Chapter Text
The train was almost silent. The route from the Kalos Airport to Lumiose City was longer than expected, so most of the passengers were asleep or resting. Only the rattling of the train could be heard, occasionally the happy giggling of some cherish kids that ran excited through the train and kept their parents awake. But most time it was quiet, yet lively. There was one compartment at the end of the train where only one young woman was seated and almost even more excited than any child could be, with no desire to sleep.
“Auntie, you don’t have to be that worried. I’m fine, really!” She smiled while talking on her Rotom Phone with the eldery woman that finally stopped with her concerned look.
“Fine, Harmony. I guess I can believe you this time.” Nevertheless, she sighed. “You always say you’re fine, no matter how much you struggle and we both know -“
“Hey, it will be in the past from now on.” The girl called Harmony looked earnest, but seconds later her expression softened. “My new life is just about to begin. I know you’re worried because it’s so far away, but I can’t wait to arrive at Lumiose City. I’m so curios about the place so many people are talking about lately … The big city were humans and Pokémon are living together in peace, I feel it’s the chance that will change my whole life!”
“But dear … You don’t even have a Pokémon on your own.” The worried look on the ladies’ face returned. “I know, you’re almost there … But are you sure you don’t want to return? I’m sure Gym Leader Kabu would love to help getting your first Pokémon and if you’re a good trainer, he could recommend you for the Gym Challenge …”
“I know you mean well, but we had this talk so often.” Harmony was able to smile, inappropriate to her own words. “Besides, I’m almost eighteen. Don’t you think I’m a little bit too old for that? It’s so much more efficient to support the young kids in their bright future … And old man Kabu already did so much for me. I can’t burden him even more with my problems and incapability.”
“Don’t say it in this kind of way. You know nothing’s your fault … You can’t choose your circumstances.”
“Yeah …” The blonde sighed, but still watched lovely at the screen of her Rotom Phone. “Well, it seems the train will arrive soon, and I want to prepare for it. Can we talk again at another time?”
“Of course, my dear. Even if you’ll live in Kalos now, I would love to keep in contact.”
“I feel the same way.” Harmony’s smile was absolute honest now. “Please give my regards to uncle, Meowstic and of course Kabu.”
After the end of the talk, Harmony relaxed a little bit. It was a little bit exhausting to keep up that positive aura, but now she was alone and no one watched her. Well, at least she was sure about that … She wasn’t sad and her excitement was not lied, but it wasn’t right that she had no doubts. Even if she read very much on magazines and online about Lumiose City, there was no guarantee that she will find her happiness there. She knew no one there, only had some contact with the manager of the hotel she will stay and work at. Leaving Motostoke might’ve been a little bit hectic and rushed, but at least she was clever enough to organize a place to sleep at and earn some money for a living. She would never understand how anyone can go somewhere without taking care of essential things like this.
Harmony had to admit she was lucky to find this possibility that fast without having any experience at hotel business. But the manager had some problems to find someone for the night shifts, and the job was primarily to be at the reception for the case that someone comes late and needs a place to stay the night. Or to take care of little tasks that rise up, for example if a guest suddenly needs something important. That was something even someone inexperienced like her could do. And it wasn’t the case she never worked in her life before.
The elderly people she called auntie and uncle weren’t related to her. She worked at their bookstore and also helped out at a flower shop for some money. She got along very well with the couple that unfortunately never had children, and after some time they felt like family. At least much more than the connection to her own mother, or what was left of that. But Harmony didn’t want to think about her too much right now, not after everything that had happened especially in the last few years and especially weeks. She won’t return, they were done.
She took a look at her Rotom Phone before finally putting it back at her travel bag. It was a farewell gift from Kabu after hearing she’ll leave her home. Harmony was wondering why he was always so kind towards someone like her. He often invited her for his morning running laps, and it might be thanks to the gym leader that others left her alone instead of mocking her because of her mother’s actions. He talked normally with her, without forcing himself on Harmony or threating her pitiful. She will always be thankful for that, and will always desire that connection. It felt like having some energetic and nice grandpa or uncle, but she never said that to anyone.
“Arriving at the Gare de Lumiose momentarily.” The announcement came out of the speaker and Harmony stopped to think about past things that got any further than she wanted it to be. She began to check if every little bit of her belongings was really stored inside her bag and went to the door of the wagon. It seemed so fast to her that she really arrived in Lumiose, almost unreal. She forced a willing smile when the train stopped and left it as soon as the door opened.
