. They were all lucky Terapagos had transformed, exploding in power to save its guardian. 

But Roy can’t help but think…

What if he freezes up again next time? First against Galarian Moltres, then against the Black Rayquaza, what if next time the Explorers ambushes them and he freezes? He can't afford the risk, not when his friends lives are on the line.

Roy looks on ahead, putting the pokeball back in his pocket before sighing, swearing to himself that he wouldn't be a liability ever again, promising himself to get strong enough to not only earn Rayquaza's respect…

To not only earn his place in the Rising Volt Tacklers…

But more importantly to also protect the people he cares about…

A light blanket is tossed over his shoulders, snapping the boy out of the trance as he spins around only to see the last person he ever expected to stand beside him, Likos grandmother, Diana. She gave the boy a curious glance, the silence between them deafening. They were like that for who knows how long before the adventurer spoke up.

“It's too cold for you to only be out in a vest and shorts. Can't have you getting sick now can we?”

She speaks, a voice which is both soft and caring but also commanding, having its own unique presence behind it. Roy glances at the woman, letting out a huff before nodding his head.

“Thanks, it's pretty cold out here”

He thanks the woman, having gotten a closer look at her, he can definitely tell Liko gets most of her features from her grandmother's side and by proxy, her mothers side. Though she also gets her shy and timid nature from her dad's side so it evens itself out. Roy grins slightly at the thought, earning a curious hum from the adventurer beside him.

“Friede told me that you kids are supposed to be asleep… yet here you are, there must be something troubling you right?”

The older woman manages to pick up on instantly, to say that Roy is impressed would be accurate. There seems to be something about everyone on this ship which impresses him, Friedes knowledge on pokemon and fighting prowess, Likos ability to understand not only people but pokemon too, Dots ability to analyse and adapt to any scenario, Orla’s engineering genius… Truthfully the list goes on and on…

Yet here he is…

“The thing with Rayquaza has just got me on edge a bit, can't sleep. Nothing to worry about!”

He smiles, letting out a laugh, albeit not a truthful one. Diana eyes the boy for a second, it's like he's being completely analysed by her, it's a weird feeling, to have something deconstructing you right in front of you, in a matter of seconds no less.

Roy thinks to himself, there's no point in dragging everyone down with his issues, he feels like he's enough of a burden on everyone, no point in weighing everyone down even further with his issues. Plus he's just tagging along on everyone's adventure…

On her adventure, if he can't keep up with her then he can at least make sure she fulfills her goal.

“Not being honest isn't going to help you Roy… You kind of remind me of Liko”

Diana speaks up, almost as Roy predicted, the woman completely managed to dissect and analyse how he's feeling. One thing he didn't expect was to be told that he of all people is similar to Liko, he's pretty sure they're polar opposites. He knew it was bait, she didn't want to force him to speak. Instead she picked at his curiosity, giving him the choice of continuing the conversation… But his curiosity did indeed get the better of him.

Roy always assumed they were nothing alike beyond a few common hobbies and such.

“What do you mean?”

“I mean in the way you both deal with your feelings, pushing them down and hoping for the best. Though for her it is that she never really knows when to talk about her feelings…

With you I think it's that you don't want to speak about them”

Roy wonders for a second if it's wrong for him to hear Likos coping mechanisms being dissected like this, surely there's someone better than him to tell? Molly or Friede come to mind. He also thinks about what Diana said about him… 

She's close but not completely right, still it's impressive she got so close, he's certain that if they spoke more she'd be able to guess how he feels. 

The thought of that shakes him.

His thoughts are supposed to be a space of his own, having someone able to look right into it doesn't sit right with him. He needs to shut down this conversation… At least that's what he tells himself, his guilt however manages to rear its ugly head and gets the better of him, falling for the bait yet again…

“I'll keep an eye out for that, but why are you telling me this? You know her better than I do, you can help her better”

Roy questions, at this point everyone just kinda views Diana as an unofficial member of the Rising Volt Tacklers, she's certainly got the skills and experience for it.

“Because I want her friends to be able to help her too. Just like how I want your friends to help you. I won't be with you guys forever you know?”

Diana stops for a moment before looking ahead at the ocean, still as beautiful as ever, at least to the woman. Being an adventurer there were sights she's seen which are unforgettable, this view being no different, maybe it was the moon illuminating the night sky, the reflections hitting the moving water, making the light look like its almost dancing below them.

She only wishes this talk could be quite as elegant as this view but there's a concern she has…

“You can't let your mind get clouded in the middle of danger Roy… Once you let emotions get the better of you, you've lost…”

She sounded almost melancholic, this wasn't just advice based on common sense, this felt personal, the woman continued.

“Truthfully if you cause yourself to get injured, that's fine. You're the one to deal with the consequences, physically hurts but it's better on your conscience….

But if someone else gets hurt because you let your emotions get the better of you… You won't be able to forgive yourself…”

Seems she's decided to rip the bandage right off. Roy wishes he could say he was surprised but he'd be lying, he expected their talk was going to go down this route. What he didn't expect was for their talk to feel… sad? Truthfully he expected a scolding from Likos grandmother, similar to how his grandad would shout at Roy whenever he really messed up…

“Honestly I thought you'd be angry at me…”

Roy admits, earning a widened look from the blue haired woman. It's not a response she expected at all, she hasn't been caught off guard like this in quite a while. She'd be impressed if she wasn't worried about the boy's mental state, even if Friede had expressed to her his concern with Roy. She just doesn't know where this thought process has come from.

“What's brought that thought on?”

Roy sighs, looking ahead at the now rising sunset, its bright yellow light along with the small heat emitting from it causing the boy to close his eyes slightly, feeling the heat latch into his skin before opening his eyes, speaking in a completely defeated tone.

“Because I almost got Liko hurt, if it wasn't for Terapagos-”

He stops himself from going down that route…

“She pushed me out of the way of Rayquaza's attack when I couldn't move…”

The boy had to stop himself from venting out all of his frustrations, already annoyed that he's let on more than he should've. Luckily for him his thoughts slow down once a yawn escapes him, rubbing his eyes which were now much harder to keep open.

“You're right about one thing, I would be furious if Liko got hurt, but not with you, with myself. As long as I'm with her, it's my responsibility to watch over her, to watch over all you kids truthfully…

But if she did get hurt because of you…

You wouldn't be able to forgive yourself Roy.”

Roys eyes met hers, he wasn't sure what he expected from them but he wasn't prepared for ones full of regret, ones corroded away by years and years of guilt. Roy always saw Diana as an immovable force, similar to Friede, a goal that he needs to strive for, a level he needs to reach. But as he looks at her, all he feels is broken, he can't imagine how she lives with the pain day to day, he clutched his chest slightly, fear rising up inside of him…

“D-Does it ever go away?”

It takes a lot to shake him to his core but nothing quite like this has even gotten to him.

“No…There are good days, there are bad days. It can get better over time but it doesn't ever leave.

But you're not at that point…

You didn't get her hurt, she's still alive… sleeping safe and sound”

The woman's motherly instincts were kicking in but as Roy took off the blanket draped over his shoulders, handing it back to Diana, he gave her an uncertain look. He wasn't quite sure what to feel, he's not feeling better by their talk, that guilt is still there… festering… But it has opened his eyes, even as slight bit.

“What happened to you?”

Rot feels like he's overstepping his boundaries, the two of them don't even have any sort of connection beyond Liko, one being her family, the other being her friend. Diana looked at Roy for a second, almost like she's debating with herself to tell him but she figures that since she's been dissecting and analysing the boy this whole time, he deserves something to even things out.

“My husband…

In an adventure we were having I let my emotions get the better of me and he suffered for it. He survived but got injured and wasn't able to walk again, he passed away a few years back.”

She admits, looking outside ahead with a bit of a neutral expression with Roy apologising, saying he shouldn't have asked but Diana waves him off, something she says sticks with him.

“Don't worry about it, I wouldn't have told you if I didn't think you were trustworthy.”

The woman admits which further confuses Roy, scratching his head with a puzzled expression, wondering how on earth she'd know how he's like.

“Me and you have barely spoken though, how can you even tell?”

“You're right, you're more preceptive than you let on. But it's not because of how well I know you, It's because Liko trusts you a great deal.”

Roy wants to feel a bit of pride at that… but he can't help but feel the guilt get even stronger… 

She trusts him and he still put her in danger…

Yet again, like she can read his thoughts, Diana speaks, trying her best to quell those emotions in him.

“-I also know that you're capable enough for your skill level…”

“How can you-”

“-because if you weren't, I wouldn't let Liko travel with you anymore…”

The woman outright admits, Roy remembers Liko telling him that her grandma is a wonderful woman but she doesn't exactly sugar coat her words. Roy thinks, he wants to be worthy of traveling with the Rising Volt Tacklers, he wants to be able to defend the people he's come to call his friends…

“I didn't want Liko to get hurt again, ever since what happened in Levincia… I don't want anyone to get hurt because of me. I can't risk freezing up again-”

Another yawn escapes his mouth, causing him to give the woman a nod of understanding before heading off.

“I'm going to get stronger, I'll make sure I'm not weak ever again.”

Roy admits with Diana saying goodnight to the boy as he lazily waves her off, not before turning his head back to her.

“I think you should be kinder to yourself…”

With that, he finally heads to his room leaving the woman by herself to think. She can't help a small smile escape her mouth before she speaks to himself.

“Liko must've rubbed off on him…”

Diana is at a bit of a crossroads here, did she strike the right balance between being supportive along with being realistic? Comfort has never been her strong suit, her husband would always jokingly tell her that…

“Someone so young putting all that responsibility on themselves isn't good. Though I can't force him to see things in a new light”

She speaks out loud to no-one in particular before turning back around to watch the sunset, only if for a little bit longer.

______________________

Roy hadn't been able to sleep that morning, maybe dozing off once or twice for a total of an hour's worth of sleep, at least that's what it felt like as he was laying in bed, arm resting on his forehead with the ancient pokeball in hand, just staring up at the ceiling.

Roy has never been one for staying in one place for long, he always tries to make the most of his day, exploring what he can, doing what he wants up until late at night where the boy heads to sleep and begins the day all over again. Roy turns his head to the clock on the wall practically overseeing his room, on any other day, he would have usually been up and about at this time. 

Today was different though.

That motivation to start the day, to live his life to the fullest just doesn't seem to spark today. The boy facepalms himself, letting out a groan of annoyance, angry at himself more than anything for letting something like this kick him down, he's never felt this way before…

He’ll be the first to admit that he knows he's not exactly the easiest to adventure with, commonly going off on his own or dragging someone else along with him. The Galarian mines come to mind, how he kept on going even deeper into the mines, Liko following behind him, urging him to wait for Friede.

Unluckily or luckily for them depending on who asks, they ran into Galarian Moltres and made it out almost unscathed, albeit with a few cuts and bruises. 

So it's not like he was a stranger to making dumb decisions or willingly leaping into danger… It's just something else that he's never considered, the fact that him leaping headfirst into danger could hurt someone else… no not even could, it almost did hurt someone else.

Roy could feel his heart speeding up at the thought, each breath shallower than the last. The boy closes his eyes, thinking back to what Diana told him… Liko was still healthy, she was still alive, she was still breathing. His breathing slowed down, leaving him winded as he got his breath back, clutching his chest slightly before letting his body relax.

Whilst it was bright outside, the sun wasn't in view so his room was darker than usual, figuring it's best to at least get out and about instead of moping around all day, Roy slowly leans up from his bed and sits on the edge of it, noticing how Fuecoco and Wattrel must've already left whilst he was dozed off seeing as they're nowhere to be found. 

That's probably why the boy thought it was oddly silent, since he only really used his room to sleep or attend his online lessons. Whenever he's in here, he's usually accompanied by Fuecoco and Wattrel. 

Though Roy has noticed that the electric type had found a recent fondness for sleeping up in the observation deck, or down in the storage room of the airship.

Just as he's about to get up, a light knock at the door pulls him out of his thoughts.

“Roy? Murdock has made breakfast. Are you coming to eat?”

Her voice was in the other end…

Liko was there calling for him, he could also hear Sprigatito lightly scratching on the door with her paws. The blue haired girl's voice still sounded a bit shaken, he could tell. He could also tell she was putting on a brave front, something Roy could respect. Even if it wasn't healthy.

Liko being at his door felt strange since this hasn't ever really happened before, usually the red haired boy would be awake far earlier than she would. The one time he overslept, Murdock himself had come to check up on him and make sure he didn't miss breakfast.

He hopes Liko isn't worried about him, he burdens them enough as it is but given Diana knew something was up with him, he doubts he'll be able to hide it from Liko either.

“Roy? Are you awake?”

Her voice spoke yet again, this time the grass type let out a few noises, almost like she was trying to wake him up. Quickly realising he hadn't responded to them, he wanted to say something but couldn't, his voice just wouldn't come out. He got up and went to open the door but stopped himself right as his hand was about to touch the handle… 

He couldn't bring himself to even move, he stood there for what felt like forever and he heard the girls voice again, this time sounding a bit quiet, timid even.

“I… Are yo-”

Roy knew what she wanted to ask, her ability to connect with both people and pokemon was something he admired, in this case however he hated it. Forcing himself to speak, he interrupts her.

“Sorry, Sorry! Yeah I'm awake, just gimme a second to-”

His voice sounded a bit frantic, he hoped the sudden burst of energy in his voice helped mask the guilt slowly building its way up inside of him. Quickly looking around, he put on his hat and jacket before opening the door, putting the ancient pokeball back in his pocket.

The creek that was associated with his door seemed to almost fill the space between the two, Friede had planned on getting it fixed but they all never really got round to it, now it's just become something they've all accepted.

As the door swung open, he saw Liko waiting for him in the hallway, Sprigatito in her arms looking almost bored, though the way it was snuggled in-between Likos arms sung a different tune.

“Sorry, I didn't mean to interrupt your sleep but you can't start the day without breakfast”

The girl told him, sounding apologetic, which to the untrained eye, was pretty much her default personality but Roy knew better, she wasn't the same girl from when they first met.

“Nah it's no trouble. I wasn't even sleeping”

Roy let out a forced small chuckle, earning a bit of a laugh from Liko, both knew that either of their attempts at reassurance fell on deaf ears, not that either of them would confront the other.

Roy stepped out of his room, closing the door behind as he headed to the dining room with Liko trailing behind him, her pokemon still in her arms. Roy glanced back at the girl, clearly she's been stressing, there was always little tells. Mainly the way she was holding onto Sprigatito, usually the cat would jump out from her trainer's grasp, even if she enjoyed it, it was just something the feline pokemon did. 

Roy remembers a Meowth back at home which acted similarly. 

Liko however usually held onto Sprigatito when she was feeling unsure, usually of herself but Roy knew where the qorry in her eyes came from, so he spoke, putting Diana's words to use and giving her an opportunity to open up.

“Terapagos will wake up soon, going toe to toe with Rayquaza would tire out any pokemon”

He spoke in a softer but still as blunt tone, the young girl was initially taken aback by the sudden mention of the still resting pokemon. She sighed, huffing her breath, clutching tightly onto Sprigatito, not enough to hurt it but like she was clutching onto a lifeline.

“Terapagos still hasn't woken up though. What if she never wakes up?”

Liko stopped in her tracks, looking ahead as her eyes slowly began to widen, slightly watering at the realisation of what it'd mean, breaking her promise to return her to Laqua. What she didn't expect was to feel the weight of the boy's hand on her shoulder, giving her a smile.

“Terapagos is strong like you, don't lose faith in her. You'll be back together in no time”

Roy did his best to comfort her, truthfully he knew wasn't that good at comfort, he always assumed being blunt was the best way to deal with this type of stuff, he remembers his parents and his grandad telling him as such, to never lie.  

Roy almost took those lessons entirely to heart, but selfishly, he feels if he wants to continue traveling with the Rising Volt Tacklers, he needs to keep his own issues to himself, burdening them with his issues isn't an option. There more important stuff at stake.

Liko looked at the boy's magenta eyes as she listened to his words. For some odd reason it suddenly clicked in her head, He was right.  Terapagos protected them, she shouldn't doubt her. 

How does he do that?

Liko thought, no-one's ever been able to calm her down like he does, she's basically known for overthinking things… She decided not to question it further, instead letting out a light freeing laugh, earning a smile from the red haired boy as she spoke.

“Thanks Roy…”

The two continued to walk to the dining room. It wasn't a long walk, a few minutes at a push but as they arrive, they could see everyone seated down, Friede and Pikachu trying to nibble on some crumbs with Murdock smacking their hands away.

“Not until Roy is here!”

“Pika!?”

“Come on Murdock, Liko's gone to go get him. Isn't it your job to make sure everyone eats anyway? Why did you send her?” Friede smirks at the cook, earning a surprised expression from the Alolan before the hulking man grinned back at the professor.

“I dunno Professor, shouldn't you be doing some actual research instead of getting into a rivalry with a teenager? Plus Liko told me she wanted to go fetch him”

Friede became a bit of a sputtering mess at that, whining that he's not the one that started the rivalry. Both men looked at each other  before they sputtered and begun to laugh at themselves. having heard the door opening, Murdock spins around to greet the two. 

“Ah Liko! You finally got Roy? Great, now we can all eat!”

The man clasps his hands, everyone sat around at the large table with food decorating each corner of its surface, Roy quickly apologised for making everyone wait but Molly and Orla instantly shut down that line of thought, telling him not to worry.

As everyone dug into their breakfast, Liko thought how Murdocks cooking was as great as ever, in fact it seemed he put his all into this breakfast. Weirdly enough this was strange since the Alolan man has gone in record multiple times to say breakfast is his least favourite meal to make, having to not only limit what he cooks but to also make sure he makes enough was a pain. If he makes too much? Everyone feels sluggish but if he doesn't make enough, they're exhausted, it's a difficult balance. 

The platter on the table was nothing short of breathtaking, all kinds of foods spread around, there was something for everyone. It was kinda intimidating in all honesty, so much options to choose from. The blue haired girl looks to the side of her where all the pokemon were eating and glances at her own pokemon, Sprigatito and Hatenna comfortably eating their food, Liko decides to follow their actions and just take what she thinks is nice.

Safe to say the food was magnificent, practically melting with flavour in her mouth, she smiled as she looked around, seeing everyone's own smiles and laughs, realising why Murdock went all out for breakfast today. It's his way of cheering everyone up after yesterday's events…

As she looked around, conversing and joking with everyone, even if it was for a moment, she seemed to forget about yesterday's events. She had spent most of the night sleeping by Terapagos’ side in the infirmary and was eventually kicked out by Molly, telling her to get some proper sleep in her own bed. 

Begrudgingly the girl did as she was told, eventually succumbing to her exhaustion, though not without putting up a good fight.

Even as breakfast was over, the conversations still weren't. She had spoken to Dot about upcoming Nidothing projects, she'd even asked her and Roy to hang out with her whilst she edited and recorded videos, in turn Liko had to do everything within her power to not squeal. 

She had spoken to her grandmother, who for some reason seemed to have lifted her spirits even more so than usual, maybe it was thanks to the food? she couldn't tell but it was a nice sight. They spoke about more of Lucious’ adventures written in his journal. She spoke to Murdock about helping cook lunch later, wanting to learn to cook for herself., especially those sweet treats.

Liko spoke to almost everyone, she felt a bit of weight lift from her shoulders. It was oddly freeing but then she met his eyes…

And for some reason?

They were just wrong…

At the outset there was no distinguishable difference, nothing changed compared to how his eyes were every other day, even earlier this morning she barely noticed the difference, not that she could focus on them, being preoccupied with her own thoughts and such. But for some reason, his eyes and what they showed were as clear as day…

He was always full of life, excited about the next big thing. She knew this because there was always a sparkle in his eyes, from dusk till dawn, it never vanished. It's something she admired about him, how no matter the odds, no matter what had happened before, he was always looking on the brighter side…

But as her eyes shifted over to Roys, that sparkle in his eyes vanished…

Admittedly the two never really spoke during breakfast, something about his hyperactive energy would be too much for her in the morning. Along with the fact that they'd usually tend to spend the day together, training, exploring, whatever they can think of really so a bit of a buffer was needed so early in the morning.

But here he looked completely different, the eyebags under his eyes clear as the sunlight outside, staring down at the untouched food on his plate. Roy not eating was something never heard of, him and Friede would always eat the most but it seemed the boy just…didn't want to eat?

Unbeknownst to either of them, Friede had taken a break from eating, noticin Likos worried expression before turning his head to where she was looking at, well more accurately who she was looking at. 

The man saw Roy, clearly still weighed down by yesterday. He had expected a change in the boy's mood but he didn't expect Roy to not eat.

“Roy you've gotta eat something, can't have you getting hungry on an adventure or during training”

Liko breathed a sigh of relief as Roy looked up at Friede and gave him a smile, apologising for zoning out and picking up his fork, beginning to eat his food, albeit slowly. She figured it was better than nothing but she wanted to speak to him, to ask if he's okay.

Liko tried to ask earlier but Roy interrupted her. He even lied to her, saying he was asleep when she could hear his footsteps behind the door before he just stood there.

Liko thought back to their talk in the hallway. She was still worried about Terapagos, in fact she wanted to go check up on her right after breakfast but she wasn't nearly as stressed out. Sure it was also thanks to everyone's good company and Murdocks great food too but Roy was the first to notice, or at least the first person who managed to comfort her. 

She always admired that Roy seemed to be able to simplify anything that she'd find complicated, whenever she was overthinking or second guessing herself, he would be there to reassure her and push her to even greater heights. Truthfully she doesn't know where she'd be without him…

One fear Liko has is what happens once they reach Laqua? Her journey would be over and she'd go back to her life studying at Indigo academy, no longer being able to see the people she's come to consider friends. She wants them all to reach Laqua, together, if it was going to be her final adventure with the Rising Volt Tacklers, it would be with all of them…

That's why seeing Roy almost struck down by Rayquaza yesterday snapped her out of the paralysing fear which took her hold. Sure she was scared of Rayquaza's draco meteors crashing down all around them. The only two who seemed to be able to move were Friede and her grandmother, destroying the few meteors that almost crashed down onto them…

But there was one both Charizard and Arcanine missed… And it was headed right towards Roy…

At first she was confident he would move out of the way. It was Roy. He had an unbreakable spirit and the willpower to push through even the most difficult situations. He was someone she could rely on. She had felt this way for a while but ever since they ran into Galarian Moltres, he showed her what it meant to push through even with the odds stacked against her.

By all accounts Roy should've been the first one of them to move, to dodge out of the way and try to fight back… But for some reason he didn't move. 

She wanted to shout out at him to move but her voice was stuck in her throat. 

Beyond Terapagos' screams of desperation, Sprigatitos panicked cries and Fuecoco using all its might to pull his frozen trainer out of the line of fire… 

All Liko could feel was her heart beating in her ears, her mind screaming at him to move, her body trying its hardest to move.

Her only goal was to save him.

Almost like her body moved by itself, she managed to thrust Roy to the side, shouting at him to look out. To everyone it must've been a second or two but for her… It was a lifetime.

Liko couldn't see his face, instead all she could see was the meteor heading down right towards her. Suddenly a newfound fear shot up inside of her… What now?

Was this where her journey ended?

Was this where her story was over?

Her life flashing before her eyes, she truly wondered if she would truly be happy with the life she's led so far…

Her answer was no… 

She wasn't happy, she wasn't proud.

 Not when people like her grandmother, Friede, Dot… 

…Roy…

Not when they all showed her what it meant to truly live their lives with no regrets.

Not when she was so far behind them, she refused to leave this world behind feeling regret for not only failing to her promise to Terapagos, but for not standing by their side, Leaving them alone…

It was almost as if Terapagos responded to that desire, the plea of second chance, it awakened with rage, protecting her and everyone else…

She was thankful, vowing to not waste the second chance she was given. Soon after the display of power, Terapagos collapsed from exhaustion, leading to Liko panicking and running to the pokemons side, clutching it in her arms. She was so fixated on the pokemon, she barely noticed Roy standing back up, looking up ahead in the sky as Rayquaza flew off…

There was something about his face which didn't sit right with her, something she'd never seen from the boy… It was that he looked so defeated. 

Liko wanted to say something to him, he had helped her so many times but the one time he needed her help? 

She couldn't do anything… 

She didn't know what to say because truthfully, she had no idea what he was feeling, was it anger? sadness? regret? She had no idea.

That's when a startling realisation surfaced, Roy tends to keep things to himself, which would be normal. She did the exact same thing, it was completely normal to her, almost like second nature. But Roy hasn't ever really opened up to anyone… 

Hasn't really opened up to her beyond his goals…

Why did that hurt her so much?

Liko tried to think back to anything he's said or done to expose how he really feels…

Sure, sometimes he would get frustrated, mainly whenever the explorers tried to hurt one of them, Liko thought back to when the explorer who wiped her memory stole the pendant. He almost hurt Dot, a good friend and threatened to erase her memories yet again… 

She was frozen in fear in that moment too, having your sense of self taken away from you even if for a moment, was something that takes a while to come back from. But Roy stood his ground, she remembered his words clear as day.

“Don't worry. You're not alone, Liko”

Those words gave her the courage to battle with that Explorer, sure they were outmatched but they still had a chance, he gave her the courage to stand her ground, motivating Dot to stand her ground too.

She wanted to repay him but didn't know how… At first she didn't think much of it, Roy was Roy, he was always going to be the first person to jump into an adventure and the last person to come back from one. She always assumed he'd be the same person through and through… But seeing his eyes at the table.

For some reason she was scared…

What wasn't he telling anyone?

“Liko? Roy? Help me clean up”

Murdock spoke up, Liko snapped out of her small trance and realised the table was basically empty, it seemed everyone had gotten up and gone to their duties. Liko nodded her head and got up but she glanced over at Roy, he was still staring at his plate of practically untouched food.

Murdock collected the plates and put them in the sink, cleaning them, telling the two to handle cleaning the table and collecting the pokemons bowls. Liko nodded in affirmation, expecting Roy to stand up and do the same but he didn't…

“Roy?”

She called out to him but with no luck.

“Roy?”

She called out again but with no response… Now she was worried, walking over to him she put a hand on his shoulder, giving him a reassuring smile, though he never even turned his head.

“Earth to Roy?”

No response yet again, just how deep in thought was he? She did the only thing she could think of, she waved her hands in front of her face. What she didn't expect was the boy to freak out and stumble backwards from his chair, falling to the side and hitting his head on the wall behind him, rubbing his head and wincing.

