Chapter Text
Looking out the train window, I smiled, and held up Medea. "Hey, look, you can see Lumiose City. I think… this will be good for us."
{Yes, just as soon as I evolve back…} My little Ralts pouted. {I wonder what kind of food they have.}
I sighed, pulling her close as the train slowed, and picked up my bag. Tama, my Rotom Phone floating around us. "You glutton."
The trainstop was nice, and while I missed my sword, I knew it was tucked away. But the trainstop… it was bright, and… "Yeah, I like this. It feels… right."
"Ralts." Medea agreed, as I placed her on my shoulder.
Walking along, I found all the people getting off refreshing to see, and as we left the trainstop… it was amazing to see so many people just… living with their pokemon, not all trapped in pokeballs.
"Hey, you there!" turning I found myself looking as a guy wearing… trendy clothes with blonde hair with a pink gradient dye… it looked pretty good being honest. "Just pulled into Gare de Lumiose, am I right? And judging by that big old travel bag… I've got a hunch you're here to see some sights?
"Yeah, that I am, me and Medea here." I agreed, "I'm Elspeth, but call me Liz."
"You're just the type I'm looking for! And you're about my height. We'll look natural standing side by side." The guy exclaimed, "Listen, could you do me a small favor? For real, it'll be so small." I did not like where this was going… "I need you to look into my camera and say 'Hotel Z's the best stay in Lumiose!' Easy, right? No worries if you're staying somewhere else! I just need a hand advertising the Hotel. Sound good? Good! OK, lights, camera--" And he was interrupted by sounds in the background. A loud ad. "Ah, shoot. We can't film with that ad blaring in the background."
And somehow we ended up watching it.
--
Jett, the CEO of Quasartico Inc. appeared on the screen. She was an older woman with short blonde hair, crescent earrings, and a fancy dress with a too large lapel. On which was a pin of her company's logo.
"Welcome to Lumiose City, where people and Pokemon flourish together. My name is Jett, and I am the CEO of Quasartico Inc." She began, and the camera slowly pulled back, as she dropped a pokeball, releasing a Skiddo. "Pokemon are mysterious and wholly magnificent creatures."
The camera pulled back again, the screen behind Jett showing wild pokemon peacefully living in the city."They thrive abundantly, right here in our midst. In fact, so many Pokemon now grace us with their presence…"
The screen changed as the skiddo pranced to her other side, "That we've begun setting up wild zones where they can live comfortably alongside us." And the screen changed again, slowly showing other scenes as she spoke. "These diverse creatures wield many marvelous powers. It's up to all of us to work with them so we can live in harmony. In hopes of strengthening the bonds between people and pokemon we're imagining a new future for this city through our urban redevelopment plan. We've now employed our patented holo-tech in all corners of Lumiose so our interactive guide can teach you more about your surroundings. A city even more beautiful than before awaits all of us. We hope you'll bear that in mind and pardon our construction work."
Then the screen changed and the company's tagline appeared.
The Mega Evolution of Luminose City is coming,
brought to you by Quasartico Inc.
--
"I like how that CEO thinks. Even if her as did keep us from filming." The still unnamed guy said, "This city and its pokemon are a wonder. To know 'em is to love 'em! Anyone who visits gets it! And I see you do too! Speaking of people who visit Lumiose, let's get filming!"
Then he looked down at me, then up at me, frowning, "Hold up--Where'd your bag go? You don't look as touristy without it."
Fuck, my bag?
Purple light flashed in my eyes for a moment, then I turned as Medea's pulling of my hair to see a little black and white pokemon run off with my bag…
Then unnamed, said the stupidest thing. "Did you hire a Pokemon courier service or something?"
I have him the flattest glare I could.
"Oh man… so your bag got bagnapped?!" He exclaimed… and wow… um… if this wasn't about my things, maybe he would be funny. Maybe. "I shouldn't have bugged you with my video stuff… My bad! Come on, I'll help you get your bag back!"
And he led me off chasing after the bag…
The pokemon led us through several back streets and to a small courtyard where two people were waiting… no… fucking pokerobbery. Wonderful. At least my important things were stored digitally.