It was only just the train station, but she really was there. She made it and was a little bit relieved. She watched all these happy people around her about to leave the platform, and also the ones who were about to enter the train that just arrived. Harmony took some steps forwards the bright big city, but she was very slowly while watching the other passengers. Most of them had some Pokémon with them and looked so happy. Harmony didn’t want to admit she was about to become jealous at all these strangers and stayed behind while she tried to convince her once again that everything will be fine.
She was about to leave the station while she was having her first few of Lumiose City. All the descriptions she read and photos she saw were nothing compared to the view she had. The wide streets were filled with all those people with their Pokémon, and also the wild Pokémon who fit in this image like they were always there and never belonged anywhere else. She saw modern buildings like the Pokémon Center, but also some older looking buildings that still were in a good shape. Harmony was surprised how good everything looked together, even the frameworks at some places. It may be just the first sign … But if she had to describe it, she would call it lovely.
Encouraged by this inviting scenario, she was finally ready to take her first steps into the city she had so many expectations in. Harmony stepped forward, took a deep breath - and startled when something small hit her face unexpected.
“What the -?!” She dropped her bag and fell on her butt while she tried to feel her face with both hands. Whatever it was, it was not there anymore. Instead of that, something small staggered in her lap. She looked down and saw a small bird out of breath, the poor Pokémon must’ve also been scared by this unexpected collusion. He shook his reddish-orange head and looked surprised had the girl.
“Are you alright …?” Of course Harmony knew the little one couldn’t answer, but hoped to understand his condition. She was relieved when his grayish wings were moving, but didn’t get why this Pokémon was staring so irritated now. “I’m fine, in case you’re worried about that.” She tried to smile while the small bird looked somewhere else, as if his gaze was following something or someone.
“Huh, what’s wrong?” Harmony was about to get up when she heard the upset chirping and thought he was mad at her. But when she wanted to grab her bag while following his glance, she realized something very disastrous. “… My bag!” She almost screamed when she realized her travel bag was missing. She looked around in panic, but it was nowhere to see. Everything of her few belongings was in there, what should she do?
“Ouch!” She startled when the little bird pulled on a strand of her hair. “I’m sorry, but this isn’t the time to-“ Harmony stopped her helpless yelling when she saw a Pancham running away with her bag. She knew this species, there are also living some in Galar. “H-hey, stop that!” She knew this Pokémon won’t return it voluntarily, so she got on her feet to run after it. To her surprise, the little bird had the same idea and was not far ahead when she run into the city after Pancham.
It was like all the running training with Kabu back than paid off. At the beginning Pancham was far ahead, but she was faster and able to reduce to distance. There was one street corner she thought she lost the track, but the little bird she collided with pointed out in which direction she had to run. She didn’t mind why this Pokémon helped her. Harmony was glad anyone did, most people looked at her surprised or thought she was a trainer that plays with her Pokémon.
At the end, they reached some courtyard where the Pancham was about to show the bag to two people at Harmony’s age. She realized it wasn’t just a wild Pokémon messing with her … And got really angry when she heard them laughing how ugly her bag was and they should give it to a police station and claim a reward for finding …
“That bag belonged to my Dad, so give it back!” Harmony wasn’t interested if Pancham did the theft by himself, or if his trainer told him to.
“Pancham, I told you to annoy this boy who beat us at yesterday’s Z-A Royale. And not some random trainer that now believes we’re thieves.” The girl sighed, but the boy next to her seemed to have an idea.
“We wanted to take revenge for the lost battles at him … But why don’t we fight against that plain newbie? I never saw her, so she doesn’t even participate at the Z-A Royale and is like a piece of cake.”
“Hm …” Harmony didn’t know what to say. She wasn’t even a trainer and hoped they would realize she just arrived at Lumiose City. “Okay, then it’s and Pancham against you and your Fletchling!” She throw the bag to her companion to hold it while Harmony wished she just felt asleep on the train and it was just one bad dream. “If you win, we give your stuff bag. But if not, you pay us some good finder’s fee!”
“What’s wrong with you guys?!” Harmony got angry and hoped the next police station wasn’t too far away, but then she noticed how determined the little bird by her side looked at the opponents. “Fletchling, right? You want to help me and fight at my side?” The Pokémon nooded and she tried to focus. “Alright, but don’t expect too much from my first match.”