“Ohmygoshimsosorry!”

Liko quickly let out in a panic, rushing over to him and looking Roy in the eyes who just stared back at her, the boy gave her an apologetic smile before she helped him up, speaking, sounding kinda out of it.

“Whoa I was really out of it huh? Sorry Liko, I didn't really get much sleep”

Roy explained, feeling a bit embarrassed, scratching the back of his head, Liko gave him a worried look as she out stretched her hand to help him up.

“Are you sure you're okay? You didn't even eat breakfast”

She asked in which Roy gave the girl a smile, telling her that she shouldn't worry about him, saying that he wasn't hungry and that he'll be fine. Truthfully though? She hated the smile he gave her… It wasn't genuine, it felt fake… It wasn't Roy. 

“Oh, okay! Help me clean the table and get the pokemon’s plates.”

She told him, nodding his head in affirmation as the two made short work of their tasks, getting them all done in borderline record time. Liko decided to not speak to the boy about what was bothering him, she needed to go about this carefully…

After all that was done, Liko finally found the free time to visit the unconscious Terapagos.

A small feeling of fear took hold of her as she headed to the infirmary, she was still scared for the crystal turtle. With a slight pull from both of her pokemon, Liko finally managed to muster up the courage to enter the infirmary.

As she stepped in, she saw Molly working away at the computer, trying to budget their money for the next time they land which Liko knew was soon. The girl however had more important things to occupy her mind, she sat down on a chair facing the bed the turtle pokemon was resting in, it's breathing was better than yesterday, the clear rise and fall of its chest visible, showing that the pokemon was now breathing properly in comparison to last nights more laboured breaths. 

Liko sat in there for a while, Sprigatito sleeping in her lap with Hatenna resting in the girls jacket she had taken off and left next on the bed, comfortably snuggled in its usual spot inside the hood. After a while Hatenna began to stir slightly, causing Liko to stroke the pokemons head as it settled down but after a second.

Suddenly she heard the door open, what surprised her was who entered the infirmary. Molly turned around, eyeing the boy, almost like she was asking what he was doing here but when he nodded over to Terapagos, the girl let out a quiet noise of understanding, not wanting to wake up the sleeping pokemon.

Roy stood next to the seated Liko, hands in his jacket as he looked down at Terapagos, glancing at the girl beside him, giving her a small smile…

There it was again…

That smile she hated so much…

He was hiding something, she just didn't know why he was hiding it from them all.

Hatenna began to stir yet again, the girl had to calm herself down so as to not stress out the fairy type. Roy took another one of the spare seats in the room and sat down, looking at Terapagos with a look of gratitude? 

That's what Liko thought at least, maybe he was grateful to the pokemon for saving everyone? Though that didn't explain why he was here, still a part of her felt relieved that he was here.

They didn't speak, just looking ahead at the the turtle. She doesn't know how much time passed but after a while, the pokemon began to stir slightly before softly opening its eyes, glancing around the room before seeing the two trainers in front of her.

Likos eyes widened, Terapagos got up and let out noises of excitement, jumping into Likos lap, causing Sprigatito to unintentionally be pushed off Likos lap. Just as the grass type was about to fall, the boy beside her reacted quick enough and caught the cat, letting out a small chuckle.

Sprigatito glanced up at the boy with an uncertain look, the grass type only slept on her trainer's lap. Usually she would've made a scene for what Terapagos, taking up her space and hogging all of Likos attention… But given the circumstances? the cat pokemon let the turtle have this.

“Terapagos! You're okay!”

Liko cried out, hugging the pokemon. The sleeping fairy type woke up, excited, running around in circles from the excitement before also jumping into Likos arms. Roy glanced down at the cat who seemed to give a small look of jealousy, earning a light chuckle as he stroked the pokemons head. After a few moments, the girl let down both pokemon onto the bed before breathing a sigh of relief.

Sprigatito got up from Roys lap and leaped onto the bed where Terapagos and Hatenna were speaking to one another. The boy decided to get up and leave the room, giving the four room.

Liko heard him leave, the girl quickly glanced at her pokemon, struggling to choose what to do. Sure she wanted to spend time with Terapagos and the rest of her pokemon but she'd be lying if she didn't say a part of her wanted to go after him, get to the bottom of whatever was going in with him.

For some reason, all three pokemon looked at their trainer, all of them making noises at the girl before Sprigatito pointed towards the door with its paw, almost like they were motioning for her to go after him…

She looked down at the pokemon before smiling and thanking them, telling them she'll be right back. Just as she's about to leave, Liko asks Molly to keep an eye on the three with the pinkette nodding her head before turning her attention to the three.

In a second, Liko bolted out the door, managing to catch a glimpse of the boy walking away.

“Roy?”

She asked, at this point she felt like a broken record. This time however he noticed her voice, turning around.

“Why are you out here?”

Roy sounded confused, Liko could feel some tension coming from the boy. Was he feeling this way because of her? Had she done something to him?

“You can speak to me you know”

She told him, truthfully Liko always thought of herself as a pretty passive person. But ever since she saw her life flashing before her eyes, she wanted to change that, though it didn't stop her anxiety from pushing that urge back down. Roy was more important than her feelings though.

“I'm fine Liko, just a bit out of it. I'm glad Terapagos woke up though, I told you she's tough”

Roy smiled, it was genuine. It felt like she hadn't seen him smile in forever which was ridiculous. It made her happy but it also made her determined to find out what was going on with him. Just as she was about to speak, Roy beat her to the punch.

“Go spend time with those three, you've been stressing yourself out. You all deserve to relax Liko”

Roy stated, Liko didn't necessarily disagree but she didn't like the way he worded that, it was like he was exempt from the rule. He did have a point however so she spoke one last time before heading back in.

“Okay fine, but we're going to talk later Roy”

With that, she was gone. Roy turned around and walked off, wanting to make do with his plan on getting stronger.

______________________

After a few hours of travelling, the Brave Olivine finally reached its destination, parking up at the docks of Slateport city. After hours and hours of flying, the crew needed to restock on supplies, Murdock especially noting that he might have gone all out on the breakfast in the morning, saying that he needs to replace most of the food he used. As is the norm, Ludlow said he would stay behind along with Dot telling the crew that she was behind on editing and needed to get that done.

This means that everyone else had free reign of the city, the remaining crew stood near the entrance of the ship. Liko looked ahead at the city, she's never visited Hoenn before so to say she was excited was an understatement, especially since she knew about Pokemon Contests and always wanted to go see one in person.

It seemed Dot had the same idea since she even left Quaxly with the blue haired trainer along with her rotom phone. The content creator had asked Liko to get some footage of pokemon contests for an upcoming video given that Friede offered to take the rest of the crew to see it. 

“Oh that takes me back! I remember watching showcases after work a lot!”

It was safe to say Orla was down with the idea, it wasn't common to see the engineer of the Rising Volt Tacklers be excited for something that isn't machine related.

“I suppose it's not a bad idea, things have been kinda tense lately so taking a break to relax should help”

Molly spoke up, mostly agreeing with the idea, even if she sounded uninterested. Though with Molly that's just kinda how she was, even if it was about something she was interested in.

“Ohhhh I remember participating once, it was fun but not for me, I'm definitely more of a battler!”

Diana reminisced slightly, laughing at the memory of her trying to come up with combinations, instead she just basically eviscerated her opponents, gaining no style points.

“You hear that Roy? Contests! They're so cool you'll love them, it's when trainers combine pokemons attacks to make them look pretty and win against their opponent!”

Liko spun herself to the boy next of him, she was fangirling. Overall she had no interest in joining the Contests themselves, she couldn't imagine being on stage with all of those people watching her… but seeing them online always stuck with her so seeing one in person was an opportunity she wasn't going to pass up on. 

“I'm… I'm not coming”

Roy quietly let out, covering his eyes with his hat as he earned a surprised glance from everyone. They were all confused, Roy told them all he wanted to see the world so passing up the opportunity of exploring an entirely new region was certainly strange to see.

“Y-You're not?”

Liko couldn't hide the disappointment behind her voice.

“Come on! It'll be fun!”

She tried to convince the boy who just gave her a smile. There it was again, that fake smile. Roy spoke, clearly trying to force himself to sound excited about the prospect of staying behind.

“I'm sure it's fun but I've got some plans already… Sorry, next time though I promise!”

Roy said with Fuecoco beside him and Wattrell perched on the boy's shoulder, both pokemon crying out in agreement. 

“Are you sure Roy? We don't really visit Hoenn often so we won't be back here for a while.”

Friede spoke, the man wasn't nearly as obvious with his curiosity but even he couldn't shake the urge that Roy was acting off, glancing at the Captain resting on his shoulder, the two exchange a glance before nodding as the electric type hops off Friedes shoulder, landing in front of Roy who nods at Friede.

“Well if you're certain, Captain is staying behind as well since it's his turn to guard the ship”

Friede says before spinning around to walk off. Everyone else followimg behind… well mostly everyone, Diana stays behind to stay with the boy.

“Locking yourself away won't help you Roy…”

That's all the woman says before turning around, walking off. All Roy could do is stand there and stretch out his hand, watching the group slowly becoming just a spec in the horizon…

He lets out a sigh, earning worried looks from his pokemon, at the realisation he shakes his head slightly before looking down at Captain Pikachu, who still hasn't left his side.

“Captain? Could you train with us today? We need to get stronger and fighting you will help us a ton!”

Cap wasn't surprised to hear this, having your goal so out of reach is something it could relate to… What Cap didn't like was Roy distancing himself from everyone.

“Pika…”

Cap pointed out to the city before looking back at the boy. Roy questioned the gesture for a second before guessing what the captain meant.

“Are you asking why I didn't go with the crew?”

“Pika”

The electric mouse shook its head before walking off, gesturing at Roy, Wattrel and Fuecoco to follow it. The three head back to the ship. Roy tried to think about what Cap was trying to ask, maybe it was talking about someone specifically? The group walked through the ship before reaching the battlefield.

“Are you talking about what Diana said to me?”

“Pika…”

It shook its head yet again, Roy was stumped however before he could even think it over, Cap jumped over to the other side of the battlefield, sparks escaping it's red cheeks as it just crossed its arms, still giving Roy a serious expression.

“Questions can wait i guess? Alright! Fuecoco! Wattrel! Let's do this”

Roy called out in motivation with both of his pokemon jumping out onto the battlefield, crying out in agreement as they locked eyes with their opponent.

“Don't hold back Cap!”

“Pika!”

Roy needed to be stronger, he couldn't ever fail them again, not if he wanted to prove his worth to anyone… If it meant pushing his friends away, then it's something he's willing to do to protect them…

If only it didn't hurt…

Chapter Text

Why had Roy stayed behind?

Without failure, he would never stay behind when the Brave Olivine landed, no matter the situation the boy would always be the first to race off and explore. His sense of adventure was his driving force, at least that's what she thought, Liko never thought she'd see the day he'd decide to stay behind. 

Liko tried to shake off the worry creeping up inside her, she was here to enjoy herself, today should be a good day. Everyone was in high spirits, Terapagos had woken up, her pokemon were excited and everyone was here with her so nothing could go wrong…

Well almost everyone…

“You're quiet”

The Floating rotom phone hovered next to Liko, it's volume much louder than usual, startling the poor bluette.

“Dot?! I thought you were-”

“Yeah yeah I know, I'm editing but it gets boring so the company would be nice.”

Dot on the other end sounded completely bored, Liko wasn't sure about the whole technical side of Nidoth- Dot's channel but given how stressed the poor girl would get, Likos glad she's trying to change things up.

“Sorry, I'm just…”

For some reason the words were stuck in Liko’s throat. Roy staying behind shouldn't have been an issue since there's been a few days where she didn't want to leave the ship, what difference did it make for him to stay behind every now and then?

“Liko?”

The girl behind the screen called out, snapping her out of the small trance she was in. Liko quickly shook her head and looked ahead with a smile, she can worry about Roy later.

“Sorry! Sorry! I'm just excited to see my first Contest in person!”

“Right!"

Orla from in front of her called out, slowing down to match Likos pace as she excitedly spoke.

“Like there was this one time I was watching and this performer who combined Leaf storm and Heatwave to create a massive flaming tornado, honestly it was so cool!”

Orla recalled the memory with ease which in turn, excited Liko as she couldn't wait to see the combinations that'd be on stage. 

“Liko you better get the showcases on camera!”

Dot practically demanded through the phone which earned a small giggle from Orla and Liko. At the excitement, Hatenna began to excitedly giggle, snuggled up in Likos hood before it jumped out and hopped on the girls shoulder.

“Are you excited Hatenna?”

Liko asked her pokemon which responded with a nod of its head, Likos bag began to stir as well as Terapagos’ head popped out, smiling and cooing at everyone, most likely wondering what everyone was excited about.

“Terapagos! Are you feeling better?”

Liko was still a bit protective over the small turtle, having just woken up a few hours ago, the girl was still slightly sceptical of taking the pokemon out…

Maybe I should have left Terapagos with Roy?

Almost like she could hear those thoughts, the turtle looked up at the bluette with a smile and cooed, filling the young girl's heart with joy. She was probably worrying for nothing.

Just as the large group finally managed to reach the contest hall, they all headed inside, noticing that no-one was really about, a few workers here and there along with a scarce amount of people loitering in the lobby but other than that, utterly silent. The crew really felt out of place.

“I'll go check at the reception and book us some tickets”

Friede said with the others nodding their heads, doing as he said, the man walked off with the group just standing idly, everyone begun to make conversations with themselves.

The front doors opened behind them all, thinking that everyone else were finally coming in to watch the contest, Liko turned around and saw her grandmother walking over to the group. Liko had to do a double take, she was certain that Diana had been walking alongside them all but apparently she was mistaken.

“Grandma? I thought you were with us? Did you get held up? Was it the explorers?”

To say Liko was still on high alert would be an understatement, even though things had been mostly going well today. The events of yesterday still lingered in the back of her mind, Roy acting strange wasn't helping her case either.

Diana gave Liko a look of understanding before shaking her head, stretching out her arms slightly before speaking.

“No, Nothing like that Liko. I just spoke with Roy, that's all”

This earned the girls attention, her curiosity flaring as she wondered why she even spoke with him, was she worried about Roy? Diana glanced at Liko before Molly spoke up, clearly picking up on the stress in the girl's eyes.

“Take a few deep breaths Liko, remember we're here to relax. Stressing out won't help you”

Liko listened to her words and knew she was making a good point, it made sense but she couldn't shake the feeling, she guessed even Molly knew so.

Just as Molly was about to speak up, trying a softer approach, the other much older bluette beat her to the punch.

“Are you worried about him?”

Diana locked eyes with her, Liko knew that tone…

“I-Im…”

Liko couldn't speak again, she was frustrated, why couldn't she say how she felt. Liko instead decided to try and think how she felt but that's when a realisation struck her…

She couldn't find the words to say….

“I just don't think he should be alone…”

That was the closest she could articulate her own feelings, it didn't feel 100% accurate but it was the easiest way to describe it. Liko was confused, one thing she usually knew about was how she was feeling.

“I think so too but he wants to be alone”

Her signature tough love was on display here, Liko knew that but she didn't agree with it at all, someone should be with him, keeping an eye on him, making sure he doesn't do anything reckless….

Making sure he's safe…

That sounded like he needed looking after though which wasn't the case, he's proven time and time again he can take care of himself.

Liko thought, using her more logical side but the feelings inside crept up. She didn't ever want to see him hurt, she didn't want to see any of her friends hurt but with him… She felt a responsibility towards him.

She couldn't think of what happened if he got hurt…

“Okay so I've got some good news and some bad news!”

The white haired professor strolled over to the group, putting a hand on Likos shoulder and giving her a quick smile. Everyone turned their attention to the man as he looked back up to them all, sheepishly grinning.

“So there was enough seats for all of us believe it or not but the contests don't actually start for a few hours…”

Safe to say this earned a few groans of annoyance from everyone with Molly stepping up to Friede, an annoyed scowl visible on her face.

“Could you not have checked online? We've just wasted our time”

Molly hated to waste time, everyone knew this and all Friede could do was sheepishly laugh before glancing to the side, smirking with what little confidence he could muster. Liko wouldn't ever tell anyone this but a part of her felt relieved? It was weird, she was so excited to watch the contest but she also wanted to keep an eye on Roy. She left him alone whilst he was acting strange?

What was she thinking…

Why couldn't she get him out of her head…

“that's not all…”

The man spoke up, his voice sounding considerably more serious which earned the attention of everyone.

“Moneys kinda tight right now, we're gonna need to spend the next week or two taking on

jobs”

This had been expected, Liko knew adventuring wasn't free. Everyone glanced at one another, almost like they were all having a conversation with themselves, Liko couldn't quite understand what they were thinking.

“Money isn't your problem Liko, its just something every adventurer has to tackle eventually”

Diana spoke, earning a look of understanding from her granddaughter. The remaining adults eventually turned back to the two. The Alolan spoke up as the group headed outside of the contest hall.

“We still need to resupply so everyone buy what's listed and regroup back on the Brave Olivine.”

Murdock told everyone, handing out pieces of paper to everyone which earned nods of affirmation from the crew. Dot suddenly spoke up from her rotom phone, slightly panicked.

“What about the contest?”

“Well that doesn't begin for a few hours so we've got time to kill, after you've done your part of the shopping you can do whatever you want really”

Friede wasn't too bothered by the showcase being so late, everyone was handed their list and split off into groups of two. Liko was paired with her grandmother who glanced at the list, it only really consisted of many different snacks for the pokemon on board and the odd thing here and there like toothpaste and cleaning supplies.

The two began to check off items on the list, Diana even bringing out Arcanine to help carry the items so that the two girls weren't straining themselves with the heavy bags of pokemon food.

Liko looked around to realise everyone was really only wearing shorts and t-shirts, Hoenn was an incredibly warm region so it made sense for the people to barely wear any layers. Sprigatito especially enjoyed the intense sunlight, so much so that the cat jumped up onto Arcanines back and rested itself there, napping in the sun as it loved to do, this earned a bit of a giggle from both girls.

Whilst heading to the next store, they passed a beach which was completely packed with both people and pokemon. Even as she looked out onto the ocean, she could see multiple cargo ships in the distance. 

Liko glanced at all the people, most of them without a worry in the world. The only ones who seemed worried were the ones who had a nasty case of sunburn, Liko winced at some of those people before Diana spoke up.

“How are you feeling?”

Liko didn't really like being put on the spot and Diana knew this. She usually found that people tend to tell the truth when they're put on the spot and this time was no different… Even if it took a bit of pushing.

“Uhhh…. Well I'm a bit… you know?”

Liko foolishly hoped that would be enough to convince the woman to change the subject but there was a higher chance of finding a shiny pokemon than Diana accepting that answer. Liko took a deep breath and let out a long exhale, slowly speaking, as if she was trying to articulate her words.

“Well… It's been pretty stressful if I'm being honest, I know what I was signing up for staying with the Rising Volt Tacklers. Most of the time I enjoy myself with everyone and want to keep travelling…”

Liko managed to admit, earning an understanding nod from her grandmother before saying one word which would open the floodgates.

“But?”

Liko took another breath, clutching onto Terapagos’ bag as she shuddered a bit, exhaling yet again as she spoke.

“Sometimes travelling with everyone really scares me. I don't think I completely realised this until yesterday…”

“When Roy was in danger?”

Liko looked at the woman in surprise, the shock clear in her eyes but for some reason she didn't mind…

She didn't want to be the one to say it…

“Yeah… I was so scared yesterday, I couldn't move. But when I saw him in danger, about to be hurt, I wanted to save him! I wanted to protect him!”

She admitted to herself. The girl herself was surprised at her own words, was this how she was truly feeling? What Diana said next however was something she didn't expect.

“I spoke to Roy last night, I don't think he got any sleep to be honest.”

Liko glanced up at her grandmother with a inquisitive expression, the world around her seemed to slow down as she listened to the words escaping the adventurer's mouth.

“I think he's confused right now.”

“What do you mean?”

“He's… Well I'm not certain yet but I think he's going to be more reckless in the future and it might've been because of something I said to him…”

Liko wasn't sure what to make of this, it wasn't often, if ever where Diana would second guess herself. She couldn't even focus on the strangeness of Diana's uncertainty because a newfound worry sparked up from inside of her, Roy was already pretty reckless so she couldn't even imagine him being more so.

“What did you say to him?”

A part of her was curious but another part of her wanted some context on their conversation because she couldn't imagine what the two of them would even have in common to talk about. The only real thing they had in common was the love of adventuring and…

Well…her…

“I told him about what happened to your grandad before he died. I told him how it made me feel and I think he was scared-

-scared of feeling the same way”

Roy being told about what happened with her grandparents wasn't something Liko expected but she remembered the injury her grandad sustained, he wasn't able to walk for his remaining years and her grandmother was pretty eaten up by it… it was guilt…

Was he feeling guilty?

Why?

Almost as if Diana could read her mind, Liko swears it's a secret power the older woman has, she speaks up.

“I think he's scared of feeling the same way I did. I was lucky to have your grandad help me through my guilt…”

Liko wasn't too sure how to respond, maybe if she found out what he felt guilty about? She wanted to speak to him about it later but given the fact that he isn't sharing it with anyone, she needed to be gentle with her approach.

After a few more minutes of shopping, the two had finally managed to get everything on the shopping list minus a few items which seemed to be out of stock but none of them of too much importance, plus it'd help the group save on money.

Liko and Diana looked around a bit for themselves, the older adventurer more interested in antiques and potential treasures, even being able to list where each item probably came from and how old they are. It was impressive but Liko didn't really know what to look at, there were a few interesting things here and there but nothing which really stuck out to her so with that, the two decided to sit and drink at a cafe to relax slightly, Sprigatito hopping onto Likos lap as the sun eventually was blocked out by the clouds.

After finishing up their drinks and talking a bit more, they decided to head back to the Brave Olivine, if Friede was right, they still had an hour or two before they needed to head out for the contest.

The walk back wasn't too bad, the sun was now completely blocked out by the clouds, the previous yellow rays of light coming from it overshadowed with a now almost blue hue infecting everything. It was a shame since the heat had been a nice change of pace, she even thought about asking the group if they wanted to spend a bit of time at the beach but it seemed those plans needed to be postponed for another time.

All was quiet, the Brave Olivine was exactly where they left it, as the two closed in, suddenly a gust of wind begun to engulf the area. Liko had to shield her eyes with her free arm from the sudden severity of it, even Diana had trouble keeping herself upright but smiled at the realisation of the source.

Liko glanced over at her smiling grandmother only to see her look up at the top of the Brave Olivine, Liko thought and remembered it was where the Arena was located, which was where the source of a sort of electrical tornado…

“The Rising Volt Tackle?!”

Liko called out to no-one in particular, worry seeping from her tone… Why was Cap in battle? Were the explorers attacking? Was everyone okay? Eventually the gust of wind let up, Liko looked up at Diana to only find she seemed uncertain, the girl didn't care though, she needed to help.

Without a second thought, Liko sprinted off with Sprigatito jumping out of her grasp and following suit towards the Ship. As she entered inside, surprisingly she found all the pokemon on the ship going about business as usual which wasn't strange however what was is that she couldn't find anyone else, it seemed like the ship was empty.

Just as she was about to call Dot, a gust of wind engulfed the area yet again, Liko decided to head right towards the source… 

Maybe everyone needed her help. 

With the pace she was going, Liko could swear that she broke a world record with how fast she reached the top of the ship; however what she didn't expect to see was pretty much everyone watching the battle unfolding. Just as she opened the door, gasping for air from running, Friede turned around and gave the girl a smile.

“Ahhh Liko! I take it you and Diana finished your shop?”

She tried to speak but the words were stuck in her throat, all Liko could do was nod. It's not like her words had been working properly for her today so why would they start now? 

It irked the girl a bit. She was about to ask what was going on until she heard a familiar voice.

“Wattel don't let Cap get near Fuecoco and use Peck!”

Liko quickly rushed ahead, squeezing her way past everyone to the stairs which lead to the battlefield. She was about to ask what was going on however she felt a hand on her shoulder, she turned around to see Molly look at her with a smile.

“You can speak to him after”

Liko looked ahead with uncertainty.

Wattrel cried out in anger as it flew ahead, zipping right past the knocked down crocodile with its beak glowing white, entering a straight up head on collision with Cap, who had been dashing ahead towards the fire type.

The clash was short lived however as the flying type was simply overpowered, being launched back into the ground right next to Fuecoce. The fire type managed to muster up the strength to get back up and a second later Wattrel rose to its feet too, spreading its wings out and crying out in frustration…

“Fuecoco, rush in with tackle! Wattrel use Peck! Keep pace with each other!”

Roy commanded yet again with both pokemon doing as they're told. Fuecoco sprinting ahead with Wattrel taking flight, its beak yet again glowing white, both heading right towards Cap who simply smirked before being engulfed in electricity.

“Here it comes again! A third time now, I wonder what Roys got planned?”

Murdock let out in excitement, before Liko could question what the Alolan meant, Cap suddenly began to use run around in a circle, activating the Rising Volt Tackle with the familiar electrical tornado forming, sucking both pokemon in.

Liko struggled to keep her feet planted into the ground and could even feel Sprigatito holding onto the trainer's legs for dear life. Liko couldn't quite see Roy’s face but she knew he must've been focused, he hadn't looked away from the battle at all.

As both pokemon were pulled into the Rising Volt Tackle, Roy quickly shouted out to Wattrel in particular, Liko figured if there was one pokemon who had the chance to adapt to the attack, it was the flying type.

“Wattrel! Don't fight the Rising Volt Tackle and use it to power up your attack! Fuecoco use Flamethrower!”

Both pokemon called out in understanding, both sparks of electricity began to crackle from inside the mini hurricane along with specs of flames appearing, eventually the tornado dissipated with Fuecoco falling down to the ground.

Wattrel however was launched high into the sky, Cap used its tail to flutter down as to not take too much damage however Roy was counting on that, his whole plan depended on making sure Cap was in its most vulnerable position.

“NOW!”

Roy called out, suddenly Fuecoco ran to the centre of the arena and looked up, opening its mouth and firing out multiple Flamethrower attacks which Cap was still able to dodge with its tail, hitting the pokemon was proving tough. Liko looked even higher above Cap to see a sparkle of electricity heading right towards the Captain…

“Did he plan this?”