"I guess this wasn't just a wild pokemon randomly messing with you." No name breathed out, looking into the courtyard, and I felt Medea tensing up on my shoulder. "That bag-nabbing Pancham must've been with those two."
Did… he take that long to figure it out?
Blonde-pink no name turned to me, "Listen, tourist-- what's your name?"
"Elspeth." I told him, completely neglecting my status as a League Champion. "But call me Liz.
"Elspeth? Liz? Ok Liz, Got it! I'm Urbain." Urbain declared… and I wondered if he knew what that word meant? "And don't you worry-- I've got your back here!"
"Come on, Pancham!" Came a female voice from the courtyard. "Even a backpacker like me wouldn't be caught dead with a bag this tacky!"
Which was the point of why I was using it…
"Maybe it was trying to clean up this eyesore. Let's bring it to the cops! Bet they'll pat us on the back." Said another person, this one male.
"No need for that! I've got the bag's owner right here!" Urbain declared with needless drama…
"Hey, you're Urbain!" Yelled the woman.
"I… can't say I know you. Did you see one of the ads I filmed, maybe?" Urbain asked, kinda confused.
"It's me, Andi! From the Z-A Royale! How could you forget already?!" the woman, Andi, declared… and I felt for her. Urbain seemed like the flighty type though.
"Yeah, I'm Andre! We faced off just last night!" The guy named himself…
Andi? Andre… I…
{My sensibilities hurt.} Medea bemoaned, {And they're stopping us from getting food.}
"Oh, Trainers from last night? Sorry, not ringing a bell. Must not have been much of a challenge." Urbain confidently goaded… he was goading right? This had to be intentional.
"That stings." Andi replied, shaking her head, "But I guess… fair."
What? {What?}
"Listen up! We'll return your bag--if you battle us right now!" Andre proclaimed.
"That makes no sense. If you want a rematch, all you have to do is wait till nightfall." Urbain replied… and I think he was trying for placating?
"Shut up!" Andre yelled, the Pancham letting out a cry, "Pancham's itching for another shot at you. That's why it snagged the bag! Uh, probably!"
"It's nice of you to consider what Pancham wants, but the two of you against me? That's unfair!" Urbain reposted, then he turned to me. Listen, How about I guide you through-"
I snorted, stepping forward. "Medea, let's go."
"Ha?" Andi exclaimed with a laugh, "No way am I gonna get beat by a first-timer! Go, Pancham!"
As the Pancham rushed Medea, she cried out, her voice carrying Fairy type energy, and knocking her opponent back. Then, her red hair lighting up ever so slightly, she rushed in on her adorably stubby legs and punched the fighting type pokemon, psychic energy pooled in her fist sending it staggering back as she let out another cry and it hit the ground…
"For the record, I'm a qualified trainer." I deadpanned, "And Medea has years of experience."
"A-ah…" Andi sighed, "And this was supposed to make us feel better."
With a despondent sigh, Andi muttered, "I'm more disappointed in myself than in Pancham." Then Andre walked up to her and she simpered, "Please tell me you won, Andre!"
"Nope." Andre sighed, "Can't believe I thought I'd score a next-day comeback. My pokemon and I are so let down."
"This is why you and I get along so well." Andi moaned, "We even lose together."
"If you're that upset, wait till night falls and come try again!" Urbain boasted… that was a boast?
"Or… you know, spend time training with your partner." I sighed out, obviously ignored.
"No way!" Andi cried, "We're not dealing with you again--not even if we meet during the Royale! You can have your bag back. Pancham says sorry. Now au revoir!"
And they left…
"Don't leave me hanging!" Urbain exclaimed, holding out his fist…
"You… want a fist bump?" I grumbled, "For what? Beating hopeless layabouts?"
"Yeah! A fist bump to victory! Put them knuckles out!" Urbain exclaimed, either not getting my snark… or more likely ignoring it.
Very reluctantly, I bumped my fist to his.
"Ya, know? Gotta ask, what's up with the glowing lines on your arm?" Urbain asked, eyeing it.
Ah… my right arm. I didn't tell him that while I was at Naranja Academy, during the Treasure Hunt, I found a relic of some kind and that it had implanted itself into my right arm. It had settled in the last six years, expanding… which was worrying, but my right arm now looked like it had an ancient design tattooed into it in prismatic crystal. Additionally, my finger and two nails were now made of that crystal.