Orla let out in surprise, it seemed Pikachu hadn't noticed just yet however Wattrel was soaring down, heading right towards Cap using a superpowered spark. Liko was impressed, using Caps own signature technique against it was incredible.

“He's impressed me…but…”

Friede spoke up, there was something that Roy didn't know. Liko tried to think but couldn't realise what the man was talking about, Molly muttered a small “ah” upon coming to the same realisation before looking back at Friede.

“You didn't tell them, did you?”

“Must've crossed my mind?”

Friede sheepishly said, this was a trait of his Liko was well aware of, whatever curiosity she'd have was going to be answered soon.

Whilst Midair, Caps ears twitched behind it, causing the pikachu to spin, going to activate a Thunder Punch attack but as it saw Wattell heading right towards it with its biggest spark attack yet. Cap smirked and to the shock of both Liko and Roy, deactivated the attack, letting Wattrel strike with its most powerful spark to date.

“Why did Cap stop the attack?”

Liko asked herself, Roys now tensed posture seemed to be echoing the thought, his feet were planted in the ground, she could see how tightly he was clenching his hands. All was answered when Cap was seemingly unaffected by the attack.

Cap grabbed onto Wattrel, using it ttosafely glide down before reactivating and even stronger Thunder Punch, hitting the now surprised Fuecoco with the brunt force of the attack, sending the fire type careening backward beside Roy as Wattrel crashed down to the other side of Roy.

Roy glared ahead at Cap who could only glare back at the trainer, crossing its arms as the static around its body activated.

“Fuecoco? Wattrel? Can you keep fighting?”

Almost as if responding to their trainers true emotions, both pokemon barely managed to get back up from the rubble and jump ahead in front of their trainer, crying out in affirmation.

Roy’s tone sounded off, usually whenever he was battling, there was a sense of joy that could be heard from him. This time however it felt like desperation, like he couldn't bare to lose this battle and In turn, neither could his partners. 

“Watrell use Uproar! Fuecoco use Stomping Tantrum”

Both pokemon did as they're told, Wattrel roaring out, causing Cap to wince slightly at the damage which led the way for the now powered up Stomping Tantrum, exploding from the ground beneath it, detonating beneath Cap and causing a cloud of smoke to appear.

Roy wouldn't let up however and called out to the now exhausted Fuecoco yet again…

Why was he fighting like this? It seemed brutal, calculating, like his goal wasn't to have fun but solely to win… It reminded her of both Amethio and the man who stole her pendant.

She didn't like it…

It wasn't him…

“Fuecoco! Use Flamethrower!”

The attack shot out of the pokemons mouth, headed right towards the smoke, however Cap dashed out of it, activating Volt Tackle, sliding beneath the flamethrower, heading right towards the two now exhausted pokemon.

“You guys gotta dodge!”

Sadly the command failed, not due to a lack of trying from either pokemon but due to their exhaustion. Wattrel fell to the floor with Fuecoco wincing in pain, both feeling the brunt force of Caps Volt Tackle…

Roy looked at both unconscious pokemon… Defeat all but apparent in his eyes as he slowly returned both pokemon to their respective pokeballs…

“Why… Why didn't it work?”

He sounded irritated, looking back down at both pokeballs, regret seeping from his voice. Liko wanted to say something, she wanted to say that he put up an amazing fight, had a really good tactic, something…anything but yet again, the words were stuck in her throat.

This was really starting to irritate her now…

Luckily Friede was there to pick up her self proclaimed slack, walking over to the boy and placing a supportive hand on his shoulder.

“That was a great battle Roy! You almost had everything down but you didn't know about Caps ability”

Friede wanted to cheer up the boy but he just looked ahead at the two. Cap had jumped up to Friedes shoulder with the man giving Roy a supportive smile.

“Ability?”

Liko finally managed to ask, now standing beside the boy who didn't even give her any sort of attention, not even a glance. He was fixated on Cap.

“Lightning Rod, it nullifies electric type attacks and powers up Caps own attacks. Other than that your tactics were really smart! You should be proud!”

Friede tried his best to be supportive but he noticed the slight wince that came from the boy, this confirmed it to the man, he clearly wasn't himself.

“It wasn't enough though…”

It was sharp and cold, he sounded so defeated, the eyebags from earlier in the day still as prominent as ever, Liko didn't like it.

There was a lot she wasn't liking recently.

“Maybe not Roy but Cap is on a different level, you're still not at that point yet so don't stress it. Seriously, you did great!”

Friede did his best but it fell on deaf ears, whatever was going on with this boy was clearly more than just losing against Cap…

It's gotta have something to do with Rayquaza…

“Yeah Roy, that was amazing! The way Wattrel flew down and attacked Cap with that huge Spark was so cool! And Fuecocos final Stomping Tantrum! If it was any other pokemon you'd win for sure!”

Liko encouraged the boy, she wasn't lying either. His extra training was seriously paying off but it seemed Roy didn't see it that way…

“I'm gonna get some rest…”

Roy turned away, not even giving the girl a second thought. She didn't want to make this about herself, clearly something was bothering Roy but for some reason she couldn't help but feel hurt, he's not even acknowledging her anymore…

Roy headed back inside but not before handing both pokeballs to Molly.

“Could you help these two? You can take them to the contest too, let them relax. Tell them I'm proud of them. I'd go but I'm too tired…”

Roy let out with Molly nodding her head, cautiously taking both pokeballs as he headed inside. Liko wanted to go after him, turning around and taking a step to catch up with him but Friede lightly grabbed her arm and stopped her.

“But-”

“I know…but he needs to think things over. Plus the contest is soon, unless you want to miss it we need to leave.”

Liko couldn't believe what Friede was saying, Roy needed someone to talk to and here he was stopping her. She wanted to say something but the last few days of frustration and stress seemed to finally overflow and explode from the poor girl.

“I don't care about that Friede! I want to make sure Roy is okay!”

She didn't quite shout but her voice was raised, she could feel her eyes watering slightly, she quickly dried them up with her sleeves. Friede kneeled down, looking at the girl in the eyes, giving her a sort of bittersweet smile.

“Trust me Liko I get it, it hurts me to see him beat himself up like this too. But if we push too hard it'll make things worse, we need to wait for things to cool off.”

The man's voice was soft, Liko looked down at Sprigatito who was looking up in worry at her trainer. All the girl could do is shyly nod before Friede smiled slightly.

“Atta girl, he'll be back to himself in no time”

Liko didn't smile, she wanted to believe him but Roy hadn't ever just ignored her like he did there, he's been beating himself up over something all day so leaving him alone in his room didn't seem like the smartest idea but if Friede seemed to think so, maybe it was the best choice…

Nothing really exciting happened within the next hour, everyone got ready to head out to the contest, even Dot decided instead to tag along with everyone, Ludlow still chose to stay behind, saying he wasn't a big fan of the flashing lights and all of that stuff so pretty much everyone was tagging along to watch the pokemon contest.

It was much needed levity everyone needed after the crazy part few weeks they all had, one adventure after another with no breaks.

It was right before everyone was leaving, Molly and Orla had gotten dressed in fancy attire for the event, the two loved to make a fashion statement when they could so they had the most fun with that. Liko herself decided to show up in her usual attire, the blue jacket, white shirt and darker blue shorts, opting to leave behind her yellow bag.

She was supposed to be with everyone else, she was pretty sure they were all waiting on her but there was something she wanted to do…

Liko was standing in front of the door that led into Roys room, going against Friedes words, she wanted to speak to him. She knows everyone told her to give him space and maybe they're right but she can't agree with the sentiment. For what seems like forever, Liko stood in front of the door, deciding whether she even wanted to continue with her idea…

She waited for a moment before sighing, no time like the present right?

*knock*

*knock*

*knock*

“Roy? Are you there?”

Liko timidly asked, she stood there for almost a minute with no answer however much like in the morning, she could hear the creaking floorboards behind the door. Liko hoped to hear something from him but was met with a deafening silence… She wasn't going to get any response but she still wanted him to know he's not alone.

“Can we talk?”

Silence yet again, whatever was going on must've had something to do with her. Something to do with guilt, she wants to know what but for the life of her can't figure it out…

Turns out she doesn't know him as well as she thought…

Liko stopped those bitter thoughts right there, shaking the thoughts away as she spoke, trying to get any sort of response from the boy.

“Okay so you don't want to talk now? That's fine but I'm worried about you. If you don't want to speak to me could you at least speak to someone else?”

It hurt to say that, to admit that someone she'd come to view as a friend, to rely on and to trust didn't see her in the same way. But this wasn't about her, as much as this was hurting her, she tried her best to not take it personally and honestly? It wasn't working…

“Okay, I'll speak to you tomorrow. Also don't worry about Fuecoco and Wattrel, I'll look after them. Goodnight Roy…”

The silence echoed in the hall, she felt like she was speaking to herself. Liko knew he was on the other side of the door but not even so much as a peep could be heard, only her footsteps could be heard as she left.

Headed outside, she was greeted by pretty much everyone, well mostly everyone, Dot was nowhere to be found but the Rising Volt

Tacklers simply laughed at this. Liko was initially confused but Murdock explained that the introvert usually took her time to get ready for some odd reason, seeing as she never got out much this made sense.

Liko glanced around, catching sight of her pokemon hanging around with Roys, usually it would've been a sweet site but the two pokemon didn't seem to be in the mood, it seems she wasn't the only one affected by Roys behaviour.

With an admittedly forced smile, she walked over to the group of pokemon and kneeled down, greeting them all. Hatenna almost instantly crawled her way up to the girls hood and snuggled comfortably in there, earning a small giggle from Liko.

“I hope I didn't miss too much”

The bluette giggled slightly at the pokemon with her two remaining pokemon staring at her with an uncertain look before glancing back at Fuecoco and Wattrel. The two weren't smiling, it seemed they didn't even want to go, instead wanting to go with their trainer and try their best to cheer him up, Liko could understand the sentiment.

Walking over to the two, Fuecoco looked up at her and let out a small cry, it wasn't the same motivated cry earlier that day against Cap, it was filled with worry, staring at Liko, almost desperate for her to do something. This almost broke Liko, Fuecoco was always so energetic so to see it so defeated was something she could get used to…

Trying her best to comfort the pokemon, she kneeled down and stroked the fire type, giving him a melancholic smile.

“I'm worried too Fuecoco. But Roy wanted you and Wattrel to enjoy yourselves tonight so you should try and do that for him…”

Fuecoco looked up at the trainer with a forced smile of its own, muttering slightly in agreement; however beside him, Wattrel began to shout, clearly not agreeing with what the girl was saying.

In turn, Liko could feel Hatenna shaking at the anger radiating from the flying type. Just as she was about to say something, Sprigatito jumped in front of her trainer and hissed back at the bird, causing the bird to shout back in anger.

Before a huge comotion could start, both Fuecoco and Terapagos got in-between the two, stopping an inevitable fight which would have broken out between the two Paldean pokemon.

“Sprigatito, I appreciate your help but Wattrels not in the best mindset right now”

Both Sprigatito and Wattrel looked away in guilt, the grass type in particular giving her trainer a worried expression, Liko reached out her hand, softly stroking the cat's cheek as it calmed down, she could also feel Hatenna stop shaking which was a good sign. Liko

looked ahead at Wattrel who, with the help of Fuecoco and Terapagos, was looking at her.

“Wattrel… Trust me, I understand you.”

This earned the attention of all the pokemon around her and even a few of the crew, not that Liko noticed. She continued, her voice starting to falter slightly.

“I'd rather be with Roy too, making sure he's okay… But i don't think he wants us to miss out on this contest, he wants us to have fun so just for tonight, let's try and ease his worry. 

Tomorrow we can try getting through to him…”

This earned a smile from Friede… the girl was certainly learning. Liko didn't understand why he didn't want her to try and comfort Roy at first but she's come to realise, which was reinforced after she tried speaking to him earlier, that he needs time to get his thoughts in check. 

Just like how she didn't know her own thoughts, Roy also might not know why he's feeling the way he is and is doing what he can to get through it. 

Liko isn't perfect however, Roy's not quite lashing out like she did with Friede earlier, but it felt like the boy was taking it out on her. It's only been a day so she couldn't be certain but she can't help but feel like she might have caused whatever he's feeling…

She pushes those feelings down, this isn't about her, it's about him and she isn't going to make assumptions.

“SORRY! SORRY!”

Dot ran down the ramp with Quaxly trailing behind her, stumbling slightly, barely managing to skid to a halt as the others gave her a grin.

“I thought my spare clothes were dried after being cleaned but they weren't, so I got Carkol to dry it, took a while but I'm here!”

She gasped in-between breaths, Liko glancing at the poor girl as Quaxly made its way to the other pokemon gathered as Dot walked over to Liko.

“Is everyone ready then?”

Friede asked before throwing out Charizard, the flying lizard landed in front of everyone, roaring out in dominance before glancing at Friede who spoke.

“You're on bodyguard duty this time buddy. I'm sure Ludlow can handle any stragglers but the extra firepower wouldn't hurt”

Friede strokes charizards chin which let out a small cry of happiness before flying off, leaving a gust of wind behind. Charizard loved to show off so everyone was used to the fire type being a little extra.

Liko realised that she was getting used to everyone's silly little quirks… It made the Brave Olivine feel like home.

Everyone finally began to walk to the contest hall, conversing with themselves, trying to not make a scene but that was close to impossible. Liko and Dot, along with the pokemon tagging along too were sandwiched in-between Murdock, Friede and Diana walking in front of them along with Molly and Orla behind them, making sure no-one got lost. For once, Terapagos was even allowed to freely walk on somewhere that wasn't the airship, though Sprigatito and Quaxly had to make sure it didn't go wandering off.

Liko managed to get Roy out of her mind that night, enjoying herself at the contest, enamoured by all the different combinations each performer brought to the stage. That night, Liko managed to get some sleep, conking out almost instantly as she hit the bed.

Roy however… He woke up in a cold sweat, tears forming from his eyes…

He couldn't sleep the rest of the night…

_________________________

“Fuecoco! Tackle!”

The fire type dashed with speed never seen before, even almost managing to catch Cap off guard before the pikachu blocked the tackle, digging its tail into the ground as extra support…

“Fuecoco use a flamethrower at point black range! Wattrel support Fuecoco and circle behind Cap and wait for an opening!”

The boy's commands were so sharp, no longer any hint of uncertainty behind his voice, instead what replaced the boy's usual excitement for battle was something more akin to a mission, something that had to be done for the sake of it and not for the joy of it…

Fuecoco opened its mouth as the flames made contact with Cap, the electric type's eyes widening in surprise before the flamethrower erupted, causing an explosion.

Both pokemon were hurt in the process, Cap more so, the fire type would've been hurt by it but this wasn't its first time doing this tactic, surprising Cap each time it was done. 

Since when did Roy get this reckless? 

Fuecoco was sent flying back as Wattrel swooped up, catching it before gliding back down and dropping the fire type in front of Roy. The dust cloud didn't disappear as Cap stayed within the cover, using it to recover, Roy was being relentless.

Wattrel then did as it's told, circling around the cloud of smoke, waiting for its opportunity to strike, Roy had an idea at what was coming next and wanted to stop that right away.

“Fuecoco use Stomping Tantrum, Wattrel use Uproar to clear the smoke”

Fuecoco quickly let out a huff as it began Stomping on the ground, cracks forming and expanding with each stomp.

The flying electric type then used Uproar, the smoke being cleared away from the attack which left Cap exposed as it quickly glanced back at Fuecoco, the ground beneath the crocodile exploding as a piece of debris was sent towards the Pikachu.

In a split second Cap then prepped its tail as the rock flew right for it, beginning to spin in order to deflect the attack as there wasn't enough time to dodge without at least getting grazed. Roy was learning how to fight Cap.

“Wattrel use Peck!”

Cap was mid spin as the piece of the ground was deflected by its tail, still sustaining some damage from the impact but most of it was subsided by sending it flying.

Right after Cap managed to deflect Stomping Tantrum, it felt a sharp pain in its back, the flying type managing to make contact and zip right by Cap, causing it to stumble slightly as the two opponents stood before it…

Fuecoco and Wattrel were breathing heavily, clearly having reached their limits. Cap didn't bother looking at the two pokemon though, it was staring right at the black and red haired trainer who seemed to look exhausted, his eyebags having gotten even worse and the boys breathing even being slightly laboured. 

That fire and determination in Roy's eyes were still there but diluted, replaced by the glare of a cold and calculated fighter. The worst part? Roy, Fuecoco and Wattrel had improved at such a rate which impressed Cap.

The Pikachu was then engulfed in a familiar electrical aura, charging right towards the two pokemon who were still standing…

“Fuecoco use Stomping tantrum! Wattrel use Uproar” 

Both pokemon tried their hardest to fulfil their commands but the damage throughout the battle was hitting them all at once, they could only stand there and close their eyes, accepting defeat. Cap decided to stop the Volt Tackle, there was no point in knocking both pokemon out, the electric type had been fighting Roy on and off ever since they encountered the Black Rayquaza…

As Cap skidded to a halt, Roy walked over to both his pokemon, pulling out some oran berries for the pokemon to eat, even handing one over to Cap as the boy gave the two pokemon a look of gratitude.

“You've both gotten stronger, I'm proud.”

Roy had changed over the past two weeks but one thing that remained was his kindness to his partners. Cap can't quite tell if the change was for the best or the worst, on one hand, Roy and his pokemon were getting stronger, improving at such an impressive rate but on the other hand? He was pushing the people he cared about away…

“Sorry for not thinking of a better plan you two. Thanks for the battle Cap, you're still way outta my league”

Cap nibbled on its oran berry as both of Roy's pokemon did the same as the pikachu yet again glanced at Roy who was idly speaking with his pokemon.

Cap and Charizard had been staying behind more and more often, the two usually taking turns to keep an eye on the ship but both pokemon knew Friedes real reason for

keeping at least one of them behind. He was worried about Roy, it seemed almost everyone was, at the outset he seemed the same old boy, but there were moments…

Moments where Cap saw Roy just looking out during the middle of the night. Cap knew that look.

He was lost…

Just like Friede was when Cap first met him. Cap himself could relate to the boy, both had tried to achieve the impossible. The electric type wanted to soar into the sky and the boy wanted to soar to even greater heights, reaching a level which barely anyone had ever before…

Cap had no place to tell the boy to stop pushing himself, even if he could, he wouldn't since Cap himself wouldn't ever stop, it'd be hypocritical of the pokemon to do so…

Caps ears twitched upon hearing footsteps, suddenly the pokemon hopped down from the Brave Olivines arena to jump down at the ramp, using its tail to flutter and break his fall, greeting the three returning trainers.

“I always forget why I hate going outside until I'm with you two…”

Dot groans, earning a light chuckle from Friede who caught the eye of Pikachu heading right towards him, hopping up onto his shoulder.

“Hey Cap, I take it nothing happened?”

Cap nodded its head, crossing its arms before glancing down at the two trainers with Friede. Dot spoke yet again, practically exhausted, laying down the second she reached the Deck of the ship.

“I knew Castelia City was huge but it was so packed! Like how does anyone get around that place!”

The Rising Volt Tacklers were stationed in Unova currently, it's certainly a bit out of the way from the crew's usual destinations but they've been taking pretty much any job they can get.

Usually the journey to Unova wouldn't be worth it unless it was really important but one of Friedes contacts was willing to pay big amounts which should've been enough to get everything back on track to continue their journey… There was just one issue.

“The city was nice but it's way too cramped for me…”

Liko spoke up, Sprigatito in her hands since letting her walk about herself in Castelia City was recipe for disaster, the grass type wasn't a huge fan of being held until it's tail was accidently stood on by a bystander, after that Sprigatito was more willing to be more cooperate. Doesn't help that the weather was kinda chilly too, something the cat hated.

The three headed inside to heat up slightly as Murdock made them all snacks after a hard day's work. Roy laid down on the arena, still unmoving, his breathing back to normal after it felt like he couldn't breathe during battle. 

The boy could feel his body fighting against the exhaustion, the more he laid down, the chances of his eyelids clamping down and forcing the boy to sleep. He then glanced at Wattrel before commanding the flying type to do something slightly unorthodox.

“Wattrel use spark”

Both pokemons eyes widened in shock, clearly against the idea but Roy simply gave through two a smile. Both pokemon knew it was forced but both understood his struggles, wanting to do their best for him.

“Don't worry, it doesn't hurt I promise, just a little jolt”

With that, Wattrel walked over to the boy and extended a wing to the boy, touching his arm before electricity shot out and spread to the boy. He had figured how to keep himself awake when he first began spending all his time training, a gust of wind sent Wattrel flying towards Roy. The problem? The pokemon  was using Spark so ended up colliding with him. 

It hurt like hell but after he got used to the pain, he felt kinda supercharged, he figured this was a good way to stop himself from sleeping.

To stop himself from seeing her lifeless body

In an instant, Roy shot up, feeling reinvigorated, stretching his arms and legs before giving both pokemon a smile. 

“See, it's just a little pick-me-up! Are you two ready to keep training? It's fine if you want to keep resting”

Roy offered, he'd be willing to push himself to an unhealthy degree but was not willing to make his pokemon do the same, Diana's words lingered on in his mind…

"Truthfully if you cause yourself to get injured, that's fine. You're the one to deal with the consequences, physically hurts but it's better on your conscience...”

He couldn't even handle the guilt already so even more would be unbearable, for some reason, even after two weeks, Roy still felt the same way, if anything it had gotten even worse. 

He managed to fall asleep when everyone went to the pokemon contest performance but he woke up in the middle of the night in a cold sweat. The nightmare he had was so vivid, it didn't happen, she was still alive and breathing but the sight of Liko on the floor, lifeless with everyone around her grieving. 

That single sight was engraved inside the boy's mind, it was like he was seeing some sort of twisted alternate universe where she suffered because of him. It felt so real, the feelings he felt that night were real, almost like Liko was actually gone. 

It had shook him to his very core, so much so that he practically sprinted out of his room in the middle of the night and dashed over to Liko’s room.

Entering it was an invasion of privacy, he hated himself for doing it but he needed to make sure she was okay… 

That she was alive…

That she was breathing…

What Roy saw was Liko, fast asleep in her bed. Not only that, Sprigatito was snuggled up next to Liko, Hatenna and Terapagos were cuddled up next to each other but what caught his eye was Fuecoco snuggled up next to Sprigatito, both Paldean starters sleeping in Liko's arms with Wattrel snuggled up between Terapagos and Hatenna.

“She's safe…” he muttered…

Roy just stared at the sight… In that moment, that guilt he felt was replaced with a heat that reached up to the boy's face. The sight of her, her pokemon and his pokemon was perfect…

He then did something he never thought he would, which was happening a lot tonight.

Roy crouched down, on the same level as Likos bed and held Likos free hand, wrapping his fingers with hand. He could feel her warmth, blood was flowing through her veins, he could feel a pulse. He looked ahead at her and noticed her light breathing…

She was safe…

For some unexplainable reason, unconsciously the girl reciprocated the motion and wrapped her fingers around his hand. It wasn't tight but it was enough to make the boy blush. Feeling the heat, he instantly let go of her hand, feeling guilty that he did something so weird…

Liko herself then caught his attention… Roy was never one to notice things like this, he never cared for things like this but for some reason when he saw the girl peacefully sleeping only one word came to mind…

Beautiful…

It surprised him but the second he made that thought, every memory with him and Liko changed… Everytime the two trained, hung out, motivated each other, fought alongside each other. He used to view those memories of them just being friends, but what if it wasn't?

Roy had to stop himself, these thoughts were ridiculous, why would someone like him feel like that for her. She was so out of reach. She was everything he wasn't and thensome. 

All he could do was be a stepping stone for her true goal… 

To help her achieve what she wanted and in order to do that?

He needed to be stronger…

He would protect everyone to make sure they could all sleep peacefully at night. Roy had more than overstayed his welcome, he still felt horrible for entering her room whilst she was sleeping but…

He needed to see her alive…

Ever since that day, he decided to distance himself from her, he almost got her hurt. The only way she couldn't ever do something like saving him at the risk of her life was to push her away, make her hate him…

Everytime Roy closed his eyes, the memory of her pushing him out of the way replayed over and over in his mind, like a broken record, it wouldn't ever stop! He just wanted it to all stop! 

Roy was brought back to present day, sighing as he glanced back at his worried pokemon before giving them that smile he'd been masquerading over the last 2 weeks

2 weeks…

It had been 2 weeks since he had spoken to Liko…

Roy was avoiding her, he hadn't gone on an adventure with the Rising Volt Tacklers ever since that night. Why would he? If the boy went then he wouldn't be able to get strong enough to protect everyone. He'd have to rely on Friede yet again, plus he'd have to speak with Liko who he was certain wanted answers from him.

It took every ounce of his being to ignore her on the off chance she was even around so staying with Liko and Friede all day? He'd crack.

Roy knew he was hurting her, when she thought he wasn't looking, he could see the hurt in her eyes, he could even see the disagreeing stares his own pokemon would give him.

That was good, if she hated him then she wouldn't even think about jumping in the way to save him. She might be sad now but this was for her own good… it was what's best for her, best for everyone.

Even though he knew the consequences of pushing her away, It didn't stop him from feeling lonely, he couldn't remember the last time he spoke to someone that wasn't one of his own pokemon or one of Friedes pokemon when training. 

Sure, at least multiple times a day, one of the adults would try to speak to him but he'd feign ignorance, telling them he was okay and that he just wanted to be prepared for Rayquaza next time around.

The only one who wouldn't was Diana, the two would only see each other late at night, on that very place on the deck where they spoke. She had told him she wasn't good with comforting someone so this was probably her only way of showing support for the boy. He appreciated it but he was fine.

Speaking of training, Roy glanced back down at his pokemon who were ready for more training, both of them looking more motivated than before. Even if they didn't agree with the way their trainer was going about things, the results were still there, they were getting stronger and had to get even more stronger.

Fuecoco and Wattrel eventually went over to their respective sides of the field with Roy in the centre, commanding both pokemon to attack.

“Fuecoco! Flamethrower! Wattrel dodge then Spark!”

The sun had set hours ago, the cool air from before had now turned cold but Roy didn't care, he would train day and night. Both his pokemon recovered quickly and he was able to push on through the exhaustion. Training during the day and strategizing through the night, Roy wouldn't ever be weak again.

_______________________

Liko was sat in her room, drying her hair with a towel after having taken a much needed shower, today's task was observing pokemon in the sewers so the three trainers needed to get rid of the unbearable smell. Friede had insisted on her to not come along for this job but had failed to mention why she shouldn't take part, if Liko knew she would've spent the day in the sewers, she would've opted to explore the city instead.

She was in her pyjamas with Terapagos and Hatenna already sleeping peacefully on the bed after all the pokemon that went to complete the assigned job were washed at the facility. For some reason they didn't have showers for people, luckily Charizard was able to soar directly to the Brave Olivine with Liko, Friede and Dot on its back.

Sprigatito was sitting on the desk beside Liko, waiting for her trainer. She hadn't been feeling the greatest lately and everyone could tell, even worse, they knew exactly what the cause was…

Well more specifically who the cause was…

She wasn't subtle even if she tried, the bluette was talking less and less during breakfast, was waking up late and getting early nights. She's even missed some Nidothing videos which were practically unheard of, Nidothings videos had helped her through her loneliness in the indigo academy…

So why weren't those videos helping with the loneliness she felt now? 

She wasn't speaking to him out of a lack of her trying mind you, whenever Roy saw her, he simply ignored any attempt she made to speak to him.

Dot had been going along with Friede and her more and more during the past few weeks, the crew were low on money so for the past two weeks, they've been taking up jobs which was helping them make money but this job in Unova was paying a good amount, it was just what they needed to continue their adventure.

Poor Dot felt like she had to tag along with her and Friede, Liko appreciated the sentiment and was always happy to hang out with her friend but Liko could tell Dot was forcing herself.

She tried to enjoy her time outside but the jobs were pretty physically demanding, usually being required to walk for hours and hours a day which was not Dot's forte. Liko wanted to hang out with the purple haired trainer but only when she was comfortable, not when she forced herself.

Liko was confused, the way Roy acted told her he didn't want anything to do with her anymore, it hurt and if she truly believed it to be the case, she would've demanded an explanation from the boy but one moment told her otherwise…

It was after she came back from the pokemon contest performances, it was the middle of the night and She was exhausted along with the pokemon with her. Liko saw Roys pokemon looking around uncomfortably, most likely not wanting to disturb their trainer sleeping so the girl offered her bed to the two pokemon, saying that she's certain her pokemon wouldn't mind. 

Liko glanced back at her pokemon who were too tired to even argue, assuming they were even against the idea. With that, when she entered the room, Liko headed into the toilet connected to her room and changed into her pyjamas, practically falling flat in her bed when she returned, thankfully the pokemon had left space for her. 

The pokemon slowly snuggled up beside her, the room was a bit cramped but Liko didn't mind, all she wanted was for the pokemon to feel comfortable.

During the night, she began shivering which worried Sprigatito who woke up, lightly tapping her trainer who seemed to be having a nightmare. Liko wished she could get the image out of her head, it was the sight of Roy if she never pushed him out of the way. 

He was lying unconscious on the floor, he was lifeless after the attack, it sent a shiver down the poor girl's spine which woke up the grass type. Upon seeing Liko struggling to get back to sleep, the cat walked over to Fuecoco who was on the end of the bed and woke him up. Sprigatito lightly called out at Fuecoco who listened to what the grass type had to say and nodded, waddling its way over to Likos arms, a warmth spreading throughout her body. 

The girl opened her now watering eyes to find Fuecoco and Sprigatito snuggled up in her arms, the warmth felt like a lifeline. That image in her head was so vivid but it also reinforced her beliefs to protect him, no matter the way he was acting, no matter how distant the two got, she would always protect him.

Just as she was about to finally secum to the abyss of sleep, she heard her door open. Liko's heart dropped at the sound however noticed Fuecocos strands of hair twitch slightly, the fire type only did that when Roy was nearby. Liko wasn't sure what to do, why was someone in her room this late at night?

Surely nothing good would come out of it. Liko was about to jump up and shout at whoever entered the room but two words stopped her.

“She's safe…”

It was barely a mutter but she knew exactly who it came from. What caused her to internally freak out was a sudden warmth enveloping her free hand, his fingers wrapped around her hand and almost instinctively…

She wrapped her fingers around his hand. 

For some reason Roy didn't notice it happening, she was glad it was dark otherwise he'd see the blush creep up onto her face. Liko opted to keep her eyes closed to create the illusion of her sleeping. When the boy let out the words, they sounded so worried, shaken…

Tired…

She had no idea why he entered her room that night but the way he said those two words weren't from someone who didn't care for her, it was from someone who was worried about her….

So why?

Why was he avoiding her?

Liko finished drying her hair with the towel but didn't bother to fix it up, she was gonna go to sleep anyway so there was no point in styling it. With her hair a bit ruffled, she headed to the dining room with Sprigatito beside her. Murdock had told them to get something to eat before sleeping and even though Liko wasn't feeling too hungry, she decided it best to at least get something down before bed…

When Liko reached the dining room, she was welcomed by Friede and Murdock, the latter serving her food with the former already having dug into his own food, an empty plate left in front of him. 

Liko took a few bites of her food, she wanted to stop, she didn't feel like eating but the taste and flavour was so enchanting, she couldn't resist, Sprigatito just curled up on the table. 

She must've been about halfway through her food before she noticed a plate of food in front of an empty seat. Liko called out to Murdock who had been talking with Friede, the girl usually tuned out when those two were talking but as the man glanced at Liko for a moment, she asked him about the plate.

“Is that plate of food for Dot? Why isn't she here yet?”

Liko asked, which made Friede and Murdock to glance at each other, almost debating on whether they should answer or not but Murdock sighed before speaking, worry seeping from his tone.

“Well… No. Dot tends to eat in her room as you know. That plate is for Roy…”

Liko suddenly froze at the mention of the boy, everyone knew the two weren't talking, that Roy was avoiding her, it was a sore subject to bring up. Liko however wasn't satisfied with the answer and pushed further.

“It's still out? Shouldn't he have eaten earlier since he's been on the ship all day?”

To say she was confused would be the understatement of the century, the bluette wasn't sure what to think of this until Murdock spoke again.

“Well… I was just hoping if I left the food out, he'd eat something. He hasn't been eating my cooking ever since we ran into the Black Rayquaza”

Liko paused in her tracks… Was he not eating? She understood him wanting to get stronger, she couldn't imagine what he must've been feeling that day, to have a chance at his goal ripped away from him but this didn't explain the way he was acting to her…

Liko looked at the time, it was well past midnight, pretty late for her even before she started heading to bed early. She looked at Friede and speaking up, determination in her voice.

“Where is he now?”

“Training, apparently he's been at it all day.”

Friede pointed a finger up to the roof, referencing the arena; however once she was told, she suddenly stood up.

“I'll go get him”

Liko was fed up with him avoiding her, one way or another, she was going to get an answer. She tried to give him space and was willing to give him as much as he needed at first. 

But over the two weeks, she's started to miss him. Truthfully a part of her had been afraid to confront him at risk of tearing apart what little friendship they had left, talking to him might just cement her fear but enough was enough.

She wanted answers…

Before Friede or Murdock could stop her, she already bolted out the door with Sprigatito following behind.

Liko entered the elevator and pressed the button to go to the observation deck of the Brave Olivine. She looked down to see Sprigatito looking at the girl in worry, trying to get her trainer's attention.

“What is it Sprigatito?”

Liko crouched down as the elevator begun moving, shaking slightly as yet again, the cat lets out a light meow, to the untrained eye, you wouldn't believe able to understand the pokemon but Liko could always figure out what her very first pokemon was saying.

Their bond had grown since they first met.

“Honestly? I'm not sure but I… I kinda just want to see him. I won't let him walk away this time”

It seemed that answer satisfied the cat as it purred, looking at the doors now opening up, revealing the observation deck and through the glass paned doors, she could see Roy, Fuecoco and Wattrel training. Sparks of electricity and embers of flames clashing as both pokemon continued their battle

As Liko opened the door, a sudden gust of wind swept by her, making the girl shiver at how cold it was. She looked down at Sprigatito, holding out the grass types pokeball, motioning if it wanted to head into the ball but the cat shook its head.

“Fuecoco! Use Flamethrower and keep it going! Wattrel power through it and strike with Spark!”

Roy called out, his voice sounded the same but the way he spoke, it was so calculated, the complete antithesis to the boy himself.

Both pokemon pulled out their attacks, Fuecoco unleashing and even stronger Flamethrower with Wattrel just flying right through it, it's body covered in the bright light of spark and striking the crocodile, knocking it back as the bird landed back onto its side of the arena, its body slightly singed as steam was escaping it's body. Fuecoco had sparks appear from its own body, causing both pokemon to enter a standstill.

Liko took each step down, Roy was turned away from her, focusing on the battle but as he looked at both pokemon, he decided that they trained enough this session.

“Great work you two. That's enough for now, take a 10 minute break.”

Roy pulled out a bag of pokemon food from his pockets and handed it over to the two pokemon, waddling over to the boy and digging into their food. Liko took some steps forward but stopped, he hadn't noticed her yet and she didn't want to startle him.

Lucky for her, Fuecoco saw her in the corner of his eye and smiled, running over to the girl all excitedly which earned a smile from Liko, Sprigatito and Fuecoco danced around one another for a moment as Roy turned around, confused.

“Fuecoco? What's going…on…”

Roy saw her, the wind blowing through her hair, giving Fuecoco a smile as she then stared at the boy directly in the eyes. She wasn't smiling, her mouth was straight but he could see in her eyes, she was hurt and now her patience was at it's limit…

He was ready for an argument…

But one never came to pass, eventually her features softened.

Liko looked at Roy, she was still angry, she wanted answers but when she saw the boy's face…

It was clear as the night sky that he wasn't in the best headspace and was dealing with it in an unhealthy way. His mouth was slightly agape, shallow breaths entering and leaving his body, his eye bags even worse than they were last she saw him… 

But it was the way he looked at her…

Roy looked at Liko like she would shatter right in front of him.

Neither of them spoke, the wind blowing all around them, the moonlight illuminating both trainers. The two were in a trance, a shared sense of longing building up inside the two, they desperately wanted to speak to one another but Liko couldn't make the words leave her chest and Roy had refused to even acknowledge her for the past two weeks, so why would he bother now?

The three pokemon were stood in between the trainers, the paldean pokemon glanced at each other with slight worry. Pokemon in general had an uncanny sixth sense, especially with their own trainers or people they were close with and they could sense the feelings between the two, it wasn't something that could just be fixed…

Liko suddenly shivered at the constant light breeze, Unova was a cold region and being outside in pyjamas wasn't the greatest idea. The girl shuddered and rubbed the sides of her arms with her hands, crossing them but refusing to break eye contact.

Liko opened her mouth, trying to say something but ironically Roy spoke first, after having avoided talking to her for the past two weeks, he was the first one to break the silence…

What he said however, riled up the girl.

“Go inside Liko, it's too cold to be dressed like that…”

Liko knew he was right, she was in shorts and a pretty thin white sweater, the wind blew right through it. These were pyjamas, made to be worn when under a blanket, not to be out in the open. She could feel the goosebumps on her skin.

Roy turned around, eyeing both his pokemon who nodded, turning back to Liko with an apologetic look as they ran back over to their trainer in the middle of the field, ready to begin training once again.

Roy expected her to turn around, to walk away. He knew Liko hated confrontation and was using it against her, the knowledge of how well he knew her against the girl. Liko was outright angry at this, this whole time Roy has been thinking of pretty much everything he could to get her to not talk to him.

If she turned around and walked away, she'd be giving up on their friendship…their bond. Even if he gave up on them, she would fight through thick and thin to stay by his side. Part of her was hurt that Roy wouldn't do the same…

Liko would've been even angrier but she's been thinking the exact same way, if he was going to play dirty and use his knowledge of her feelings against her, then she'd do the same and use the exact same tactic against him.

“No”

It was short and simple, Roy turned around in surprise as the girl just looked away, pouting slightly as she sat down on the cold… the very cold floor. She didn't regret the feeling behind the act but as her bare legs touched the cold Arena, it felt a shiver up her spine.

“No?”

Roy sounded confused, surely she knew he was going to be outside most of the night? She was bound to get sick.

“Nope”

She said yet again, her arms crossed as she sat on the floor. It was cold, very cold but she wouldn't budge, she'd even get sick so that she could talk to him. In fact she counted on that exact fact, Roy hated seeing the people he cared about hurt in any sort of way, he was always protective which she'd always say is a positive about him but in this case, if would be his downfall.

They were at a stalemate, Roy wouldn't talk to her so in turn Liko wouldn't move from her spot and she'd get sick, she knew he still cared about her, that night he came into her room proved it.

“Fine!”

“Fine!”

Both of them turned their heads away from each other, Roy readjusting his focus and attention on training with Liko looking up and began staring at the stars, it's not something she'd do often but she needed something to pass the time.

Fuecoco and Wattrel were locked in battle, Roy was completely focused, ordering attacks on both sides of the field. All was good at the start however something begun clawing it’s way in the back of his mind, she was still outside! She was going to get sick! Why was she being stubborn!

Can't she see he's trying to help her?

Then he heard it…

A sneeze from her.

Roy turned back to the now embarrassed girl, she was covering her mouth as the cold temperatures caused her face to flush with warmth, her nose and under her eyes were red, he could see her shivering.

Unfocused however, his two pokemon were still training, locked in combat as Fuecoco launched a Flamethrower. Wattrel managed to dodge the attack in time however that wasn't all, the attack was headed right towards the boy, who's attention was shifted to the shivering girl behind him.

“LOOK OUT!”

She screamed out, the singing flames headed right towards his face, Roy instantly understood as his eyes were suddenly focused on the situation, dodge rolling out of the way, he barely was able to dodge the flames, landing before glancing at his two pokemon.

Wattrel and Fuecoco had stopped fighting and looked guilty, Roy gave the two a smile and a thumbs up, reassuring the two he was fine but he was interrupted by the sounds of a coughing fit.

Roys attention was returned to the girl as she begun coughing, the boy mentally berated himself at letting her get sick. He shouldn't be talking to her, he promised himself he wouldn't but just this one time, for her sake, he'd make an exception.

Liko was freezing, she had hoped the risk of someone he cared about getting sick would get him to speak to her but apparently she misjudged him… Maybe that night was him saying goodbye to their friendship? Her coughs eventually vanished as Sprigatito jumped onto her lap, worriedly looking up at her trainer, calling out to her.

What Sprigatito saw was tearful eyes as Liko looked down at the cat. Maybe their friendship was truly over? Did she do this to Roy? Did she do something so bad that it made him never want to speak to her again?

Just as tears begun dropping, Liko curled up, holding the cat tightly. 

Maybe it was truly over? Her first friend was gone…

Sprigatito worriedly kept calling out to her trainer, desperately trying to get the girl to stop crying, however before it could get worse, Liko felt something drape over her shoulder.

“This should keep you warm, come on let's go inside”

Liko looked up and saw Roy looking down at her, offering an outstretched hand but something was strange. He didn't have his jacket on anymore, instead she touched her shoulders and felt the jacket was now on her…

Roy turned back at Fuecoco and in that moment Liko quickly wiped her tears.

She didn't understand what the boy motioned at but it seemed the fire type did, running over and jumping into Liko's arms. She didn't understand at first but as she held onto the happy fire type, she could feel it's warmth spreading onto her. 

Sprigatito was also curled up next to the fire type, Liko barely managing to hold the two pokemon in one arm as she used her other free hand to accept Roys hand.

As their hands wrapped around each other, she couldn't help but think of the night he did the same to her… Weirdly it felt nice.

“Thanks…”

Liko was barely able to let out as Roy nodded at her, Wattrel flew onto the boy's shoulder as they headed inside, Fuecoco and Sprigatio in her arms. 

The short elevator ride was awkward, Liko felt her face flush with Roy not even able to look in the girls direction. She was glad that he still cared, that he was still thinking about her but she wanted answers.

She'd have to get answers another night however, Likos goal was to make sure Roy had eaten, so she took the lead and headed to the dining room. Suddenly Dot opened the door, startling both the trainers, causing them to yelp in surprise as the two leaned on one another.

“Huh? Oh Liko! Roy! Are you two talking again?”

“Not exa-”

Roy tried to answer, Liko looked at him, still feeling kind of hurt at his answer but Dot had other plans

“Great, things were getting depressing around here, anyway I've got a date with me and some doughnuts!”

Dot was practically hypnotised by the sweet treats, she had a whole plate of them to herself and sped right past the two, not giving either of them the chance to explain the situation.

Roy and Liko stared at each other before the boy broke slightly, letting out a small laugh with Liko in turn letting out a light giggle. The two leaned into one another as they laughed, whether is was on purpose or subconsciously wasn't important, after the weeks of stress the two were going through, they needed to relax.

Liko entered the room, Sprigatito and Fuecoco jumping from her hold as the girl opened the door. She looked back at Roy, worried she'd have to convince him to come in but for her relief, he entered of his own volition, getting a plate for the pokemon and pouring in some food for the three, who happily dug into the treats, especially since Sprigatito hadn't been able to finish her food earlier.

Liko then opened the fridge, hoping that Friede or Murdock put Roys food inside before they headed to bed but luckily it was front and centre. Roy sat down in a seat as Liko placed the plate of food in front of him, the boy looked at her in surprise, speaking up as the girl sat adjacent to him.

“Thanks but I'm not hungry”

His stomach in turn betrayed the boys words, rumbling right after he said that, causing the girl to give Roy an unimpressed look as she handed him a fork, speaking with some sharpness to her voice.

“Don't lie to me Roy. Murdock told me you didn't eat today”

The tone of her words startled the boy, she was certainly angry at him but this felt like a different anger. Roy has seen Liko get angry or even annoyed and it was never like this, surely it could be because he's the target of her anger but he couldn't quite figure out why it felt different.

He just knew it was something else.

Feeling like he was defeated, Roy begrudgingly dug into his food, even worse? It was amazing. Of course it was, Murdock had made it so there was no way it'd ever be bad. Roy was eating slower than usual, he hasn't been feeding himself properly for so long so having real food was a nice change of pace. 

The boy still thought he could be training instead of wasting time eating, snacks were enough to energise him.

“Why have you been avoiding me?”

Liko’s tone was softer, she was angry at him for sure but she was even more worried about him. Roy hated it, he didn't deserve her kindness…

“I need to get stronger, Rayquaza didn't even bat an eye at me. I can't be the same I was before”

Roy decided to skirt around his true feelings, he didn't want anyone finding out, especially not Liko. The girl thought for a moment but didn't believe it was the sole reason, it left too much unexplained.

“That doesn't explain why you've been both worried about me…avoiding me.”

Roy's eyes widened, how on earth did she know he was worried about her. It must've been a lucky guess, or a bluff? Either way he had to shut it down.

“What makes you say tha-”

“I was awake when you went into my room, i heard what you said”

Liko had gained a newfound confidence for some reason, sadly it was short lived as the most unexpected thing happened, her mind might have been playing tricks on her but she could've sworn she saw a blush creep up onto his face.

Liko couldn't hide her own blush from forming, she's never really had to deal with emotions like this before, since when did Roy of all people manage to bring them out? 

As she thought back to all of their moments together, the memories between them began to change for the her. What were once memories of friends training, hanging out, motivating and fighting alongside each other soon became one's of something potentially much more…

The weirdest part? She didn't hate the idea either, dare she say even a part of her liked the idea…

“I care Liko, more than you'll ever know”

Roy admitted, he got through a decent chunk of the food, he got up and placed the plate back in the fridge as he called over to his pokemon. His words echoed in Liko's ears, she felt relieved, he did care, he did value her just as much as she valued him.

Liko stood up and stared at Roy in the eyes, his magenta eyes. 

Roy in turn stared back at her light turquoise eyes.

The pokemon looked up at the two in confusion, giving one another questioning looks. Roy sighed and broke contact, walking past Liko with his two pokemon following him, looking back at Liko.

“Goodnight Liko…”

“Wait!”

Likos held his hand, stopping him from walking off as he turned around. They both felt the warmth in their hands, neither not wanting to let go but they couldn't stay like this forever. Liko spoke up, her voice sounding almost broken.

“Please…I miss talking to you, seeing you”

Roy did not want to talk about this, he had too much on his mind, letting his emotions and hopeful thoughts get the better of him was not something he wanted to sink to. Regrettably, he pulled his hand away, breaking contact as Roy turned back to the girl.

Realising she might've gone too far, Liko decided to reel her emotions back in. Still she didn't want him going out to train this late, the girl took off his jacket that was on her shoulder and went to hand it back to him but he shook his head.

“Keep it, it's my fault you got sick up there”

It was small but it was his way to make up for what he did to her. Liko shook her head in disagreement, saying how she it to herself but the two didn't go down thay rabbit hole, instead Liko asked one more question.

“You're not going back to train are you?”

“N-No…”

With that, Liko let him go. The bluette let out a yawn as she saw herself off, Sprigatito walking next to her as she waved goodnight, telling him one last thing.

“Our talk isn't over Roy, I'm still angry at you…”

With that she left, leaving the boy standing there, alone with his thoughts. His guilt in his chest got even more painful, his hopes of pushing her away just resulted in them talking again, he couldn't even last two weeks without her…

The guilt of him lying to her got to him, he knew what she meant when she asked if he was going back to train, if he went, she would too and the cycle would repeat…

He appreciated the sentiment, it even made him feel warm inside but he needed to get stronger for everyone else's sake…

For her…

With that, Roy and his pokemon headed back up, continuing to train. Pushing themselves to the limit.

_______________________

Everyone was worried about Roy, it was only natural, the energetic boy seemed almost like a completely different person. Friede had spoken to her about his concerns, asking her if she knew anything about what he was going through.

Molly wasn't certain, she didn't know what Roy was feeling. The past two weeks were stressful for everyone, sure there was moments of relaxation but those were few and far between. 

She swears, these kids are gonna be the death of one of them.

With that being said, Molly could always rely on sleep to relax. It wasn't often someone got injured, most of the time it was a pokemon needing to stay overnight so she could check up on it in the morning. 

During the night though no-one had ever gotten hurt.

The night let Molly sleep, she knew she wasn't going to be bothered. Travelling with the Rising Volt Tacklers for the last few years proved this…until now.

It was an ungodly time when Molly was woken up by sharp tapping at her room's window. Groaning in annoyance, she used the pillow to cover her ears, figuring it was just some curious wild pokemon but it didn't relent, it kept on going and going until Molly frustratingly got up from her bed and looked at the window.

There she saw a flying type pokemon was trying to get her attention, it was dark so she couldn't recognise it so after splashing her face with some water and turning on the light in her room, stirring Chansey in its sleep.

Once light entered the room, Molly instantly recognised the pokemon.

It was a Wattrel, she thought it was strange, Wattrels were not native to Unov-

“Wattrel?”

The cogs in her brain finally clicked, she was so dazed she barely even realised it was Roys pokemon…

The look on its face was filled with worry before repeatedly looking up, flapping its wings to keep it in place before flying to the top of the ship. Molly knew exactly where the pokemon was going. 

Putting on some sliders, the pinkette rushed to the Arena.

The elevator up was tense, what on earth could've possessed Wattrel to wake her up at such an ungodly hour? As the doors opened her question was answered. Rushing out onto the arena, Molly saw Fuecoco and Wattrel panicking. She wasn't sure why until she got closer and saw Roy laying on the floor, unconscious.

Switching into gear, Molly instantly went to work, checking his pulse which seemed healthy enough but the second she placed her ear to Roys mouth, she instantly knew the boy wasn't breathing properly. 

Each breath more laboured than the last, the boy was wincing in pain, clutching the side of his waist. Lifting up his shirt, she noticed a pretty sizable and nasty wound, it seemed like his skin was slightly singed but this wasn't done with fire, she could tell.

Molly noticed the sunset finally beginning to rise, Roy needed a proper place to rest where he could get proper treatment. With all her might, she managed to pick the boy up but a new concern jumping into her mind…

Why was he so light?

She instantly managed to answer the question, she's seen this before, the boy must've been practically starving himself which worried Molly even further. One of these things she noticed could've been classed as a mistake… but all of them at the same time.

The starvation?

The hidden injury?

The exhaustion?

He was punishing himself for something…

She couldn't think about that right now, Molly got the boy onto her back and took him to the infirmary. Fortunately most of his problems were something she was able to deal with, the mental side of things there was well out of her realm of knowledge. Just one question entered her mind.

Why had he done this to himself?

Chapter Text

Last night was strange… Liko couldn't quite put her finger on why. 

She should be happy, the two of them were talking again and she even felt a little less lonely because of it.

Liko had only realised it when speaking to Roy last night but during the past two weeks, for some reason she felt lonely without him by her side.

It wasn't a normal feeling for her, she wasn't exactly the most sociable girl out there, the bluette loved being alone just as much as she did being with people.

So why did she feel this way? 

You'd think it was because the boy with the red tuft of hair was actively avoiding her but no, him avoiding her wasn't making her feel this way.

She didn't know when it was but eventually it started to affect her day to day thinking. The thought of him all cooped up and alone, not talking to anyone, focused on one single goal, pushing everyone away.

It wasn't like him, he hated to be alone, he hated hurting the people close to him. Whatever he was becoming she didn't like one bit because it wasn't true to himself… it wasn't the Roy she's come to know. 

The Roy she knew would've never ignored her, he wouldn't have pushed everyone away. But something happened…something made him change and she doesn't know what, it couldn't have just been because of Rayquaza.

The girl stared blankly at the ceiling as she laid in her bed. They spoke yesterday but it didn't feel normal. It felt like they barely knew each other, that he was pushing her further and further away. It wasn't him, this wasn't the same boy she met back on the island, the same one who comforted her…

He didn't care anyone, he didn't care about her anymore, all signs pointed towards that outcome but he always does something that shows he he still cares. Making sure she's okay, comforting her… 

Telling her she's important. 

It wasn't the first time either, there was one other moment between them, a memory that Liko keeps close to her chest. She missed the boy's warm excitement but the memories between them helped alleviate the cold left in his wake.

She remembers the talk between them almost clear as day.

It was late at night, in fact it was the very same night he couldn't sleep. It was the day he joined the Rising Volt Tacklers when the two of them shared a sombre moment.

____________________

The Black Rayquaza was powerful, the dragon type didn't directly attack them but it appearing was nothing short of a miracle. 

Both her and Roy tried to fight but Ceruledge was simply too much of an overwhelming force, their strongest combined attack wasn't even able to phase the dual bladed pokemon. Sprigatito and Fuecoco were down, about to be finished off…

That was when he ran and she called his name…

Roy was in danger and she desperately wanted to save him, he was running right into danger.