"Just something that happened in my past. Tera-circuitry…" I replied vaugely.
"Cool!" Urbain replied, "You're partner is amazing by the way! I didn't know Ralts could use a psychic punch! Speaking of, You're Ralts doesn't have a horn? And they hair is all wierd?"
"Medea's special, and that's all I'll say to someone I just met." I replied, and he laughed.
"That's fair." Urbain laughed, "And you are an accredited Trainer?"
"Yeah, I went to a fancy school and everything…"
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Urbain was leading me to a place to stay when- well, as the streets got dark, red holo-walls appeared everywhere.
"Oh man. It's nightfall already?" He asked, and here I was again wondering if he was stupid? "And we're in a battle zone. Rotten luck. We gotta move, so here's the deal, super-short version… Battle zones are intense! Anyone who finds you in here can challenge you to a battle on the spot! But I know somewhere safe, and it's right nearby. Let's get going!"
"We'll just have these two-" Urbain started, and I snorted.
"Tama," I declared, "Store my bag please."
"Oh… nifty… but then why were you carrying it around?" Urbain asked, eyes wide.
"So people didn't target Tama- er, my Rotom Phone." I replied with a shrug, just has some basic clothes in it.
He just worked his jaw for a moment, then sighed. "Right. Come on! This way!"
And he led me through several alleys before turning and smiling, "We're almost there!"
He was sweet, and if I wasn't gay… Well, I might find him attractive in more than an observational sense.
Then I got the feeling- that feeling when turning around will prove to be a mistake, but you know you have to… or is that a psychic thing?
"What have we got here? A pair of battle zone loiterers! You must be after a Pokemon battle!" And I turned to see a waitress had slipped up behind me… I blame Urbain. I really do. "So square up and give me your best shot!"
"No wait! My friend here isn't part of-" Urbain tried… he really did…
"I don't believe anyone asked you!" The waitress declared…
{Medea? Don't hold back.}
"Sounds like you gotta beat her, Liz!" Urbain casually declared… like he couldn't intervene… but fuck it, we ball!
It was why I was here anyways.
"The points I earn from trouncing you will propel me up the ranks!" The waitress declared arrogantly. And she sent out a Cleffa, who was immediately slammed by a Psybeam… then she sent out a Bunnelby… you guessed it, Psybeam.
{Hungry! And I want to sleep!}
And the waitress flinched at Medea's sour tone as she wide-area broadcasted her displeasure. Then… "W-wait a second." She moaned, "Are you not competing in the Royale?"
"I tried to tell you." Urbain sighed.
"Urgh…" And she ran off…
"Wow Liz, you and Medea are something… how does she know Psybeam already? Egg move?" Urbain asked and I just gave him a smirk. "Anyways, so… yeah, battle zones. So here's some advice from your new friend who loves helping people… Let's get the heck out of here before someone else comes after us looking to battle!"
Huh… he had good advice.
Then of course… he led us to a group of competent trainers.
"Medea?" I muttered, and I could feel her uncertainty… before her rebirth? Cakewalk… but she wasn't all that powerful now.
"Hey just let-" I ignored the rest of what Urbain was saying as I started planing things out… if I-
I stopped as a black and red Floette appeared. It looked at Urbain, then at the trainers, then started charging- fuck, I knew this pressure, this was a high power move. This little fairy was top tier…
League hat on.
"Don't hit them." I stated threading my voice with psychic power, even as Urbain said something, and the little pokemon graciously angled the flower up… and then launched one hell of an attack.
In response, the trainers fled. Not that I blamed them.
"Nicely done, Floette!" Urbain cheered, and I mentally pulled off my League champion hat. It wasn't like I had a champion team at the moment anyways. "But maybe you should save that Light of Ruin move for when it counts, huh?"
{Light… of Ruin?} Medea murmured to me, {I want to learn that.}
I fucking bet…
"Liz, let me introduce you to Floette. She's a very special pokemon. She's apparently three thousand years old!" Urbain exclaimed… and has no one ever told him that it's a bad idea to speak of a woman's age? "And thanks to Floette, those troublemakers cleared off! Let's hurry to our safe spot--Hotel Z!"