Liko clutched onto her pendant, gasping for breath as she ran across the coastline, sand getting in her shoes and dust kicking up from Roys steps in front of her. She could barely see but knew that he was in danger, the kind boy who saved her from the wild pokemon, befriended Fuecoco and swore he wouldn't let the explorers take her treasure…

As she ran, hair a mess, sweating and exhausted, she begged for whatever force laid dormant in the pendant to help her. This time not to save her… but to save him, she had just met the boy but she just wanted to at least do something right, to help someone.

The Rising Volt Tacklers were always there to protect her, defend her, to keep her company and that continued with Roy… Liko hated it, she didn't want to be a liability that needed to be looked after, someone who couldn't hold her own.

She didn't hate being protected, it was a nice feeling, to have friends that care so strongly for one another but she hated how it made her feel weak.

It was late, the Brave Olivine had long since left the island, Roy having now joined the crew.

Liko was getting ready for bed, it had been a long day and she was exhausted, the bluette was ready to end the day and just as she was about to finally go to sleep, she heard some faint knocking at the door.

*knock*

*knock*

*knock*

“Come in?”

Liko practically shot up, she was confused, who on earth wanted to see her at this time. Her response was more a question than a statement, she probably should've asked who it was but as the door opened, she saw Fuecoco stroll in with Roy standing at the door.

“Roy?”

It was barely a whisper, what little light from the window was emanating a light blue hue onto the boy, the moon was out and it was shining its light on him. He looked cautious, like he was overstepping a boundary which was probably the case. That's what Liko thought at least but it really didn't bother her, she just wanted to get some sleep.

“Ummm…I can't really….”

Roy stumbled on his words whilst scratching the back of his head. He didn't have his jacket nor his hat on, only a vest and shorts, Liko assumed them to be his sleeping clothes like she had with her shorts and white sweater.

Roy wasn't really looking at her, he was looking down at the floor, almost ashamed at what he was doing but Liko recognised the look in his eyes. She remembers her first night sleeping at the dormitories of the Indigo academy, it took her a decent while to get used to sleeping away from home. 

Roy then turned around with Fuecoco looking at him, he apologised.

“I'm sorry, I shouldn't have come. Night Liko”

The boy was about to leave, the door almost closing behind him but Liko spoke faster.

“Struggling to sleep?”

Roy slowly turned his head, a faint red tint appearing on his face, he was embarrassed but eventually sighed in defeat, laughing to himself a bit after.

“Um… Yeah…”

He admitted with a dry chuckle as Liko smiled at him, it seemed the two had something in common. Roy saw the smile and let out a breath he seemed to be holding in, Liko leaned up on the side of the bed, back against the wall and tapped the spot next to her, motioning him to sit down.

Roy gave her a smile of gratitude, sitting down next to her as Fuecoco jumped up onto the bed, snuggling its way next to Sprigatito sleeping on the end of the bed.

“Those two get along.”

Roy noticed with Liko humming in agreement. The boy glanced over to the girl beside him, he could tell she was tired.

“Thanks for letting me stay…”

“You're welcome…”

They sat there in silence for a while, it was some much needed peace after the exhausting day they had. The gentle rocking of the Brave Olivine helped the two of them relax too, their shoulders were inches away from touching as Liko let out a yawn, covering her mouth in embarrassment. Roy chuckled at the sight before looking down at his hands, worry filling his features.

“Why couldn't you sleep?”

Liko gently asked, she didn't want to sleep and leave Roy awake next to her so she decided to make conversation with the boy, both to help distract him and to keep herself awake. Roy paused for a moment, like he was debating to speak but after a comfortable silence, he finally spoke, barely a whisper.

“I've just never really slept away from home…

I've slept in my tree house a few times or even outside but never so far away from home…

I don't know how to describe it… 

Its kinda-”

“-Scary?”

Liko finished his sentence, Roy gave her a small nod before the two of them glanced back at their now sleeping pokemon, comfortably snuggled up against each other with Liko whispering, not wanting to make too much noise.

“I felt the same way back at Indigo Academy. It was a bit scary being so far away from home and having to sleep by myself. Though I had Ann to help me.”

Liko remembered her first few nights, barely able to get to sleep. She even fell asleep in a class due to it but Ann offered to stay up a little bit late to make Liko feel more comfortable.

Liko at first denied the idea but the brown haired girl said she needed to get her homework done, she was always saving it for the last moment. And for some reason It worked, the light typing of her laptop, the scribbles of her drawing books and the quiet music Ann played helped Liko get used to sleeping away from home.

It made her feel less alone, like whenever her dad played music whilst drawing or when her mum was awake in the other room, typing away at her computer.

“Ann?”

Liko forgot Roy didn't know her, now that she thought about it, the two of them seemed like they'd get along.

“Mhmm, she's my roommate back at the academy. I could do the same for you actually”

Liko offered, the boy seemed almost a bit unsure about it but then the girl gave him a smile and even though it was way past the middle of the night…

Her smile was almost blinding to him.

“I guess it wouldn't hurt…”

Roy nodded his head with Liko smiling at him, then she spoke yet again. Truthfully she had no idea how to help him but she figured if she could distract him by making conversation with him, he'd be able to sleep.

And so the two got to talking, finding out a lot about each other. Liko found out Roy was born in Kanto, that his parents were on some sort of work voyage but hadn't been seen in a few years and that he liked to watch Nidothing.

Roy in turn learned that the Indigo Academy was based in Kanto, that Liko was actually Paldean and that her dad was an artist with her mother being a teacher, It also explained why Liko was sent away for school for school. Liko's mum wanted the best education for her child.

It was fun, Liko was having fun talking to Roy and the boy in turn begun to feel more relaxed. The two had to keep their voices low so as to not wake the sleeping pokemon but they got to know each other more. They seemed to be talking for almost hours at that point, the two of them were tired but wanted to keep going. 

Eventually the atmosphere got more intense…

Maybe it was the exhaustion…

But suddenly Liko began to open up a little bit more, she wasn't good at holding in her feelings and Roy was there to witness that, the blank expression the girl had as she stared down at the Pendant, holding it in her hand.

“I… I feel kind of useless travelling with the Rising Volt Tacklers…”

Roy didn't reassure her, how could he? He had only been a member for less than twenty four hours… but he did push the topic a bit further.

“What do you mean?”

Liko sighed, another yawn escaping her but this time she couldn't even find the energy to feel embarrassed. She wanted to stop, the boy was dealing with his own issues but here she was making it about herself…

“It's just that… Well I can't battle. I keep on needing Friede to protect me and of course I'm grateful for that but I feel useless…

I want to help too…”

She wasn't going to cry, she refused to. Instead she clutched onto the pendant since to her, it was the only reason she was even important, without it she was nothing. Roy glanced down at the pendant and then to Liko's eyes before placing his hand on top of her hand, the very same one clutching onto the pendant.

“You saved me though.”

Liko spun her head towards Roy, eyes watering slightly as the words echoed in her ears. She didn't even care about how tightly she was grasping his hand. The bluette didn't believe the boy, that was just the pendant that protected him…

…not her…

“It wasn't me. The pendant protected you…”

She didn't believe him, he was just saying things. All she’s been so far is a burden to everyone, to the crew, even to Sprigatito. Roy listened to her denial, letting out a small chuckle, staring right into her blue turquoise eyes, the tears being held back made them sparkle…

“Isn't the pendant your treasure? Yeah it's the thing that protected me but it only did because of you. If anything-”

Roy used his free hand to reach down into his pocket and bring out the ancient pokeball.

“-I caused more issues for everyone. You're the reason I didn't get hurt. If you were useless then I wouldn't be here…”

Liko gave the boy a smile, wiping away her tears as she thanked him. Somehow he managed to calm her down and help her believe in herself, surely it was some sort of superpower right? 

In a world full of strange things like an ice cream pokemon, a garbage bag pokemon and even pokemon capable of distorting time and space, somehow even through all that, Roy being able to help her from letting the dark thoughts loom was something she thought seemed unnatural…

“T-Thanks…”

She sniffled slightly with Roy smiling at her and nodding his head. Though part of him felt wrong, he shouldn't have been here to see her in such a state, she shouldn't trust someone she just met so much…

He supposes he should return the gesture and open up a bit.

“I've been alone most of my life. You're actually my first real friend Liko.”

The girl was stunned, she couldn't have imagined that someone as extroverted as him felt like that…

Liko could relate, the more she spoke with Roy the more and more she realised they had more similarities than differences. But at the same time, they were polar opposites.

“Really?”

Liko sounded like she was in disbelief, Roy could hear it and he let out a sad smile, looking down at the two pokemon sleeping.

“Yeah… Most of the kids on the island are too young for me to speak to. The pokemon are great but… well there's only so much you can speak about with them. I was fine with it… 

Well until I met you…”

Even through her exhaustion, Liko felt her face flush, seriously twice in a row he's pulled a stunt like this. The moment between the two of them felt like one of those romance movies that her dad loved to watch… 

Though she knew better than to assume Roy thought the same.

“Why me? I'm just… well me.”

Part of her felt herself go flush but the other part of her didn't know why she'd be the reason Roy wanted to change. After all she's just your typical standard girl…right?

“That's the point Liko, I've been thinking and if it was anyone else I don't think I'd be as excited. You're kind and brave, even when you were scared, you fought on.

I want to be like you because you're someone reliable.”

Liko was at a loss for words, never in her life had someone said such things about her. At school she was always the quiet girl, at home she was always the passive girl, even with the crew she was always just the newbie…

But to him she was reliable…

Eventually exhaustion took them both, Liko was the first to fall asleep, leaning her head onto Roys shoulder and the boy tilted his head into hers. They didn't even realise it but they eventually fell asleep on each other, their hands still holding one another.

Liko woke up the next morning with Roy gone, he left a note.

“Thanks for last night, it really helped. 

You're more important than you'll ever know, remember that.”

_________________________

Liko smiled at the memory, it was the first time he truly managed to make her feel better but there was something else in that memory which hurt her. That loneliness she was feeling got even worse, she's never felt this way about someone before. Most stints of loneliness barely lasted a few hours but this time around it hadn't stopped.

For almost two weeks it's been clawing away at her.

That's when Liko realised…this sense of loneliness came from deeper within her heart, it wasn't something she could just simply push down and wait for it to pass.

It was strange, she's never felt this way before about anyone. Sure whenever Sprigatito would get annoyed at her, it'd hurt but the two of them always pushed on through.

This situation was different, she didn't feel this way after joining the Rising Volt Tacklers. The first day on the ship was stressful but after they got Sprigatito back, the crew travelled for a few days and not once did that sinking feeling of loneliness hit her, not like it did with Roy. 

Everything was fine, she was happy talking and getting to know everyone aboard the Brave Olivine, learning everyone's little quirks. Like Murdocks obsession with making sweet treats, Friede’s annoying habit to withhold information and Ludlow always fishing. Like seriously she can't remember the last time he actually caught something but he was always out there, day and night. Did he even sleep?

It was fun, she'd never met such drastically varying personalities before, let alone all in one place but they all made sure she never felt alone.

But then everything changed when she met Roy.

Back when the ship needed repairs, they had to land the ship on a small island in kanto.

Poor Orla had been up all night trying to patch up the holes but then Roy offered to help, all because he knew she called that ship home. The boy proved himself to everyone else when the both of them tried to fight Amethio, granted they lost but he refused to let the older teen get his way.

Liko just laid in bed, the sunlight beaming through the window, illuminating the room in a golden tint. Her pokemon sleeping beside her, their chests rising as they took their breaths.

The girl pulled out her phone, looking back at all the photos that Roy had taken everyone on their adventures. She found herself looking at the pictures more and more during the two weeks, it felt like the only way Liko could even see him. The more she scrolled through them, each one reminding her of all the adventures they had up until that point.

Liko was never one to reminisce about the past often, she liked to go down memory lane every now and then but never as a means of coping with whatever was currently happening.

Liko came to learn that distance does indeed make the heart grow fonder.

As she scrolled through the pictures, the girl breathing out an exhausted sigh. Not because of a lack of sleep mind you, in fact the sleep she had that night was the best she had in the last 2 weeks. 

It was probably thanks to finally speaking to him again last night.

But it wasn't enough, even yesterday there was still thay air of tension between the two. She just wanted things to go back to how things used to be but it seemed he wanted to move ahead without her…

Each photo reminded her of their adventures together, making Curry in the wild area of the Galar region. Both of them training against Kabu, everyone making their own sandwiches at the picnic. Every happy moment she had with the Rising Volt Tacklers, he was always by her side, at this point it felt like second nature.

Liko was used to being by herself, it was something she'd come to accept many many years ago and was happy with, but that feeling slowly changed. She no longer felt alone, she had someone she could rely on, someone to trust and have her back.

She was used to that feeling of warmth that came from being around him, the two of them were almost inseparable and he always helped her feel just that much warmer.

It wasn't fair, just when she was getting used to the warmth Roy brought, he took that away from her. When he stopped even acknowledging her, she felt a coldness fill her body. It didn't feel good, she hated it but there was nothing she could do about it, it confused her, why did Roy avoiding her hurt this much.

She knew it was going to hurt to an extent, she always imagined that losing a friend would've never been easy, she's never experienced it before. Part of her preparing herself for that eventually but even after having an idea that it was coming, she didn't know the pain would be so unbearable… 

How was he doing this to her? 

How could he do this to her?

Liko might've been happy speaking to him last night but she was still angry, she just wanted it to all stop, that whatever she was feeling would vanish as his warmth returned to her.

That's when it hit her… She was used to being alone, she'd spent most of her life by herself and appreciated it…

What she wasn't used to however was feeling so lonely…

The closest she felt to being this way was during her time living in the dormitories of the Indigo Academy. Liko wasn't exactly the most sociable girl, Ann was the one who really carried the conversations between the two of them or even with the other students. It was perfect, Ann loved to talk and Liko loved to listen, it's how their friendship evolved so quickly.

But Ann wasn't always by her side, the brown haired girl was always the more gifted of the two when it came to pokemon, instantly getting the attention of everyone in their classes. She was the upcoming trainer who had the chance to compete in pokemon leagues. Battles between the best of the best in pokemon battles, she was obviously going to be the more well liked of the two, especially now that she was away most of the time.

Liko was ecstatic for her, Ann had a fiery spirit worthy of the opportunities given to her, there was even a rumour going around that she was chosen for something special though after being asked, the girl admitted she wasn't allowed to speak on it. 

The difference between Ann not being around and Roy not being around wasn't lost on her. Liko just didn't know why he was able to make her feel this way. Just as easy as Roy could calm her down and alleviate her stress, he could just as easily make her feel lonely, anxious and downright angry.

The thought felt taboo to her, Liko did a lot of things but she never lashed out.

It wasn't something she was used to, the frustration and stress building up, causing her to take it out on Friede. She saw the look on everyone's faces, they didn't expect it from her and it felt like they were judging her, she knew that was a stupid thought but her insecurities got the better of her, whispering dark thoughts in her ears…

They didn't need her…

She was just a job for them…

Why would anyone care?

It took many sleepless nights for those thoughts to quieten down… It wasn't fair, Roy was doing this to her, he was making her feel this way.

She should be furious at him, she should want to push him away, to tell him to never speak to her again… But she doesn't…

She misses him…

She desperately wants to reach out to him but there's only so much she could do when he refused to even bat an eye at her.

Sure, everyone on the Brave Olivine were great to talk to, Orla was always uplifting, Friede was someone she could turn to. Dot was a great friend, she was someone Liko basically considered as the sister she never had.

Roy was different though, once he joined, the two of them were almost inseparable. There were points where they didn't go on adventures together but those moments were few and far between. His excitement was a nice change of pace from all the seriousness of fighting the Explorers or one of the legendary heroes.

The more and more she thought about Roy, the realisation of what she was feeling slowly fell into place, like pieces of a puzzle, once one part was placed, the others were easier to make out…

She didn't ever want to see him hurt, that wasn't anything special however. Liko didn't like seeing anyone hurt in general, what friend would?

Liko doesn't regret saving him from Rayquaza, she’d do it again in a heartbeat. It didn't matter what happened to her, as long as he was safe then all was well in the world.

Liko then glanced at her hand, the very same hand that Roy held tightly the night he started avoiding her…

The blush on her face didn't let up, the bluette however managed to calm her thoughts down a bit, staring directly at her hands...

She then remembered his voice, his warmth, his worry... Suddenly she wished she woke up that night and spoke to him. Roy sounded so relieved to see her, it was weird having someone come into her room in the middle of the night and if it was anyone else, Liko would've had a problem with it but for some reason, him doing it didn't bother her.

Liko was too busy repeating his words in her head to even consider being annoyed. Roy sounded like he was broken, that fire inside of him becoming but a smoldering ember just a spec away from being put out. It broke her, she wished she could turn back time and tell him that she'll always be safe, that as long as everyone is by her side she won't be going anywhere…

She never wanted to hear him sound that way again, it wasn't him. 

But as the days passed, she found herself not liking the new person Roy was slowly becoming. He was distant, cold, it scared her, why was he doing it to himself? He was always a warmth for her but now the closer she got to him, the colder she felt.

Last night when she held his hand, she didn't feel that warmth coming from him. It was cold, he was cold, even though they talked, he felt ever further away, out of reach. 

The look Roy gave her, she knew he was holding something back just as she was with her tears. There was something about him that refused to break, that refused to let her win their little mental battle last night…

In the end, she backed down. If he truly didn't want to have anything to do with her, then she'd just have to accept that. 

She'd have to try to accept that…

She didn't know if she could accept that…

Stopping herself from going down that rabbit hole of speculation, Liko got up, a yawn escaping her as she stretched. She clearly wasn't going to get any more sleep and needed to wash her face. As she was walking over to the bathroom, the scent she was smelling seemed too familiar, it was almost like he was here with her...

They say everyone has a unique smell and it's something Liko noticed about almost everyone but for some reason she can REALLY smell it right now.

"I'm going crazy aren't I?"

Liko mumbled to herself in annoyance however once she entered the bathroom, she found out the reason why…

She was wearing his jacket, the very same black jacket with white sleeves. Suddenly what happened last night hit her, he gave her the jacket and helped her warm up. Liko clutched his jacket a little tighter than needed, suddenly she begun to shake slightly…

Why? Why was he so confusing to read! Roy would say one thing but do another, his actions kept contradicting his demeanor. One second he sneaks into her room, holds her hand like she was going to die and is relieved that she's safe but in the other hand he ignored her for weeks, barely looking at her, basically telling her to leave him alone at every turn…

What did she do to him? Why was he so adamant of distancing himself away from her? 

Looking in the mirror, her own reflection seemed almost fractured, she saw what he was doing to her, how in just two weeks, she's done stuff she'd never have done in her entire life...

"I care Liko, more than you'll ever know"

His words echoed in her head, the warmth attached around those words caused the girl to sigh in defeat...

Liko wasn't dense, she was going to get answers from him one way or another! He can't avoid her forever.

With that she got changed, propping Roys jacket up onto her coat hanger. She didn't want to be walking around with his jacket, not that it wasn't comfortable… But everyone would ask questions, she wanted to know where the two of them stood before telling everyone they were talking again.

Liko combed her hair and splashed some water on her face, the small commotion woke up the rest of her pokemon as they strolled over to the bluette.

“Good morning! Did you guys sleep well?”

Liko crouched down to the three pokemon who gave out cries of affirmation, it warmed her heart to see her pokemon all finally getting along, yeah it took them a decent while and there are still some spats of jealousy from Sprigatito and the rest of her pokemon but it wasn't anything Liko couldn't handle.

As she exited her room, the pokemon followed behind her, hearing their stomach grumbling, Liko chuckles lightly before heading into the kitchen, no doubt Murdock was in there cooking up a storm but Liko was certain he wouldn't mind the girl getting a few snacks for her pokemon…

The closer she got to the kitchen the weirder the place felt, usually whenever murdock was in his element, cooking food for the crew, he'd usually hum a theme or sing a tune but as she approached the door, she was only met with a deafening silence…

“Murdock? Are you in there? I'm just going to get some snacks for Sprigatito, Terapagos and Hatenna.”

Liko lightly opened the door, peeking her head through, she expected the Alolan man to be cooking up a storm like usual but instead it was empty.

Routine was the one thing everyone in the crew followed to a T, there was always a system, a schedule of sorts whenever the day was just filled with flying from location to location, it was strange though since another thing caught the girls attention. 

The Brave Olivine wasn't moving… They were supposed to leave in the morning and since Liko overslept, when she woke up the ship should have taken off. Something wasn't adding up, she needed to find out what was going on.

Liko opened the door of one of the cupboards and took out a plate for her pokemon to eat on. She quickly opened up a bag of pokemon snacks and put in some Oran Berries for Terapagos before kneeling back down to their level.

“You three eat here, I'm going to check something out, meet me in the kitchen later.

Also Sprigatito, could you keep an eye on Hatenna and Terapagos please?”

The grass type yawned at the mention of her name before lazily nodding its head towards her trainer, digging into the first which earned a smile from Liko. Sprigatito was a bit of a lazy pokemon but always got the job done, she knew the other two were safe in her hands…well paws…

Liko got up and left the room, as she was walking down the hallway towards the captain's room, she found herself proven right, as she glanced at the windows to her side, she saw that they were still parked at the docks of Castelia City. Delays weren't common, in fact the only time the crew had to delay leaving was when the magneton were interfering with the ships systems, maybe that was the case again?

Finally reaching the captains room, the bluette opened the door and saw Friede standing, the man turned his head and gave the girl a smile with Cap spinning the chair around.

“Ahhh Liko! Good morning, I hope you slept well”

The white haired man seemed to be in good spirits, if something major had happened then he'd probably be more worried so it was a good sign for Liko, though she still wasn't sure why they hadn't taken off yet.

“Morning Friede, Good morning Cap!”

“Oh so he gets a good morning and I don't?”

Liko chuckles slightly at the man's joke, Friede could tell she seemed just that bit more relaxed, every other day she had that tension about her, like whatever she was bottling up seemed to be ready to overflow at a moments notice…

“So what brings you to the captain's quarters? I doubt you're here to see all the Brave Olivines controls.”

Liko shook her head, she wasn't even able to drive a car yet, how on earth could she even fly a ship? She knew the professor was joking… well she hoped he was joking but with the professor you could never really tell.

“Maybe some other time. I'm just wondering why we're still in Unova, didn't you say we were leaving early today?”

The man froze in his tracks, only for a second, he wasn't even sure if Liko noticed it. The girl just stood there, staring at the man, awaiting an answer however after a few seconds, Liko begun to look worried…

Friede sighed, it was best to tell her now than to hide it from her.

“Well… We was supposed to leave but Roy got injured last night and Molly needed some emergency supplies to help him, Murdock and Orla have gone to replace the ones she used”

He told her softly, placing a hand on her shoulder and kneeling down to her eye level. Friede saw that look in her eyes, that same look he'd give himself in the mirror every morning before he met Cap.

Feeling lost.

“I-is…Is he…O-Okay?”

Likos eyes were watering, Friede knew the girl was always the more emotional one of the three kids travelling with them but recently the girl was dealing with a lot, too much for a kid her age in fact. Friede gave her a reassuring smile.

“Mollys treating him, she's the best of the best so don't worry about it”

“Pika Pika!”

Even Cap tried to cheer her up but Liko just stood there in silence, she was looking at Friede but she wasn't quite seeing him, her eyes seemed hollow…empty before a single tear fell from her eye.

“D-Did I do something to him?”

She finally broke, two weeks… all it took was two weeks for the girl to break, the professor wasn't quite sure what to do, he wasn't really one to comfort but there was no way he was going to let this girl cry.

“He's dealing with a lot, I think he's scared of something. He's pushing everyone away for some reason, I'm not quite sure why and I know it hurts but I have no doubt whatever he's doing, he's doing because he cares”

Friede did his best to answer, in fact it was the same thing Liko kept telling herself over and over again… she wasn't quite sure it was true.

Hearing her own thoughts come from Friede was reassuring but she couldn't help herself from delving deeper into the rabbit hole that was Roy.

“It's just… Why hasn't he told us? Told me? He's just shutting himself out and I can't do anything to help him… It just feels like he doesn't care anymore”

She sounded defeated, like any hope of whatever they had returning back to the way it used to be was close to zero. She was giving up, Friede knew that if both of them gave up on their friendship, then it'd be over forever and he knew both of them didn't want that.

“I know it hurts Liko but you're looking at it from how you'd act”

The girl in question blinked at what he said, she had no idea what he was referring to. Sounding confused, she quietly spoke up.

“What do you mean?”

“Well…”

He had to think for a moment, putting something like this into words was never easy and if he screwed up and said the wrong thing, then he'd be to blame.

“The thing is… Whenever you're mad, you bottle it up but don't really act any differently, sure you do some things which aren't exactly normal but you still show everyone you care…

Roy isn't like you though, if he thinks there's a problem, he'll do what he can about it as soon as he can. Whatever the problem is, it's something he's trying to fix… he's just not going about it in a healthy way.”

Liko was at a loss for words… Just what exactly was going on with him? Why wouldn't he tell her about what was bothering him, all those times she opened up to him and he couldn't even trust her with something of his own? Does he think it was easy for her to open up to him? That first night? 

Does he think she's the issue?

That must be it.

Roy's been avoiding her because he thinks she's the the problem…

Liko instantly turns around and bolts out the room.

“Liko wait!”

Friede called out her name as he quickly followed behind. Molly told him that she needed time alone and focus, she was already awake most of the morning so distractions wouldn't help anyone.

The professor quickly spun his head towards Cap sitting in the captain's chair with Pikachu giving him a nod. Friede nodded back and quickly made his way to the infirmary.

____________________

He was running, he kept on running, she was right there, Liko was right there.

He ran and ran but she kept getting further away, he didn't want her to go, he didn't want to push her away… 

But then she stopped…no 

She was getting closer, be fire he could call out to her, suddenly he saw an attack headed right towards him, he couldn't move, his body refused to move. 

He closed his eyes, accepting what was coming next. Just as the warmth of the attack drew near, just as he was ready for whatever was next, he suddenly felt himself fall to the ground, a voice was calling his name but he couldn't hear it…

When he opened his eyes, she was there, on the ground where he was supposed to be… She wasn't supposed to be the one, she was too important… He froze, the sight of her, he couldn't move and then heard a roar…

The roar of the Black Rayquaza as it flew off, leaving nothing but destruction in its wake. Roy looked over at Liko who wasn't even moving… She wasn't even breathing, he quickly scrambled over to her and held her. Once he did however, his blood ran cold. There was no pulse, no heat, nothing from the girl…

She was gone…

This was all his fault…

He turned around to find everyone looking at him, all the pokemon, the rising Volt Tacklers, His grandfather, every single person he's met so far were looking down at him. He couldn't see their faces but they slowly began to walk away from him. 

The boy looked back down at Liko whose eyes were now wide open, her lifeless eyes were staring back at him… All he could do was whisper that he was sorry over and over again…

“ROY!”

The boy opened his eyes and let out a deep gasp, coughing in the process before taking slow breaths, he was sweating. Roy looked up to see Molly holding his shoulders, he felt winded… 

In fact his entire body was sore, he winced at the pressure on his shoulders before letting out a strained breath.

“Molly?”

He was confused, the last thing he remembers was training with Fuecoco and Wattrel. Roy quickly scanned the room to find the two pokemon sleeping on the end of the bed, as he looked around he began to notice… This wasn't his room.

“You were thrashing about and whispering something but I couldn't make it out.”

Roy felt cold, as he clutched his chest he realised he didn't have his shirt on, looking down at his torso he noticed his lower waist was bandaged up. It was where Wattrels spark had accidentally collided with the boy, the mark was pretty nasty but it seemed to be feeling better…

That was Molly for you, a genius when it came to medicine but Roy knew he wasn't going to be let off the hook.

“We need to talk.”

She sounded worried, he expected mad, after all, he hasn't really been helping about and he's only just been spending his time training.

“I'm okay, I feel better already”

Roy put his shirt back on and was trying to leave, barely able to lift himself from the bed, he tried walking out the room, he thought he could make it before he felt a hand wrap around his arm.

He got as far as grabbing the door handle. The boy turned back to see a worried expression plastered over the pink haired woman's face.

“Roy. Why are you doing this to yourself?”

She saw right through him, it irritated the boy with the red tuft of hair. It seemed everyone could read him, like his thoughts were just on display for anyone and everyone to see.

Roy glanced back at her, she was concerned. Molly had dark marks under her eyes, her usual neat pink hair looked dishevelled, like she hadn't had enough time to make it look presentable…

The thing that stuck out to him the most was that even though they could all read him so well, they failed to see the obvious! Couldn't they understand? He needed to get stronger, no matter the cost.

“I need to Molly, you all were almost hurt because of me… She was almost hurt…”

That tone of voice, Molly had seen it in some people before. During her training as a doctor she had to both deal with physical and mental problems with both people and pokemon. 

Surprisingly pokemon were the easiest to deal with in both regards, mentally pokemon were able to easily change with enough love and care but for people…

Well people's brains are much more complex, everyone's instincts are to live, to survive but given the right circumstances, whether it be guilt, grief, anger… whatever the emotion, the human brain could also become self destructive, thinking that you don't deserve to be happy, that you don't deserve the kindness others offer. These reactions usually result in people changing for the worst, pushing the ones closest to them away…

Molly had seen it before in many people, it wasn't her area of expertise specifically, hers were physical injuries but she knew a thing or two about the mental side of things. What Roy was doing was dangerously skewing the line between pushing himself too hard and punishing himself.

“Her? Are you on about Liko?”

Molly had an idea what Roy was on about, she saw what happened with Rayquaza… Liko pushed him out of the way and was almost hurt in the process, Molly didn't want to think about what could've happened to her if Terapagos didn't protect the bluette but it would've been fatal…

“She could've been hurt. All because I froze up and couldn't move! Imagine if Terapagos couldn't do anything… Imagine if she die-”

“You can't think like that.”

Molly interrupted the panicked boy before slowly pulling him back to the bed. She doesn't know what's brought this on but if this is what he's been dealing with for the last two weeks then it'd explain his sudden coldness to Liko.

“Is that why you've been avoiding her? Because you feel guilty?”

Molly pushed further, Roy needed comfort but having been so distant from everyone, he wasn't going to accept it so she had to try a different way, maybe it could help him.

Roy just stared at the woman, he looked tired, even after the few hours of sleep he managed to get whilst unconscious, Molly could tell the boy was basically sleep deprived. The woman's problem is how on earth she didn't catch it sooner? What type of doctor…no what type of friend would see another struggling and not even notice or even worse, not even try to do anything about it.

Roy heard the question but didn't answer, maybe he wasn't even sure himself? Maybe it made things easier? Whatever it was the boy wasn't giving Molly anything to go off on, instead the boy gets up yet again, this time much quicker but as he does, he feels a sharp pain from his lower hip. 

The boy instantly falls back down onto the bed, clutching the side of his hip which is bandaged up, he felt Both a stinging and burning sensation as he tightened his eyes in pain. The doctor looks at Roy in the eyes, getting his full attention.

“Breathe Roy, it's some momentary pain, the burn heal I treated you with hasn't fully gone into effect yet.

Try to breathe with me? Okay?”

The woman spoker in a softer tone, Roy looked at her and nodded his head. Both of them begun to take slow but deep breaths…

In…

Out…

In…

Out…

This repeated for another few minutes until Roy muttered a thanks, it was barely even noticeable but Molly was able to catch it. Roy was so much different now, he would never let himself stay sat in one place for so long, it was in his nature to keep on moving, to keep on exploring…

But Roy now?

She barely recognises him. Throughout the last two weeks, everyone tried to check up on him but all he'd do is smile, tell them he's alright and continue on about their business… She can't help but feel the adults are sort of responsible too, its their job to make sure they kids are safe but above all, just their job to make sure they're happy… that they can wake up the next day with thay joy in their eyes which brings the whole ship to life.

The Rising Volt Tacklers have only had Liko and Roy aboard for a few months but Molly couldn't even imagine what the crew would look like without the two of them anymore.

A part of her was worried that she'd find out soon…

“How are you feeling?”

“F-Fine… Thanks…”

Roy held onto each breath like it would be his last, all Molly could do was look down at him before returning to her work on the computer. She needed to sleep, she was up all morning tending to Roys wounds, it wasn't easy, even for someone as skilled as her. She had no idea the cause nor what other issues were lying under the surface.

She thought she got everything but apparently there was more than she realised…

Roy got back up off the bed and looked over to his pokemon, not wanting to disturb them from their sleep. Fuecoco was resting on its back, light breathing escaping the fire type but it didn't seem relaxed. Usually Fuecoco would sleep with its mouth wide open, snoring and drooling, no doubt thinking about its next meal but it was simply sleeping normally, none of the special little quirks the boy had come to know from the fire type.

Wattrel was the same case, the flying type even hated sleeping on a bed but whenever it did, it'd always sleep as far away from the fire type as possible. The two pokemon sometimes had arguments and needed their own space but for some reason, they were leaned up against each other and sleeping… 

Not quite peacefully, they looked tense, stressed. They were worried about him…

“Fue-”

“ROY!”

Suddenly the door burst open, startling everyone. Molly let out a small yelp but by some miracle the two sleeping pokemon were not fazed, they must've been exhausted from worrying.

Roys breath hitched, not at the loud noise… But instead who it came from. Roy turned his head to the door and saw the bluette standing there, she looked mortified.

“Li-”

Roy couldn't even finish the word before the boy was engulfed in a hug. She was holding on tight, so tight that he felt his body start to go sore again… Her arms were wrapped around the back of his neck but he wasn't able to make out her face. Liko was taller than him but she almost shrank as she buried her face into his neck, she was leaning in on him. 

His legs were shaking… No his whole body was shaking, he wasn't sure what to do, Roy could feel his heart beating in his chest like it was going a million miles a second, he could hear each beat echo in his ears. In the corner of his eye he saw Molly giving Friede a look before stepping out the room, the kids needed a moment of privacy.

Roy melted into her hold… he tried… he really tried not to but he couldn't stop himself, she really was his weakness. Liko made his knees go weak, his heart race and his brain forget about all the world's problems, even if it was for a fleeting second.

Eventually the boy wrapped his arms around her, they just stood there for who knows how long… Roys brain shouted at him for being the first to break again… But his heart felt just that little bit more relaxed. It was weird, he missed the embrace of someone he never really hugged at all…

What was wrong with him?

“Liko?”

The girl in question didn't respond, she refused to even move. Roy wasn't even sure the girl was breathing at all, he panicked slightly but suddenly he could feel her lungs inhale inn his arms…

“Liko? I’m okay, I promise”

He wasn't okay, his heart broke slightly, he made a promise to her knowing he was lying… 

That's all their friendship was nowadays, a lie.

He did this, it was all his fault. What was once two friends adventuring, solving mysteries and growing as people together, was now a fractured bond, he couldn't trust himself and she couldn't bare to see him go.

They wanted the same thing…

But Roy refused to be selfish, to let his own stupid needs get in the way of her safety.

Her life…

Her future…

He knew his future wasn't with her, not at this rate because with the way Liko was going about things, she wouldn't live to see her future.

Roys talk with Diana kept on playing in his mind, if it wasn't him thinking about Liko, it was him thinking about the late night talk he had with the seasoned adventurer.

If Diana couldn't handle her guilt, someone who had the support of her family and the very same person she hurt, what luck does he have of becoming even half the person she is… 

Or even a fraction of the person Liko is.

Someone brave, strong, reliable but above all…

…kind…

She was kind…

Roy didn't really have anyone. Sure he had his grandad and the people of his village but they weren't people he confided in…

His parents? Roy hasn't seen them since they left for their voyage… 

It must've been almost three years ago now and not a single word from them, his grandad already told him the possibility of what happened to them…

Roy didn't speak to anyone that week…

He felt alone, stranded. That was until he met Fuecoco and eventually… 

Liko…

Roy was brought out if his trance when he heard a small muffle come from his neck, her breath was warm, it made him shiver slightly and he could feel the tears falling, each droplet dripping down onto his shirt, leaving a small patch in her wake. 

Albeit hesitantly, Roy slowly split the two, he could see her face, it was puffy, her eyes were red and watering from her tears but she couldn't bare to look him in the eyes. He knew Liko was still angry at him, that tension between them from last night only strengthened as the sun rose. Softly, the boy spoke.

“Did you say something?”

“I…You….I don't….”

Roy tried to listen, she was rambling and stuttering at the same time. He tried, he really tried but he couldn't make out what she was trying to say. The boy wanted to give her a reassuring smile but one wouldn't form… It couldn't… It wouldn't.

It seemed his heart had enough of him not being true to himself and it hurt, it was almost unbearable. If it was any other time, he'd take her back in a heartbeat but that looming sense of guilt… The pain of it clawing away inside of him, hollowing him out and replacing the boy with but a shadow of his former self.

The flame that burned brighter than the sun was now nothing but a smoldering ember, ready to be put out at any moment… 

Ready to give in…

He hated it, he despised it. Some nights Roy would just wake up and blankly stare at the mirror, this wasn't what he had in mind when he joined the Rising Volt Tacklers…

Yeah he expected danger and even injuries, those were normal.

But death…

He might as well be him digging the knife into her back…

Her lifeless eyes, they wouldn't leave him, at every turn, every step those damn eyes refused to look past him.

It wasn't something he could live with. 

Her eyes bore into him, it was extinguishing the spark within the depths of his soul. Whenever he saw her body, it felt like a part of him was dead and in the ground, that Liko took something of his and refused to let it go because if she did, they'd be done…

“Why?”

That's all he heard from the girl. It was one word but it felt like the weight of the world was on his shoulders with just one question. With Molly, he could answer it but with Liko…

His words were stuck in his throat, the girl had a hold on him that couldn't ever be compared. It was a nice feeling… It is a nice feeling but he couldn't have his cake and eat it too. He couldn't feel this way and keep her safe.

So he did what he had been doing this whole time…

He lied.

Because that's all their relationship was now, a beautiful lie.

“I don't kno-”

“Don't lie to me!”

Liko raised her voice… Roy was taken aback, he's never even heard the girl raise her voice at all, nevermind at him. She was shaking, his hands were still on her shoulders, Liko looked up at Roy and was almost glaring daggers at him.

Her fringe was a mess, usually it was sort of combed to the side but instead it was hanging directly over her eyes like a dark cloud, it hid her eyes, it hid her soul from him. The bridge between them was slowly withering away.

She wasn't just mad… she was hurt, he's been a bad friend and an even worse person.

But even after seeing what he's done, after the girl was this close to breaking down in front of him all because of him, he refused to even say a word.

Liko stared at him, showing him exactly what he was doing to her, that this is what all their adventures had amounted to. 

She was empty. He couldn't read her anymore, he didn't even know her anymore…

“Fine…”

Liko turned away and walked off, her voice was so cold but he could hear the shakiness.  

She just couldn't handle the pain. 

Just moments before he was engulfed in her warmth, he wanted to hug her so badly, to hold her and say he's sorry…

But he couldn’t…

As she walked away, whatever they had was breaking. Each step felt like a crack…

He reached out his hand, it was a lifeline, something for someone to hold onto but it latched onto nothing. Liko hesitated for a brief moment as she reached the door, a shaky breath escaping her, she wouldn't cry… 

Not in front of him…

He wanted her to hate him. A heart can only take so much before it breaks, the bluette just finally reached her limit.

Once she reached the door, whatever they had shattered, each piece laid out in front of him, a puzzle he tore apart.

But a broken heart meant that she was alive, that she could live to see the future…

Roy got what he wished for…

Now he has to live with it…

____________________

Liko ran, straight out of the infirmary, tears were welling up in her eyes. As she sprinted, she ran by both Friede and Molly, pushing right through them and just kept on running, she just needed to be gone. The bluette could hear the calls coming from the two adults but she didn't stop, she couldn't look back…

She refused to look back

Her heart ached, she didn't know why. It was too much, she couldn't handle it… She doesn't know why, she doesn't know how but at some point, Roy took a piece of her with him and was holding onto it for dear life. She couldn't forget about him like she could with her old friends from Paldea.

Before she attended Indigo Academy she attended a public school in Paldea, it was fun but she didn't have many friends so once she heard she was moving schools, she wasn't sad to leave those people behind.

But her heart refused to leave Roy behind, she hadn't even known him for nearly as long but the idea of never seeing him again made her go cold. Even after everything he's done to her, she'd still go back just to hold him…

Liko just couldn't understand, was she that bad of a friend? Did she do something so unforgivable that Roy wanted nothing to do with her? 

Likos vision was blurry, the girl was

exhausted even after having just woken up, she sprinted past the kitchen where her pokemon noticed the fleeing girl and tailed behind, Sprigatito was much faster than the other two but even though Hatenna and Terapagos were just that bit slower, they still did their best to keep up.

Liko finally made it to her room and ran inside the bathroom. Her legs collapsed as she gave way and fell, leaning her back onto the wall and sliding down as the dam broke and her eyes flooded with tears. They wouldn't stop, all the poor girl could do was just give in and curl up in the corner of the bathroom and cry…

Friede was able to catch up not even a moment later as he came standing face to face with Likos door, her pokemon were scratching at the metal door but it seemed their pleas fell on deaf ears… 

The man stood frozen for a second, he didn't know what to do, these children have been going through so much and they learned to lean on one another.

Just as much as Roy needed Liko, Liko also needed Roy. 

He thought their bond was unbreakable, their resolve was unmatched but in his awe, he forgot one fatal thing…

They were just kids…

Everyone had to deal with so much but Liko was the focus of all the problems, she was the reason the explorers were on their tail, she was the reason Roy came along, she was the reason they're on this grand adventure…

She was the reason Roy was acting this way…

The man couldn't help but feel that this was all his fault, if maybe he checked up on Roy, if maybe he spoke to Liko, if maybe he gave the two time to relax instead of jumping straight from one adventure to another…

Molly caught up and saw the look in his eyes, she knew what he was thinking because she was thinking the exact same thing. They were the adults, they were the ones responsible for whatever happened to them and they failed…

Friede took a deep breath and slowly opened the door to Likos room, the door felt so heavy, he couldn't even bare to take a step into the room but her pokemon didn't even hesitate, they sprinted inside and looked all over, confusion resting on their face when she was nowhere to be found.

Friede and Molly finally built up the courage to step inside, the two cautiously glanced around the room, it seemed to be as organised and tidy as the girls room always was. Everything seemed normal but the air was thick, the tension was palpable and for some reason, the two could smell Roys scent…

It took a moment before the woman noticed something strange…

Roys jacket was in Likos room…

Molly slowly walked over to it and felt it, it was his. Roy didn't have a spare, this was his only jacket given to him by his grandfather and for some reason Liko had it. It raised more questions than answers for Molly but it did answer one thing…

Roy cared…

He probably cared more than anyone realised…

Friede slowly walked over to the bathroom door and opened it, when he did, he saw the bluette curled up in the corner of the room, he could hear soft whimpers as the girl simply cried. Her pokemon quickly rushed over, softly calling out to her but she didn't respond.

Sprigatito looked back at Friede with a worried expression. The professor eyed all of the pokemon, Terapagos was just looking at the poor girl but for some reason the crystal pokemon was looking at the girl with a sense of what seemed to be sad nostalgia, like what was happening to the girl, it had seen in a similar way…

Hatenna was leaned up against Likos leg, tears were escaping its eyes, usually the fairy type would panic at any strong emotions nearby but instead it just cried, crying for its trainer? Crying because of all the strong emotions overwhelming it? It was impossible to tell.

Sprigatito was the most composed of the three but that didn't mean it wasn't hurting. The white haired professor could see the cat shaking, it kept repeating the same motion of quickly tapping it's paws on the ground, creating that similar sweet scent to try and help cheer up the girl but it didn't work.

Friede decided it was his turn, he slowly looked back to Molly as the doctor gave the man a nod, understanding his plan. The man took a couple of steps towards the girl but as he got closer, he could swear it felt like the space around her was distorting, like the pain in her heart was simply too much for Liko to handle and instead it seeped into the real world…

“Mind if I sit here?” 

Likos body's almost twitched, the girl barely even looked up at the man standing next to her, she then looked down at her pokemon, each of their worries made the bluette feel even worse. The girl slowly nodded her head as Friede sat down next to her, not too close as to feel she was being pushed into a corner but close enough to make her feel comfortable.

She just couldn't get him out of her head, his infectious smile, the way he put his all into everything no matter what it was for… The person he’ become now seems so far off from who he is, its wrong but its also who he was now. 

She hated it.

Friede spoke again, his usual calm voice had a hint of sadness behind it, the girl couldn't tell but at this point she didn't really care either way. She just wanted to curl up and cry.

“Does being here make you happy?”

Her breath hitched at the question. She never really thought about it before, it was just a place she considered home but did it make her happy? If you asked her a while ago she would've undoubtedly said yes but that split second delay before answering told Friede all he needed to hear.

“I-I don't know anymore…”

The girl was able to barely mutter out but Friede listened, this wasn't the time to push her… She needed to feel safe first and foremost.

“You can go home if you want. If being with us isn't making you happy, all you need to do is say so”

Friede admitted, Liko wanted to tell him no, that she loved adventuring, that she loved being around everyone but the words refused to come out. Her heart wasn't letting her lie…

“Do you want me to go?”

That voice in the back of her head got the better of her, her insecurities leached out and grabbed onto whatever was said, upon hearing this, Friede took in a deep breath before letting the air leave his lungs.

“It doesn't matter what I want Liko. I'd love for you to stick around but if you're not happy here, it doesn't matter how me or even the rest of the Rising Volt Tacklers feel. 

Your feelings and safety always come first”

Liko couldn't help but slowly cry again, it was all getting too much for her. She was a kid, she shouldn't have to be worrying about where she belongs, about her friends getting hurt. She should be worrying about grades, when she's going to be eating food next, when she can play with her pokemon next, things normal kids worry about…

Liko couldn't hold back the tears, slowly she let out sobs yet again, hiccuping in-between breaths as Friede pulled her in for a hug to which she latched onto like she was going to collapse, suddenly all her pokemon cried out and jumped up onto her lap. The three pokemon did what they could to stop the girl from crying but she was too far gone.

“I-I…don't know if… I don't k-know if I belong here F-Friede!”

The girl broke down into the mans arms, whatever light that could have remained inside the girl was snuffed out. Her pokemon did all they could to comfort her but the difference they made was negligible…

“I don't know w-what I-I did to R-Roy! I w-want him b-back! T-the s-same R-Roy I met!

Not who he is now!”

Liko barely managed to let out in-between her sobs and hiccups, part of Friedes heart broke. He was supposed to protect her but he failed… He failed to prepare for the emotional side of things, if it was an enemy in their way he'd crush them for his crew…

But if it was one of their own in the way… A friend that was making one of them feel so unwanted… 

So alone…

He didn't know what to do.

All Friede could do was hold her in his arms, the girl wept and wept, he felt so useless to it all. He'd grown to care for the children of the Rising Volt Tacklers like they were his very own.

Eventually the girl fell asleep in his arms, it was still just the morning, there was no way Liko was even awake for longer than an hour or two… Whatever her and Roy spoke about clearly drained the girl of what little energy she had in her.

Friede placed Liko back down onto her bed before leaving the pokemon with her. The man felt like he failed everyone, this was something he should've found out and nipped in the bud as soon as the situation showed itself but instead it was allowed to fester for too long, rearing its ugly head and now both Roy and Liko were suffering from his negligence.

Friede and Molly left the room, both feeling even worse than they had started the day…

______________________

It had been a few hours since Roy and Liko saw each other in the infirmary, it seemed like today was going to be a slow day. He hasn't spoken to anyone since, he was just sat on the edge of the Arena, facing out towards the ocean.

The wind was blowing through his hair, he could feel the gust surrounding and passing him, he was just a spec in the grand scheme of things. He did what he had to, he had to learn to live with it.

But could he?

Roy was feeling the guilt of three different emotions crashing down onto him and he didn't know how to answer them all. 

The guilt of almost getting her killed, this was eating away at him the most, it controlled his thoughts and it was the one he was the most afraid to come true. Liko had to live.

The guilt of what he's done to her. She's a shadow of her former self but if Roy knew Liko as well as he thought he did, then over time she'd be able to push past this and come out even better… Even if he wasn't there to see it.

The guilt of what he's doing to everyone else on the Brave Olivine… They're all dealing with the consequences of his actions, it's their home and he's turned it into such a tense environment. He's taken their home and twisted it into something that they all dread to come back to…

It was crushing him, he couldn't breathe, his chest was tightening up and begun to feel nauseous. It was all too much for him but he couldn't let his emotions out, they refused to leave, he had no outlet so he did what he always did… 

He buried them all deep within himself and hoped he would find an answer for it all. Even though it's worked so far, he wasn't sure how much longer he could keep it up for…

The Arena…

Roy has spent more time here in the last few weeks than he has even speaking to anyone. The place has pretty much become a second home for him, albeit a much colder and lonely home. He knew exactly where each mark was, where each dent or cut on the battlefield was. It was like second nature to him.

It had long since passed the morning, it felt like he was up there all day.

That didn't matter right now, Roy could barely breathe, he felt his injury flare up in pain again as he winced, clutching his side. He deserved this, the way Liko looked at him this morning, she's never even looked at the Explorers in such a way. 

He hurt her, he destroyed what they had and didn't even bat an eye until the end. But it was better than death, she’d never try to sacrifice herself for him ever again, she'd be able to become an even more amazing person. 

Do so many new things, meet brand new pokemon, meet brand new people.

Maybe even grow old with the person she loved…

That last part made his chest tighten up and an unfamiliar sense of longing planted its way deep inside his heart. 

Roy then heard some light footsteps behind him, spinning around, the two very same pokemon who were sleeping were now giving the boy worried expressions. Fuecoco took a step forward and tackled the poor boy in the chest, causing Roy to fall back with Wattrell jumping in the boy's arms. It was a dangerous move, he could've fallen backwards into the ocean but he didn't really care. He was so happy to see his pokemon okay.

Both pokemon began to cry as Roy could only watch on, he couldn't do anything to help them. The boy just let the two cry into his arms, to let it all out, they must've been so worried about him when he collapsed…

The three must've been alone up there for a while before they eventually split, Fuecoco was still giving the boy an angry look but its face softened ever so slightly. The fire type knew the boy wasn't in the right state of mind, even if Fuecoco didn't agree with the actions his trainer was taking, he did trust his trainer to do the right thing in the end…

“Am I doing the right thing?”

Roy asked out of nowhere, both pokemon were frozen in shock, Fuecoco utterly surprised but Wattrel eyed the boy, his posture was hunched over, the eyebags under his eyes clear as day but even behind his eyes, the boy's fire was completely stomped out…

Roy sat back down, looking out onto the sea, it was full of plenty of frigates, cargo ships, really the whole works. He heard that Unova was home to some of the strongest dragon types and usually he'd be the first out the door to explore it all, to look for anything interesting but he just didn't want to anymore…

He didn't really want to do anything anymore, he tried to find the motivation to do something, to push on and put his all into whatever was in front of him but he simply couldn't find a reason to…

Both pokemon worriedly looked over to their trainer, they understood where he was coming from, they wanted to believe in what he's doing, getting stronger to be able to protect his friends but it seemed over time, the boy's goal shifted, they don't know why, it might've been because he was just so lonely, being alone with one's thoughts is never a good thing but it's all he had…

His goal shifted from wanting to protect everyone to slowly punishing himself, pushing himself to a limit that no normal person should be doing to themselves. They no doubt saw results but at the cost of their trainer? It wasn't something they would agree with but they knew it was the best way he could cope… They feared what he'd do if they didn't distract themselves with getting stronger.

Fuecoco and Wattrel could only watch on as Roy delved deeper into the darkness, they hoped last night gave both Liko and Roy the push they needed to talk to each other, to view things from the others perspective but no such thing happened.

Roy tried to be strong, Liko was still alive. He wished he could show her what he was feeling, that this was the only way she could have a chance at being happy. He began to think about what was going to happen next, he'd never speak to her again, they'd most likely go their separate ways…

Then it all came crashing down… All the words he never got to say. He thought his time with the Rising Volt Tacklers would last forever but after what he's done, there's no way he'd still stay with them, pushing away the person they need to protect and then leach off them like some parasite. Liko wouldn't be safe if she wasn't with them so the only option is for him to leave.

Roy knew what he was getting himself into once he begun to push Liko away, it was difficult and there was so many times he just wanted to go back to her and apologise, to have things be like the way they were before but that just wasn't possible anymore. She wouldn't have him back… If anything the crew would be happy to see him go, he was just a tag along anyway, without him they all wouldn't be weighed down…

She'd be able to shine.