Crossing the few feet we needed, we left the battle zone and Urbain declared, "You can relax now-- we're out of the battle zone. Hotel Z's just through here!"
And- and well, shit, it was…
Hotel Z? Big, old, vine covered… magnificent!
"Welcome to our humble establishment--Hotel Z!" Urbain declared, giving a poor butler bow. "You won't find a more tranquil, relaxing stay anywhere in Lumiose… since we don't have a single other guest."
"Oh… that fills me with so much comfort." I groused.
"H-hey! It's great, C'mon in." Urbain bayed me and… well, I had nowhere else to go… I didn't even know where the local Gym was.
And as we entered, Urbain called out, "I'm back, AZ!"
Az? What kind of name was that?
Urbain walked up to- Arceus… but he was tall. "Check it out--I brought us a guest!"
Walking up to stil- ah, no that was rude. To the very tall man, I was greeted with. "So this is the owner of the travel bag sitting over there?"
"That's right!" Urbain said, still chipper, "This is Elspeth, call her Liz. She stepped off the train at the gare de Lumiose and right into a world of trouble. But she battled her way out, her Ralts is amazing!"
"Truely? Hmm, People and Pokemon meet when fate dictates it should be so." The extra tall man said cheerily.
"Yeah!" Urbain explained, "But then night fell and we got caught up in the Z-A Royale stuff, so I brought 'em here."
"I see." Tall- the man I assume was Az, said, "I was concerned when a bag arrived with no owner. That is why I sent Floette out to seek you. It seems my worries were unfounded."
"No, I'm glad you did!" Urbain said cheerily, "Floette saved our skins with her Light of Ruin--it's a heck of a move. You're so wise, AZ, I can almost believe you really ARE three thousand years old like you always say!"
Oh? Oh ho… Now that was an interesting bit of knowledge…
"Elspeth," Az began, "I belive you have been led here because this is where you are meant to be."
Neat.
"I am AZ." He… well, proclaimed, "And as the owner of Hotel Z, I welcome you." Then he straightened up, towering well above us. "Pray, allow me a few words. I hope you'll indulge me, as your host."
"Of course." I agreed cheerily.
"Hear me now, Elspeth, for pokemon are truly wonderous creatures. Every Pokemon possesses great power of its own. And it will wield that power for a pokemon trainer it has placed its faith in. I urge you to treasure your Pokemon, and never betray that faith." He told me, the weight of ages radiating off of him.
And well, Medea was my Treasure. I had learned that already.
"That is all I wished to say." Az finished, relaxing back into his stooped state. "Room 202 is yours to use."
"You can take the elevator to the second floor." Urbain said like… I was some kind of idiot? "Rest up for tonight, then come meet me down here in the lobby tomorrow morning!"
The ride up the venerable elevator was surprisingly smooth, and the longer I was here, the more I was coming to love the ambience. The decor.
Room 202 was… simple. About as big as my dorm room back at Naranja Academy.
Not even thinking about it, I walked over to the bed, and collapsed, pulling Medea close. "Tired…"
Knock knock
"Hey. Sorry, I know I said you should sleep, but can we talk for a sec?" Urbain asked through the door…
{Hurt? Please let me hurt him?} Medea grumbled.
"No, just… fuck, let;s see what he wants." I grumbled getting up.
"Begging your pardon, dear guest!" Urbain began, with that bow from earlier and all, "I neglected to show you our hotel's true gem--a stunning panorama. That means 'C'mon, you gotta see the roof!'"
If this wasn't good… {Grumbled.}
Hugging Medea to my chest, I sighed and followed him up.
"Bit late now, but welcome to Lumiose City!" Urbain declared, smiling, and the view was… very urban. "It's got its weird parts, but it's a good place. I like it here."
With a sigh, Urbain shifted gears on me, "Listen… I owe AZ big-time for all the help he's given me since I got here. I want to do right by him in return. Not to put you on the spot, but… think you could give me a hand."
"Give me a day, I'll get you five-" I joked, "But seriously, sure."
"Ha! Grim." He laughed, then put his fist out. "You're the best!"
Bumping his fist, I let out a sigh. "Now, bed, or Medea here is going to do horrific things to you."
"Night then!"
"Night."