After a few moments, he hears the familiar sound of the Rotomphone buzzing in his pocket. As Roy brings it out, he reads a text message asking everyone to meet in the dining room. Murdock and Orla weren't back yet so maybe Friede tried to cook something up. He hopes not, last time the professor tried to cook everyone some breakfast it ended in no-one eating the food, it was pretty impressive to see how bad someone was able to mess up some basic pancakes…

Upon seeing the responses of affirmation from everyone, Roy figured that he should get going. Just as he stood up along with his two pokemon, a plan suddenly popped up in his head…

It was crazy but it might've been the only chance he's got. Roy crouched down to both of his pokemon before letting them in on the plan…

Judging by their reactions? They didn't

seem on board with it, this truly felt like one desperate last attempt at finally pushing himself away from everyone but they were worried what'd happen if they left him alone.

Why couldn't Roy just accept his emotions? Why did he have to lock himself away from even his pokemon? If you asked Roy? He's doing it for Likos sake, for her safety but deep down, within the depths of the boy's soul…

He was just scared, scared of losing her forever, scared of seeing those cold, lifeless eyes haunt him for the rest of his life…

Maybe he will finally be able to bury away these painful emotions…

Roy headed down into the dining room, there was a pit in his chest, he knew he was going to see her again. He doesn't know if he could even handle looking the girl in the eyes but he'd have to avoid doing so for the next few hours…

Fuecoco and Wattrel gave each other a concerned look, they knew they had to put a stop to the boys plans once and for all before he'd do something they knew he'd come to regret. Though the two Paldean pokemon didn't really have anyone idea how but they wouldn't let their trainer…

No, their friend...

They'd stop him from living a life full of regret.

Chapter Text

Things were tense, that much was obvious but before this morning Friede had no idea just how tense things were between Liko and Roy, that only added to his concerns. Yeah he was worried for them but he knew it still wasn't too late for those two, they were still young, Roy might've been pushing her away but Friend could see right through the boys ploy, he still cared.

What he was worried about was who's been keeping tabs on them, he hadn't noticed it right away but down in the sewers of Castelia City yesterday, the man noticed a few pokemon who wouldn't be native to that environment. The professor decided not to bring it up to Dot or Liko, the two seemed to already be in a bit of a bad mood at him forgetting to mention what their job consisted of but he noticed a few odd pokemon.

The pokemon tried to hide but he did catch a glimpse of a Magenton, since the sewers mainly consisted of Grimers, Muks and Rattatas this confused the man. What was an electric type doing down in the sewers?

If it was just a one time thing he'd call it a coincidence or an odd outlier but that wasn't all. When they arrived in Castelia City they had to pay a parking fee at the docks, the crew bunched in together and paid forward a days worth of parking, an overnight ticket at that so they had to leave in the morning.

Again, completely normal stuff but then they needed to stay for one more day since Roy was hurt, Molly worked a miracle but they had to stay for a while longer just in case the boy needed to be taken to the hospital. The business that owned the docks weren't too happy about that and wanted to charge what the professor thought was an extortionate extension fee. 

Of course, for Roy's sake, Friede was willing to pay but suddenly the owner got a call from someone and out of nowhere, the man allowed them to stay a few more days free of charge. What he said surprised the white haired man, the owner said that a higher up boss from Exceed allowed the extension free of charge…

Exceed were the ones that hired them so if they owned the docks, surely they would have reserved a space for them, all of these things were strange so he decided to look into things and found a few inconsistencies, qekk he asked Dot to run a few checks, telling her it was common for the adults to do these checks every now and then as to not worry her.

Firstly the payment wasn't made by the company but instead it came from a anonymous encrypted account, secondly when he asked the receptionist at the Castelia City Exceed branch for extra details of the job, he found that there was no history of the Rising Volt Tacklers taking a job for them…

They weren't here on some sort of job. Well that wasn't the complete truth, they technically were hired for a job but it was pretty pointless, almost like they were told to do a bunch of menial activities that technicians on standby should've sorted.

They were lured here, someone wanted the Rising Volt Tacklers here but for what reason? Was it the Explorers? Friede couldn't tell but he had a plan, whoevers planned this out wasnt going to remain hidden for much longer so he had to get ahead of that.

The professor wanted to head into the city and get some answers, he still has a few contacts who'd be willing to share information but he figured he could kill two birds with one stone and find a way to also get Liko and Roy to begin talking again…

The white haired man decided not to worry about the kids, dealing with one issue at a time was more efficient so as much as Friede wanted them to grt along and be happy again, their safety took priority, he needed to figure out why someone had taken the time to plan this.

Friede was waiting in the meeting room and one by one, everyone left on the ship slowly flooded into the room, surprisingly Roy was one of the first to show up. The two said their hello’s but the professor could tell the boy had a lot on his mind, that much was obvious even without the context he knew. Just as almost everyone finally made it, Friede was about to speak however suddenly the door opened, revealing Liko who stepped into the room…

Friede glanced at the girl for a moment, to the untrained eye she was her usual upbeat self however there was that dead look behind her usual smile, like whatever motivation she had was lost and replaced with a void of quiet acceptance…

Liko gave the man a quick nod, the white haired professor exhaled slightly before finally speaking up.

“Well now that I've got everyone here, Orla and Murdock haven't returned yet so that's where we all come in.”

The man sends a message in the Rising Volt Tacklers group chat with a shopping list split into three seperate messages, it was a standard ordeal everyone was used to at this point. It's hard to remember but they were a group of 9 people along with more than double the pokemon so they tend to burn through supplies a lot quicker than you'd think.

“The city is too big for those two to get everything themselves… Plus they kind of got distracted with the things to do here in Castelia City, so I decided: why shouldn't the rest of us join in on the fun?”

Friede chuckles, Molly eyed the man, almost like she was trying to figure out what he was trying to do but as she did, she noticed Liko and Roy were stood on opposite sides of the room.

Diana was nowhere to be found too though it wasn't uncommon for the woman to go off on her own every once in a while.

Friede figured that the best way to get the two kids to speak to one another is to try and get them to relax.

“So you just need us to go shopping then? The sewers yesterday were tiring, can't you just go?”

Dot said with an exasperated sigh. Friede let out a chuckle, scratching the back of his head, he apologetically gives them all an explanation.

“I would but I've got something I need to look into first, after that's done though I'll join you all. Ludlow, I'm counting on you to keep an eye on the kids.”

The man slowly noded his head and looked down at the list on his rotomphone, it is quite the long list, it seems Friede put down a few activities they could do. The old man has noticed the atmosphere of the Brave Olivine shift from its usual warmth to a more cold feel, looking around the room he instantly realised where it's coming from.

“Come on then, quite a bit for us to do and the day has already started.”

Ludlow begun to walk out of the room with Dot sighing slightly, complaining that her legs are going to hurt even more, Liko followed behind side by side with Molly. Friede looked down at his phone, an old collegue from Exceed who was working at the Unova branch offered some information, as he looked up, he saw Roy standing by himself. Friede decided to walk over to the only one left in the room…

“You should speak to her you know”

Roy eyed the man, the boy let out a shaky breath, he's done this same song and dance with almost everyone, still standing by his choice, he shakes his head. 

“Even if i wanted to, I don't think she'd want to talk to me anymore”

Roy was about ready to leave the room, taking the first steps but something Friede says sticks with him for some reason, this whole time he's just been assuming how she's been feeling about him so far, that she hated but what the man says shakes him to his core.

“She wants nothing more than to speak to you Roy. You know better than thinking pushing her away is gonna make her angry at you for long”

He knew this, it was only a matter of time until she confronted him, it took all he had to not even speak to her back in the infirmary but could he do so a second time?

He wasn't willing to find out.

The boy said nothing else, simply walking away to go join the rest of the crew but not before taking a quick detour to his room and grabbing his bag, filling it up with many seemingly random things. A toothbrush, A spare change of clothes along with a few other bits, his bag felt pretty heavy but he'd need all he can get. Looking around for his jacket, the boy thinks back to last night and realises that he gave it to Liko. Roy was sure she'd be willing to give it back to him but he wasn't willing to ask her for it, deciding to leave it behind instead.

Roy eventually met up with the remaining crew standing outside the ship, they had all been waiting for him however before anyone could say anything, Friede pulled out a pokeball and out came Charizard, hopped on its back, the man spoke to the rest of the crew.

“I'll meet up with you guys later, this shouldn't take too long”

Molly nods her head in affirmation, the wind around them kicking up due to Charizard swinging its wings down and launching high up into the sky. Roy couldn't help but admire the duo's strength, those two were the pinnacle of strength and he needed to be like them…

“Gah this is a pain, I'm kinda behind on editing videos”

Dot rubbed her hair in slight frustration, she wasn't angry with Friede mind you since she knew that everyone was tense, even her but couldn't Liko and Roy just make up and be done with it? The girl had been hanging around Liko more than she normally did which the introvert doesn't mind but it's kinda messed with her schedule, both that and her social battery is kinda drained.

“I could keep you company when we get back? We'll quickly speed through the list and-”

Liko tried to reassure the shorter girl, though before she could get her point across, Molly cut the bluette off.

“The only way we can do this quickly is if we split into groups, three different groups should get the list done. I can go by myself but one of you kids need to help Ludlow”

Instantly, an idea clicked in Dots mind, this was perfect, Roy's been avoiding Liko for who knows how long and the girl needed the proper confidence to speak to him. 

The purple haired girl heard about what happened this morning which… 

Well Dot wishes she could have been there for Liko but in reality, this isn't her business, she does what she can to help but this is between them, the purple haired girl can't really understand what they're going through and even though they're barely hanging on by a thread, they might both just need that small push to tip the balance over the edge and really get them talking.

“I'll go with Ludlow, Roy and Liko can go together”

Dot instantly offers, Molly gives the girl a bit of a deadpanned expression with Ludlow chuckling. Liko and Roy however became a bit of a sputtering mess, this was the worst case scenario for the boy, the only person he didn't want to see and how he's stuck with her.

“Bu-”

“Sorry Roy, first come first served”

It seemed that was the end of the discussion, he'd be lying if he said part of him wasn't happy that Liko would be with him but those are linked with the very same thoughts he's been trying to bury, though that metaphorical hole wa overflowing with all ton of different  emotions no kid should have to deal with. Whatever lock he had over it, wasn't going to last much longer so he had to hurry…

But…

He also wanted to savour what time he had left with her. Snapping out of his small trance, he looked around to see that Molly, Ludlow and Dot were already long gone. Roy looked over to Liko to see that she was also deep in thought, Hetenna in her hood was trying to shake her out of it but no success. Roy had to do something, slowly he decided to take some steps closer to her however just as he tried, Sprigatito jumped in-between the two kids, hissing at the boy with anger in her eyes.

“Sprigatito? What are you-”

The realisation then struck him, the anger behind the grass types eyes were telling. She was trying to keep him away from Liko, hes hurt her more than anyone could so its only natural for Likos first partner to hate him. 

Sprigatito, much like her trainer, wasn't usually one to get mad, annoyed? Oh like you wouldn't believe but angry? It seemed to be a running theme with Liko and her pokemon but at this rate, they'd be here all day. Whatever thoughts she was in, she was in deep.

Just as Sprigatito kept hissing, Wattrel fluttered down from Roys shoulder and began to shout back, sparks emanating from its wings. Before the boy could do anything, Terapagos and Fuecoco got in-between the two, trying to stop whatever scuffle was ready to happen but Roy kneeled down, speaking to Sprigatito however when he was about to speak, Terapagos turned its head towards him, listening to his words closely.

“Wattrel, I appreciate you defending me but Sprigatito has every right to be angry at me. Don't worry anyway, you won't have to deal with me for much longer…”

The look on all the pokemons faces turned into that of confusion, they all had no idea what Roy meant by that…

Sprigatito turned to Wattrel with a confused expression with Wattrels eyes widening… There was no way he was going to follow through with the plan right?

Terapagos and Fuecoco glanced at one another for a moment, both clearly worried but the fire type looked like he wanted to say something.

Roy stood back up and lightly shook the girl which in hindsight, wasn't the best thing to do as it resulted in a small yelp escaping from the recipient, stepping back which by itself wasn't the bad part. The bad part was where she was stood. Of all the places she was stood right next to the edge of the pier and was about to fall into the water.

Roy quickly stretched out his hand and grabbed her arm with Liko holding onto his, the force of her falling backwards wasn't something the kantonian physically prepared himself for, he reached out just purely on instinct so he almost fell forward too. That was until he felt a weight on his back readjusting their balance.

Suddenly he felt their pokemon jumping on his back which gave him enough of a counterbalance to pull Liko back, the boy holding her close but now another issue reared its head. The sudden force of the bluette leaning on him along with the weight of all the pokemon on his back caused him to now fall backwards. All the pokemon managed to jump out of the way in time but Roy fell backwards with Liko’s body landing on his chest.

“Sorry! You startled me”

Liko instantly apologised but when she looked up, both her and Roys faces were millimetres apart. Their eyes bore into one another, the clutch on one another became just that much tighter.

It was strange, Roy saw the look she was giving him, part of her was still being cold and distant but… there was another part of her. Roy could barely see it, like a needle in a haystack but that was a sparkle in her eyes the boy couldn't help but notice. He had to

stop this before he couldn't bring himself to follow through with his plan.

He was worried though, he might have already been too far gone.

“Are you…”

Roy stopped himself from asking if she was okay, it felt like he was mocking her by asking that, they both knew she wasn't okay. He heard her cries this morning, he did that to her, it'd be an insult to even dare to ask how she was doing…

“C-Can you get up?”

“Y-Yeah”

Slowly Liko got up off him, reaching out her hand to help pull Roy up. The two begun to dust themselves off but Liko noticed what seemed to be a small pebble in his head, it was in his red tuft but for some reason the boy couldn't feel it.

“Uhm, you've got a bit in your hair”

Liko pointed at where the pebble was, Roy quickly tried to grab it but he couldn't quite seem to get it, when he pulled on it it felt like he was pulling on his scalp, he was sure he could forcefully pull it out but just as he went to, he felt a warmth enveloping his wrist.

“Maybe let me try…”

Roy glanced at her for a moment before nodding his head, lowering his hand but funnily enough, Liko was still holding onto him. 

She felt warm. He felt cold.

It was wrong.

Liko lifted her hand and dug around in his tuft for only a moment, it felt weird to both of them but she was more gentle than he was, he was ready to brute force it and pull it out, probably along with a small chunk of his hair too. Liko on the other hand was more patient, slowly untangling the pebble which was oddly spiky, that's probably why it refused to come out but with a bit of patience she managed to untangle it and throw it away. The pebble looked like a piece of the move Spikes, probably a remnant of a battle that happened before they arrived? People nowadays did tend to have battles pretty much whenever, like Nemona said, once two trainers lock eyes a battle is iminent.

“Let's get going then”

Roy said, turning away with Liko slightly nodding her head and doing the same. The pokemon however seemed to be completely flabbergasted at the scene, one thought was running through their mind…

What the hell just happened?

Well through most of their minds, Terapagos felt a sense of nostalgia from the scene…

______________________

The two were about halfway through the list but Liko thought the items were strange, it was like they were all randomly picked out and even worse, it was getting a bit annoying. Friede did say they needed all the items however so Liko decided she'd just power through.

That wasn't just what was annoying her though. Roy and Liko had barely spoken a word to one another the whole time, it's been over an hour now but there wasn't anything meaningful really said between them. Usually when the two would have to go out, they'd pretty much look at anything and everything they'd see, Liko was pretty much interested in everything and Roy would be seeing alot of things for the first time in person.

But there was about as much dead silence between the two as you could get. The only words they really spoke to each other was when they were splitting up to look for different items in the same store, but even then it was just a few words. 

Liko was also kinda annoyed at Dot right now, sticking the two together whilst she went off with Ludlow. The bluette was kind of hoping that she wouldn't have to be with Roy today since, whenever she was near him, there was an ache in her heart that wouldn't go away. The girl wasn't dense, there was probably a few explanations as to why she felt this way but it all led to the answer she really didn't want to be the case.

Liko’s just been telling herself otherwise, that these feelings have only come to light just because the two of them had been separated for do long.

Distance makes the heart grow fonder so in this case the only reason she's feeling this way is because they've not been interacting at all. It's just her heart telling her that he's someone important, just like how if she never spoke to Dot or Ann again she'd feel the same way…

Right?

Once she finished paying for her side of the list, Liko exited the store and was hanging around outside, waiting for the boy to finish his side of things. A few minutes passed initially but that eventually turned into five, and then ten. She began to fidget with the bag that Terapagos would be put in sometimes. Roy was really taking his time so Liko decided to head back inside the store to look for the boy, Sprigatito was fine with all the walking but Terapagos started slowing down, the girl picked up the turtle in her arms and began looking around the store. Normally the bluette would place the turtle inside her bag but the pokemon wasn't a huge fan of it and only did so when needed.

The store itself was decently sized but nothing huge so finding Roy shouldn't have been difficult. It really shouldn't have been but after a few minutes of nothing she was still coming up empty handed, that was until she heard a few yelps come from the front. A flying type had managed to make its way into the store and was flying around, like it was looking for something but Terapagos cried out to gain its attention.

Liko wasn't sure why they turtle suddenly decided to try and gain the pokemons attention but as she looked down to Sprigatito whose eyes were squinted, like she was trying to see what pokemon it was, almost a split second later the cat also begun to call out to the flying type. Before the girl could even question it, the black and yellow flying type flew down to the bluettes level and began chirping, motioning its head as if to tell them to follow it.

Sprigatito initially shook its head, the flying type and the grass type had been butting heads alot recently, Wattrel had alot of pride but it shouted out something that caused the cat to stop on its tracks, she was frozen, like she couldn't possibly believe what she was hearing.

Sprigatito then sprinted off with Terapagos jumping from Likos grasp to follow the flying type, waddling off as fast as it could leaving Liko completely confused. She just stood there for a moment before finally realising what pokemon was soaring above everyone, the bluette mumbled to herself in confusion.

“Was that Wattrel? Wait… Where's Roy?”

Looking around, Liko realises what's going on,  dropping the groceries she was holding on her free shoulder, sprinting off after her pokemon. As she exits the store, she sees both of her pokemon and Wattrel turn into one of the many alleyways of Castelia city.

___________________

“Okayyyyy so up ahead if we take a few more turns, we'll be able to get out of the city into….ummm”

Roy squinted closer at his Rotomphone, the words were pretty small to read but he was trying to figure out where he would be headed next…

“Route 4, it's a bit of a desert so it'll be a bit difficult to get through…”

Roy was walking with Fuecoco following behind, the crocodile had no idea what his trainer was planning, why had he abandoned Liko like that. The fire type had an idea but didn't like it. Once the two reached a decent enough opening, the fire type stopped before eying at his trainer.

It took the boy a few seconds to notice but in the absence of footsteps behind him, Roy sighed before turning around.

“You want to know what's going on?”

Fuecoco nodded its head, wanting any sort of explanation for abandoning their friends. Roy glanced around for a moment before realising something…

“Where's Wattrel?”

Fuecoco instantly grunts, keeping Roy back on track, the boy was known to get distracted easily…

“I guess he'll catch up.

But what we're doing? We're leaving the Rising Volt Tacklers…”

The crocodile's eyes widened in disbelief, his trainer wasn't just abandoning Liko, he was abandoning everyone. The fire type's eyes shifted from disbelief into that of boiling anger, the type of anger that doesn't just vanish. 

Fuecoco begins to shout at his trainer, tears escaping its eyes as he clearly doesn't want to go. Roy squints his eyes, scrunching up his entire face as he suddenly snapped.

“You think I want to do…THIS?!”

Fuecoco stopped a moment before glancing at the now shaking Roy, the dam behind his eyes was trying to escape but the boy did not let them fall, he refused to be weak ever again… 

Not in front of her, not in front of them, not in front of his pokemon…

“I don't want to leave but I can't keep putting them in danger Fuecoco! Surely you understand, right?”

The fire type yet again shouted back, it's clear this is something the two weren't going to agree on. Roy held his head for a moment as a headache was coming on, suddenly just as he was about to try a calmer approach, his injury flared up once again, that same electric burning sensation being too much to handle, causing Roys legs to give way, falling before managing to catch himself with his arms before he hit the ground.

Fuecoco worriedly sprinted over to his trainer as Roy slightly lifted his shirt to where the injury he sustained from Wattrel was. The boy winced slightly, Molly had warned him about some lingering effects but that wasn't important now. Slowly taking deep breaths, the burning pain finally faded with the fire type giving him a worried expression. 

Wattrel suddenly flew down with a cry of worry, slightly tackling his trainer before the fire type did the same. Both pokemon were hugging tightly onto their trainer, almost like he was going to vanish at any second but Roy could only chuckle and eventually laugh, he couldn't ever be mad at his pokemon, they were the greatest thing to ever happen to him…

Which is why this next part is going to hurt…

“Don't worry… I'm fine, it just hurts sometimes.”

Roy rubbed the top of both Fuecocos and Wattrels head before chuckling…

“You don't want to leave do you? Both of you, trust me I understand, they're all amazing people. You can learn alot from them… more than you ever could from me”

The boy's tone was bittersweet, the crocodile nodded his head, hoping that he finally managed to break through to his trainer…

“I'm going to miss this…”

Before anything else could happen, Roy dug deep into his pockets before pulling out Fuecoco and Wattrels pokeballs. The fire type's eyes didn't believe what he was seeing, there was no way he was going to go that far, surely he'd never…

Placing both pokeballs on the ground, tears were welling up in both pokemons eyes as all Roy could do was cover his own eyes with his hat…

“I guess… I guess this is where we part ways…”

Roys voice cracked… 

Ending his journey with the two very first ppokemon he befriended broke his heart, all he was feeling was the pain of letting them go…

The pain of letting them all go…

These were the lengths he was willing to go, he'd throw away anything to let the people he cared about be safe. That guilt hasn't ever gone away, Diana was right, it doesn't ever go away, it gets worse, it doesn't relent, it doesn't stop, it doesn't slow down for anyone.

Slowly getting up, Roy turned and faced the other way, each step getting quieter as he left the two paldean pokemon to cry…

He wished he could've said goodbye to everyone but they would stop him, he wouldn't be able to-

“Roy?”

That voice… Her voice, of course she'd be here, it's like whatever was up there watching this unfold loved to make this as difficult as possible for him.

Sprigatito and Terapahos ran up to Fuecoco and Wattrel, trying to shake them but it's like they were frozen in shock, they couldn't believe what had happened. Liko could even feel Hatenna in her hood shaking and crying, the emotions all around her were too much to handle, Liko scooped up the shaking fairy type in her arms, trying to reassure it everything was fine, a moment later it jumped from her arms and ran over to the rest of the group.

The bluette looked down at the two pokeballs, they should look like normal pokeballs but Liko has seen those very pokeballs countless times from Roy. She knew exactly what they were, A few new puzzle pieces were scattered out in front of her, the boy ahead was completely unrecognisable. 

Roy’s body was in the narrow alleyway, no longer in the open space where the sun was shining through, instead the shade from both buildings beside them shrouded him in a darkness, she couldn't even see his face.

“W-What's going on Roy?”

Liko was scared, Roy could hear it in her voice. He desperately wanted to run back to all of them, the light was shining on them all, on her. That's where they belonged, in the focus, in the light because that's what they were. Everyone in front of him right in this moment? 

They were the most important people in his life…

All of the pokemon and her.

Liko.

It was always her…

“I'm leaving Liko, I'm leaving the Rising Volt Tacklers…”

Liko couldn't believe what she was hearing, she refused to, her hands shaking, clutching them before slowly taking a step forward, reaching a hand out. It felt like he was leaving her, that he was abandoning her, leaving her to deal with everything by herself…

He was one of the most important people in her life…

She wanted him by her side.

Roy.

It was always him…

“No! You're not!”

She couldn't help the tears from falling, their pokemon looked ahead at the scene unfolding. Liko couldn't hold it in anymore, she needed answers!

“Why are you doing this! You've changed so much Roy! Why won't you let me help!”

The bluette cried out, she was owed answers, he's taken her heart and threw it back in her face, throwing away everything they had. It wasn’t fair, it's not fair that he could do all of this to her and she'd still care for him so much. 

Roy gritted his teeth in anger, clenching his fists but still not saying anything to her, he wouldn't even give her the decency of a response…

No… She'd make him talk! This wasn't him.

Liko stomped over to the boy and grabbed one of his arms, he felt so cold, borderline frozen but she didn't stop.

“Do you really hate me that much!”

She was so lost, she didn't know where she belonged. At the indigo academy she never really fit in, at home she never really felt like herself, even when first joining the crew there was that air of unease but Roy, he made her feel like she could belong anywhere.

That she belonged anywhere as long as she was with him.

But all of that was a lie, an act, he didn't really care…

“That's…that's not…”

Roy couldn't find his words but that wasn't enough, Liko needed the answer

“Then what is it?! Did you just mess with everyone this whole time? Was it all an act? It doesn't even feel like you care anymo-”

“OF COURSE I CARE LIKO!”

The boy practically shouted but that's when she saw him. Not whatever front he had been putting up this whole time.

No…

The real him…

And he was broken…

“I-I can’t…”

The floodgates finally broke, the tears streaming down his face as he tore her hold from him and laid his back against the wall, sliding down it before sitting on the floor, having finally broken down, quiet sobs escaping the boy…

Liko didn't know what to do, she just stood there…frozen.

She wanted to move, she really did but her body simply refused to, it didn't let her no matter what. A few moments passed but for her, seeing her friend breaking down right in front of her, it felt like an eternity… 

She was letting him down

She felt a small nudge from her legs before looking down at all of the pokemon pushing her, she turned around to see them all trying to push her. If they could talk, they’d tell her to speak to him.

She wanted the chance to hear him out…

Now was her chance…

Slowly, Liko sat down on the opposite end of him, the alleyway was so narrow that the two of them sitting down next to one another took up all the space, she slowly reached out her hand and intertwined it with one of his. Roys hand was wet, covered in his tears but she didn't care, the boy eyed her for a moment as she gave him a small yet reassuring smile.

“What's going on with you Roy? Why have you been avoiding me?”

Her voice was soft, the fact that Roy wasn't completely blanking her anymore was a good sign, another good sign was the fact that he wasn't trying to pull his hand away…

It felt nice just to hold his hand.

A slight heat formed on her face when the thought appeared, she quickly shook her head, now was not the time to be thinking like that, they needed to sort out their issue first.

“So you wouldn't do anything stupid…”

Liko was almost taken aback at his words, what on earth did he mean by that? Her confused look was enough for Roy to see what's on her mind.

“Against Rayquaza… When I couldn't move, you pushed me out of the way. You would've been hit”

Is that what this was about? What was the issue? She was fine and everyone was safe thanks to Terapagos saving them. Liko was confused, to her at least, he was making a big deal out of a danger they all deal with anyway…

“But we've always gotten in danger, what's changed?”

Roy sighed, she didn't get it, of course she wouldn't. It's not Likos fault when she's not seen a friend almost die, especially because of a stupid mistske.

“Because the way you're going about things Liko, you're going to die! Terapagos might not always be there, Friede won't always be there to protect us and here you are jumping head first into Rayquazas attack!”

Roys frustration was getting the best of him. Two weeks, two long weeks where these feelings have been festering around inside of him, he wished there was another way to tell her, a softer way but this is the only way she'd listen…

“I….I didn't…”

Liko didn't know what to think, she didn't know what to say. Why should what the bluette decided to do affect him so much? Did he think she was some fragile thing that he needed to watch over? After all this time they spent leaning on one another and that's all he sees her for.

“You don't need to protect me Roy.”

Liko almost scoffed at his sentiment. Even though the two were talking, they were splitting even further apart, that distance between them wasn't closing. Roy held onto her hand tighter as he was shaking, in that moment the bluette knew that she got it all wrong…

“So you'll almost die trying to save me but when I want to do the same? You'll reject it?”

Roy shot right back at her, there was a quiet glare in his eyes but for some reason he avoided her eyes. Roy wasn't being fair to her, how could he want her to just sit by and let something happen to him. On that day, the reality of a world without Roy almost became true and it was something she couldn't ever bear, if it meant she'd be the one to go sore he could live, she'd do so in a heartbeat…

Even if it'd be her last.

“That's not fair Roy! You can't expect me to stand by while you get hurt. I want to save the people I care about! That includes you too”

Likos anger flared up, he was only of the few people she thought would understand how she's feeling. It seemed her words made something snap inside of Roy as he stood up, tearing his hand away from hers before burying his hands in his hair, ruffling them in frustration.

“BECAUSE I CAN'T LOSE YOU!”

Roy finally managed to look into the girl's turquoise eyes, the floodgates were threatening to flow on both ends, their pokemon could only look ahead in worry. Hatenna was already crying from the strong emotions emanating from both the trainers, she was shaking but for some reason, a small part of her managed to understand the boy's frustration…

All the pokemon finally managed to put it into perspective.

Liko could've died…

She'd be dead…

There were no do-overs, no second chances…

The bluette tensed slightly at finally being faced with the burning passion in Roy's eyes, that same fire that was gone had now returned even more fierce than before. A few more pieces of the puzzle that was Roy showed themselves, each puzzle piece she noticed finally created the full image.

He was scared of losing her…

“YOU THINK I CAN BEAR LOSING YOU TOO!”

Tears begun to escape Likos eyes, a world without Roy felt just that much colder to her. The bluette took a few deep breaths, a screaming match wasn't going to help either of them, it just wasn't who they were. She needed to try a calmer approach, Liko could see Roy taking a few deep breaths of his own, she knew him well enough to guess that he had the same idea.

“Like it or not Roy but I don't want to see a world without you in it. If that means that I might not make it then to me, it's worth it”

It's truly how she felt, even as her words left her mouth, a warmth covered her face. What she was saying might have seemed a bit much but she couldn't help how she felt.

Though the words Roy muttered next made her blood go cold.

“That's the problem. I don't want to be the one responsible for your death”

Roys tone was almost venomous, it was dripping with anger. It was clear to him, Liko didn't care how he felt, self sacrifice is heroic and all but no-one questions what happens to everyone after.

“You say dying to save someone is worth it? With everyone you'd be leaving behind? Would it really be worth it just for me?”

She…She hadn't thought about that, is she willing to leave behind the very same pokemon who trusted her enough to embark on this journey with her? Her family? Could she handle never seeing her parents or grandma ever again? What about Dot? The Crew? Ann? Was she willing to throw everything away for Roy…

She hated how she could already answer that. By the look on Roys face too, he seemed to already know her answer. Liko knew there was more behind this, there was something else

“What about you? If the roles were reversed and you had the chance to save me? Would you?”

Roy froze in place, he was caught out. Of course he'd do the same, Liko would've felt flustered at this, having someone willing to die for you was one hell of a compliment but that was overshadowed by an unfamiliar geelimg of anger.

“So what's gotten you to act like thi-”

“That's why I'm leaving…”

Roy interrupted Liko, she was shaking, he wasn't still planning on leaving. This talk was going horribly wrong, it should've solved everything, they should've come out of this stronger but the two needed to talk more.

Time however was not on her side, sooner or later Roy was going to walk away and never look back. She couldn't let it happen, he didn't want to leave but there was no other choice. Roy sighed.

“I would do the same… But im different, i'm not as important as you. Something about you woke Terapagos up, something about you freed Rayquaza, let us track down Lucious’ ancient pokemon.”

Roy darted his eyes over to the group of pokemon now staring at him.

“You brought all of us together Liko, you're the reason I'm on my journey now. You're the reason we've all met, I'm just here along for the ride Liko. I'm not important like you, strong like Friede or your grandma, Smart like Molly and Orla, talented like Murdock and Dot. Experienced like Ludlow. The only thing I have is… well… nothing…”

Liko couldn't believe what she was hearing, her mouth was dry but not a single word could escape her lips. Instinctively she took a step closer and reached out her hand, touching his cheek with a shaky gesture. 

The boy almost sunk into her hand, for a moment he felt relaxed, he was no longer cold but he didn't quite feel like the familiarl morning warmth she'd associate the boy with.

“I need to stop one of us from doing something stupid Liko. One of us could die at this rate and we'd leave so many people behind to deal with it… At least with me, I've only got my grandad and my pokemon, but you?

What happens to Sprigatito, Terapagos and Hatenna? To your family? To the Rising Volt Tacklers? To your friends? To Lucious’ ancient pokemon who trusted you….”

Liko glanced down at her own pokemon who gave the girl their own concerned expressions, even Roys pokemon seemed worried for the girl.

The boy was making good points but she didn't agree with him, he was important, why couldn't he see it for himself?

“What about your Parents? They'd be worried about you and who would look after your pokemon?” 

The bluette questioned, to her, he wasnt thinking straight. Roy held on to the hand Liko was holding the side of his face with and gave it a soft squeeze before chuckling slightly.

“My parents? I haven't seen them in years…no one has”

Liko had no idea, she hadn't really asked. He's already lost so much, now he's even willing to lose his own partner pokemon for…

For her…

Roy looked down at his pokemon before kneeling and stroking both of their heads, even softly stroking Hatenna’s head to try and soothe the shaking pokemon, giving her a reassuring smile. The fairy type stopped crying and looked up at him, hugging his hand, trying to keep hold of him.

“As for my Pokemon? I'd want you to look after them Liko. You're the person I trust the most. Only if you and my Pokemon would want that of course…”

He really had it planned out, every specific detail but Liko couldn't accept that, she needed a reason to keep him here, to keep him with her.

“What about….me?”

Her voice cracked, she barely even muttered the words and Roy wanted give her a different answer for that, he really wished the girl never asked him that question but he didn't want to lie to her anymore…

“You'd be safe, you wouldn't jump in the way for anyone else… well I hope you wouldn't”

Roy chuckles but it was a dry one, there was no semblance of light behind it. He's already convinced himself that this needs to be done and honestly…

Liko could see where Roy was coming from, they'd both put themselves in danger being around each other, maybe this is what's best because he is right.

There won't ever be anyone else she'd jump into danger for…

Roy eventually pulled his hand away from Hatenna who let out a few quiet whines. She clearly thought this was a bad idea but Roy gave the fairy type an apologetic smile before standing up to face Liko.

The girl in front of him was shaking, she didn't really know what to do. She didn't want him to leave, it felt wrong, this whole thing felt wrong.

She'd sacrifice herself for him.

He'd sacrifice everything for her.

It was a match that wasn't meant to last but Liko couldn't help but want to hold on, just that bit longer…

She ran over to him and pulled the boy into a gut wrenching hug, her head dug into his neck as she let out quiet tears. Roy hugged her back and held on, his floodgates had already dried up, truthfully he felt embarrassed crying in front of her but there's only so much he can handle and right now? He needs to be the stronger of the two.

*clap*

*clap*

*clap*

Both trainers quickly spun around to the direction of what sounded like someone clapping at them. Roy and Liko looked around before their pokemon jumped in front of them, growling whilst facing the narrow alleyway the two were sitting at before. The footsteps got louder, Liko quickly grabbed Roys hand and tried to sprint towards their exit but a seemingly wild Magneton flew down and blocked their exit, shooting out an electro ball at the duo.

Fuecoco jumped in front of the two, using Flamethrower to intercept the electro ball. Both attacks clashed, causing a giant explosion sending both Roy and Liko flying backwards, the boy quickly grabbed onto the bluette and shielded her from hitting the ground, letting out a small wince of pain.

Liko quickly stood up, asking Roy if he was okay before reaching out her hand to him. The boy hastily nodded his head before taking her hand, pulling him up, Roy looked around to scan the environment. Both exits were blocked off, the exit the Magneton blocked off was engulfed in a cloud of smoke.

“Well… I knew luring out the fabled Rising Volt Tacklers was the plan but I didn't quite expect this…”

A familiar looking teal haired man took his final steps out of the alleyway shrouded in darkness, giving the trainers an almost sadistic smile.

“Y-You!”

Liko called out right away, instinctively taking a step backwards with Roy taking a step forward, protectively lifting his arm to the side in defense of the bluette behind him.

“Weren't you just leaving? Don't tell me you're getting cold feet now. I must admit, I didn't expect you to take such drastic measures to keep the girl safe”

Terapagos and Hatenna returned to Liko, the girl holding the turtle pokemon in her arms as the fairy type jumped back inside of Likos hood. Both trainers eyed each other and nodded, staring ahead at the man in front of them.

“So you've chosen to fight children? Ill give one of you a chance… Just leave the girl and the turtle here and I'll let you walk free…”

Spinel chuckled at the two kids, both of them were shaking but dug deep to muster up the courage to stand tall and fight.

“I'm not running! Not now! Not ever! Fuecoco use Flamethrower!”

“We're standing our ground! We beat you once, we'll do it again! Sprigatito! Use Leafage!”

Both pokemon charged up their attacks at the command of their trainers, the man in front of them simply smirked and clicked his fingers, in an instant, to figures zipped by from the shadows as both attacks were let loose, colliding with the shadowy figures, causing an explosion but as the smoke disappeared, the two pokemon were revealed to be unphased by the combined attack…

The now revealed Umbrean shook off the light dust from the flamethrower with Beheeyam not even phased by Sprigatitos leafage. Spinel could only smirk before glaring at the right past the boy with a sadistic smile.

“You've both gotten a decent bit stronger but let's put your skills to the test. The power of the six heroes isn’t here to save you this time…”

The man was glaring directly at Terapagos who let out an angry cry to the man, it sounded even angrier than it was at Rayquaza when it was attacking them, there was something about this man the pokemon didn't like, it's almost like it could sense something.

____________________

Friede has been flying atop Charizard for about an hour now, he's been chasing different leads from different people, hoping that he could figure out what was going on but the man couldn't help but feel he was being sent around on a wild goose chase.

The professor tapped Charizards shoulder twice with the pokemon instantly understanding the command, remaining stationary in the air as the man put a hand under his chin, trying to think what on earth could be happening. He tried asking a few old friends who lived in Unova but they hadn't heard anything about the city requiring a job, even some of his old colleagues at Exceed seemed to be at a loss for what was going on.

Whoever had lured them all the way to Unova was cunning and clearly knew how to cover their tracks, Friede wishes he could ask Dot to do some digging on some stuff that he's been told about but just as he went to call her, he realised he made everyone go out for the day on the Brave Olivine so she wouldn't be available.

Usually he'd deal with it himself but this was an emergency so, albeit reluctantly, he pulled out his rotom phone and had everyone's location pulled up. After Liko lost her memories, Friede wanted to be able to track everyone only when they were splitting up like they had today. The ethics behind tracking people is dodgy at best but in this case the kids were his responsibility and he was forced to take these precautions by an enemy willing to do much worse.

“Alright Charizard let's head to Mode Street, Dots at the ice cream stand”

The fire breathing lizard nodded its head before flapping its wings towards the direction, Friede looked back down at Roy and Likos location only to notice that for some reason, they're really far out, it seemed like they were in the alleyways of Castelia city for some reason, he planned to head to their location next.

As Charizard flew down, Dot's vibrant purple hair wasn't too difficult to spot in a crowd of people wearing business suits but that's not what caught his attention… 

No it was the person who was now following him, slightly turning his head back to glance at the flying type heading right towards him, he noticed a trainer riding on top of the pokemon. Before he could even fully turn around, the man roared out.

“Aerodactyl use hyper beam!”

“Quick! Flamethrower!”

A white beam came out of the fossil pokemons mouth, heading right towards Charizard before the fire type responded in turn with its own attack, roaring flames erupting from the fire types mouth, clashing with the hyper beam, causing a massive explosion with the windows on both buildings beside the flying trainers fracturing at the shockwave of the two destructive attacks.

“Finally shown yourself? You seriously had me chasing you down for an hour just for a subpar ambush?”

The professor smirked but the hulking man on the Aerodactyl wasn't amused, his stern expression was unmoving. This wasn't the type of person to banter with, Friede grimaced slightly but replaced his smirk with a stern expression before focusing.

“My name is Sidian, I'll be your opponent for today Professor. Do not disappoint me…”

Friede couldn't help but smirk at the challenge but deep down, he was worried about everyone else. If his memory served him right, then this man was one of the four members of the explorers they've encountered so far which means there could be more nearby.

Truthfully Friede wasn't really worried about most of the other members. Sidian here seemed to have a sense of honor barring the attempted surprise attack, he announced himself as his opponent so that was a good enough sign that he'd want a fair fight. The younger pink haired girl also wasn't too much of a worry, her explosive trump card was dangerous, yes, but it also took her out of the fight. Amethio was a good kid, the professor could tell but the older boy seemed to have anything immense loyalty to something.

There was one he hoped wouldn't show up, Spinel, he desperately hoped that the teal haired man was just a mastermind here only manipulating the deck of cards that they were all playing with. That seemed unlikely though, there was no way he'd go through all this meticulous planning just to watch from afar, the man seemed to enjoy tormenting his opponents and with Liko and Roy currently out of reach, he needed to end this quickly…

“Let's take this somewhere else, don't want anyone else getting hurt now do we?”

Friede offered, he saw how Sidian considered it for a moment before speaking up, every word the man said was straight and to the point.

“Fine…Lead the way”

Both trainers flew off back in the direction of the Brave Olivine. Dot and Ludlow were squinting their eyes as they looked up in the air with everyone was panicking. The two of them could tell Friede had gotten himself into some trouble but Dot didn't recognise the attacker, she's only fought against the teal haired one so the other explorers were a bit of a mystery to her.

Both members of the Rising Volt tacklers nodded at one another before heading back to the ship but given everyone was pushing and shoving one another, it was difficult for them to push through everyone since Dot wasn’t exactlythe most physically gifted. Even so, when she was about to fall back into the crowd, she felt the older man's hand grab onto her wrist and pull her along with him.

Even though he was old, he wasn't quite as frail and still had an impressive strength, he turned back and gave the girl a smile of reassurance before the two of them were walking against the tide of the terrified people.

As Friede and Charizard led the way back to the Brave Olivine, looking down, he could see the pink haired girl with her Glalie battling against Cap who managed to dodge the ice types blizzard and land a nasty thunder punch. The electric types captains hat was still on his head, meaning he still wasn't taking things seriously but Friede figured that some help wouldn't go amiss.

“Charizard! Use Flameth-”

“Aerodactyl! Rock Tomb!”

Before Charizard could fire off its flames, countless rocks appeared above the flying lizard, as it tryed to dodge and swerve around the falling rocks, it was simply too much as one rock managed to clip one of Charizards wings. The fire spun around as it lost balance with Friede falling off the fire type, he was quite high up so he called out to Cap.

“Cap! Quickly use the rising volt tackle!”

The electric type didn't waste a second, throwing off its cap and sprinting around beneath where they were both falling, a moment later the rising volt tackle formed, softening Friedes fall, whilst the white haired man hit the ground, he managed to break the fall by rolling backwards.

Charizard managed to regain itself as it landed next to Friede and letting out a primal roar. The pink haired girl could only smile in annoyance at the trio before Sidian landed next to her.

“You were supposed to ambush him…”

“Eh you don't tell Coral what to do! That stupid pikachu got in my way last time so it needs to pay!”

Beside Friede, Cap merely scoffed at the notion, remembering the battle at ine of Diana's safehousrs, both sides were tense, one wrong move and the girl would order a self destruct and damage the Brave Olivine so he needed to be careful to keep her anger in check. Friede glanced at his pokemon who nodded back to him in understanding, they were all on the same page so now it was a juggling act.

“Alright then you two, let's do this!”

Both explorers were done glaring at one another as they turned their attention to the professor, a sadistic smirk appearing on the girls face with the more stern man looking practically unphased.

“Lets begin! Aerodactyl use Ancient Power!”

The fossil pokemon suddenly summoned multiple floating rocks which levitated beside Aerodactyl before it roared. The rocks jettisoned right towards Friede but the professor simply smirked before calling out a command.

“Straight to the point? Alright then! Charizard! Crush the Ancient Power with Dragon Claw!”

Suddenly Charizards arms were covered in a green aura resembling a three clawed hand, instantly the flying lizard soared towards the rocks and spun around in Midair, almost resembling a drill.

At a blistering speed, the rocks that were headed towards the professor were suddenly split in half and blew up with Charizard headed right towards the Fossil pokemon.

“Glalie! Stop the lizard with Crunch!”

Suddenly the ice type zipped in front of Aerodactyl, a set of enlarged teeth covered the Glalies mouth as the crunch collided with the dragon claw. Friede had expected this, Aerodactyl was really their only escape so the two explorers couldn't afford to lose the flying type. What Sidian did next told Friede that he wasn't someone to be underestimated.

Coral was an uncontrollable storm but the man beside her was a calculated hurricane…

“Aerodactyl Return! Garganacl use salt cure!”

To the side of Charizard, the rock type appeared with its hands ready to fire off its attack, luckily Friede was more than experienced enough to handle himself.

“Cap! Make sure Garganacl doesn't land the attack with Thunder Punch! Charizard use Flamethrower on Glalie!”

The electric type dashed ahead, jumping up and striking the salt pokemon which caused it to stumble backwards. The flying lizard's mouth was engulfed in flames before unleashing and point blank super effective attack.

Both of the explorers' pokemon stumbled back, wincing in pain before looking ahead at the professor and his pokemon.

It was clear as day, even though they were the ones who ambushed him, even though the professor is the one that needs to balance fighting both of them along with keeping their ship safe, he was in complete control already…

Spinel had warned them about this; against the white haired man, they were the ones who were on the defensive.

“Well then, I suppose I'll play with you both a bit…”

With that declaration of confidence, the two explorers knew they had to take things seriously…

_______________________

They were on the defensive, his two pokemon were simply too much for them to handle. Sure, they'd gotten stronger but it wasn't enough, all of his training, pushing himself to the limits and even then their difference in power was just that great.

“What's wrong? Don't like the hand you were dealt?”

Spinel was mocking the boy, Liko was on the other end of the alleyway taking on Umbreon who was proving to be too much, Sprigatito couldn't keep up with the dark type's speed and devastating attacks… 

Roy needed to help her out but for some reason the teal haired man was focused on him, he was perceptive, three steps ahead at all times.

Spinel looked back and saw the struggling girl before turning his head back to Roy.

“You should worry about yourself more. I promise you this, keep struggling and one of you won't make it out of here…

Beheeyam use psychic”

The brown extraterrestrial pokemon raised one of its hands as a transparent pink outline covered Roy, holding the boy in place and tightening its grip, causing Roy to let out a grunt of pain.

The boy looked over at Liko and Umbreon, he could tell the Eeveelution was just messing with its prey, letting Sprigatito get a few smaller hits in, they say a pokemon takes after it's trainer and this pokemon seems to have taken the mans more sadistic nature. 

Roy examines Beheeyem's more cold and calculating look, it doesn't help that the pokemons origins aren't exactly known either, he remembers being told that back during one of his online classes. Though, now wasn't the time to be thinking about that, Roy could barely breathe, the psychic types hold over the boy wasn't letting up. 

“F-Fueco-co… Flamethrower! Wattrel! S-Spark!”

Roy barely managed to let out with his pokemon instantly letting off the attacks.

The flames from Fuecoco collided with the extraterrestrial pokemon however not even a scratch was on it, it's special defense stat must be higher than his physical, lucky Roy accounted for this as Wattrel soared down from above them all, the electrical current around its body growing even larger by the second and colliding with Beheeyem, forcing the psychic types hold on Roy to loosen.

The psychic type raised its hand to telekenetically grab hold of the boy again but it was stopped by Spinel, who instead put a hand underneath his chin, smirking in the process.

“No… We can play this differently, Beheeyam charge it up…”

The extraterrestrial pokemon nodded and both hands in front of it began to charge an attack.

Sprigatito was out of her element here, Liko knew it was only a matter of time until Umbreon stopped toying with them. She hated feeling so weak, Roy had the advantage of having two pokemon who could fight but Hatenna was shaking in her hood so there was no way Liko would force her to fight.

“Sprigatito! Use Quick Attack!”

The grass type suddenly begun to Zip around the dark type, Liko knew she couldn't beat Umbreon with brute force so trying to outsmart it was the name of the game. She had hoped changing up her tactics would've helped but for some reason, Umbreon wore a sadistic smile before suddenly zipping around just as fast… no even faster than Sprigatito ever could.

“It knows Quick Attack?”

It was just like the age old saying, dogs and cats never got along, both pokemon were clashing even faster than Liko could even keep up with, shockwaves were erupting all around her however a few moments later, Sprigatito cried out in pain as their speedy showdown came to an end.

Umbreon had bitten into Sprigatitos tail and spun the grass type in the air before launching her backl, causing the cat to crash down at Likos feet. She tried to get up, hissing in anger but she couldn't, the gap in power was simply too strong…

“SPRIGATITO!”

Liko quickly kneeled down, placing Terapagos onto the ground before shaking the grass type. Hatenna jumped down from the bluettes hood and tried to shake Sprigatito awake. The growling of the dark type could be heard from in front of them, Liko quickly jumped in the way of the pokemon now charging up an attack aimed directly at the girls.

“USE STOMPING TANTRUM!”

A voice called out with a chunk of the ground colliding with Umbreon, causing a small explosion as it was pushed back ever so slightly. Liko looked up to see Roy offering her a hand, slightly shaken, she took it and pulled herself up. Roy spuns around to see Sprigatito now having managed to get up, albeit a bit shakily.

“You've both done great, Umbreon is definitely the strongest of my partners…”

Spinel suddenly called out, Umbreon returned to its trainers side as Roy, yet again instinctively stood in front of Liko, he felt a bit light headed but compared to Sprigatito, his pokemon were in much better shape.

“We’re not handing Terapagos over to you!”

Liko called out in rage, the turtle glanced up at the girl with a sense of admiration, this girl was willing to put her life on the line to protect it. Terapagos felt a small sense of anger, if it had all of her power back then she'd be able to protect everyone, instead here she was helpless to it all. She could relate to Roy, understanding his actions over the past two weeks…

“Oh no you're mistaken. You won't be handing Terapagos over to me, I'm going to be taking it and the girl…”

Both kids' blood ran cold, Roy’s pokemon were already exhausted and Sprigatito was on its last legs, there really wasn't much they could do but there's no way he'd let her be taken.

“Liko! You need to find Friede…”

“What? I'm not leaving you Roy!”

He needed to get her safe, he didn't matter right now, she was the man's target so getting her as far away as possible was the only way they're getting out of this. Roy glanced around and saw that Magneton was still blocking their only means to escape, the only other exit was the alleyway behind Spinel but there was no way they were getting past him.

Roy glanced back at Magneton… 

An idea formed in his head, Roy quickly grabbed Liko's bag and put Terapagos back inside it, the turtle was confused at first but Roy subtly nodded over to the direction of the exit, the turtle gave the boy a smile before hopping back inside. Roy quickly glanced at the rest of their pokemon, almost like he was warning them to get ready. Liko put Terapagos' bag back over her shoulder before Roy grabbed her hand, sprinting off.

“FUECOCO FLAMETHROWER!”

The fire type unleashed it's flamethrower, headed right towards Spinel who simply clicked its fingers, suddenly Umbreon jumped in the way and a protective shield blocked the attack, those seconds were all they needed.

Liko, Roy and the rest of their pokemon ran right over to the Mangeton who was readying another attack, Liko suddenly caught on and commanded Sprigatito.

“Block its vision with Leafage!”

Sprigatito leaped up into the air and let loose its largest leafage yet, the leaves were surrounding the steel type as it couldn't properly see but it still refused to move.

“Wattrel! Push it out of the way with Spark!”

The flying type flew up into the air before soaring down, its body engulfed in electricity clashed with the steel type, causing it to fall backwards, giving the group enough space to escape…

They were so close…

They were almost there…

But just as they almost reached it, Roy's injury flared up, falling behind as Liko ran on ahead, the boy couldn't move, it felt like he was paralysed… 

No…

He was paralysed, static sparks formed around the boy as he kneeled to the ground in pain… Those little jump starts he'd force Wattrel to give him were going to be the reason they won't make it…

Liko ran on ahead, their hands separating for a moment before she realised his warmth was gone, the bluette spun around to see Roy kneeling down, clutching his side in pain.

“What's wrong Roy?”

Suddenly a laugh could be heard from the teal haired man…

“I'll praise your attempt at escaping… I told you though, I'm taking the girl and the turtle!

Beheeyem! Use Meteor Beam!”

Roy barely managed to turn around, all he saw was a destructive yellow light headed right towards him, the boy tried to move but couldn't… He couldn't move…

Was this it?

He closed his eyes, waiting for the pain of the attack. he heard the cries of his pokemon but her scream tore through everything.

“ROY!”

Soon after he felt his body move…

Moments later…

A giant explosion shook the area…