Harmony had to admit it was a little struggle, but somehow she and Fletchling made it. They defeated the Pancham, but Harmony knew it wasn’t her own achievement. Fletchling fought on his own at the beginning, but luckily Harmony remembered that Pancham was a fighting type and weak against the flying type. She guessed that Fletchling was able to use Peck and glad it was right. So she was at least able to give some suggestions to support this helping Pokémon.
“… Okay, you can have your bag back.” The girl took to travel bag from her friend who looked like he wanted to battle too, but didn’t say a word. His expression was difficult to read, similar to the girl’s. Harmony wasn’t sure, but it seemed they were shocked by this loss. Maybe because they realized she wasn’t even a trainer, but still was somehow able to win? “Pancham says sorry, and now au revoir!” After that, they ran away after putting her bag at the ground.
“We … we really won.” Harmony couldn’t believe it at first when she walked towards her bag. But the lucky expression of Fletchling was convincing enough. “Wow, that’s so cool! Thank you!” She pet the Pokémon carefully and he seemed to enjoy it. “Don’t tell me you felt bad and thought it was your fault my bag was taken.” She smiled gentle. “You’re not only strong, but also cute!” Fletchling looked at her happily with his big round eyes, and somehow Harmony was able to understand. She opened her bag and took out one of the empty Poké Balls that Kabu also gave her in case she becomes a trainer soon. “Then … How about we stay together? Would you like that?” She showed him the item and Fletchling didn’t miss the chance to peck it carefully. The Poké Ball opened and the little bird was the first Pokémon Harmony ever catched … If you count it as a catch.
“Okay, come out!” She let her new partner out just a few seconds later and they smiled at each other. But before Harmony and Fletchling could get to know each other more, they were disturbed by an angry voice.
“Hey, what were you thinking? This Pokémon was mine!” She startled at the shout and Fletchling seemed to recognize the voice. He tried to hide behind his newbie trainer and look concerned.
“Eh, what …?” Harmony didn’t understand. She thought she finally was able to become a trainer, luckily with such an amazing Pokémon … But now she was just stealing? How could that be? She looked sad at Fletchling, but when she saw how frightened he looked, she began to think. “Wait … If Fletchling was your Pokémon, it wouldn’t be possible for me to catch him with a Poké Ball!”
“Urghs, so you’re one of these little trainers who believe they’re sooo smart.” The big sweaty guy around his twenties rolled his eyes and sighed annoyed. “Okay, I’ll explain more … I was about to catch this little guy, before you bumped into him and thought you could keep it. That’s not nice, but I will let this slide as long as you hand it over to me.”
“… No.” The man was getting furious about this answer. “I can clearly see that Fletchling doesn’t even like you. I bet you’re no good, and anyways. He prefers to be with me.”
“What’s with that attitude?!” The guy came near and took a bite of some chicken thighs he was carrying with him in a bucket. Harmony almost freeze, and she hated that smell of meat more than anything. It was also the memories coming back that almost made her about to puke … “You ugly bitch!” Harmony wasn’t in the state to look up properly, but suddenly she heard the man screaming. “Stop that, you stupid bastard!” She was so surprised she finally watched what was going on. Fletchling pecked at the guy’s head and attacked him when he was about to hit his trainer. “Whoa, you aren’t that shiny I wanted! I followed the wrong Pokémon!”
“… What is all that ruckus about?” The guy almost panicked when he heard this towards Harmony unfamiliar voice. Harmony and Fletchling reacted fast and used the opportunity to get some distance from their foe. They looked at the direction the voice was coming from, there was a man not much taller as Harmony followed by some almost identical grunts. “I thought you were told to collect Mega Shards to finally repay your loan. But instead of that, you bother people and Pokémon here in Lumiose … Something I don’t really like …”
“… It’s the boss of the Rust Syndicate…!” The impolite guy was so frightened he almost pissed his pants. “Corbeau … It’s not what it looks like! I … This little wannabee trainer just took the Pokémon I need to fulfill the job!”
“Who allowed you to speak at me directly?” The voice of the stranger was cold. “And what’s about your Slowpoke? Did you eat it, you shameless dirt?” Harmony gave her best not to vomit in front of that important looking but also maybe dangerous person.
“I had to sell it to pay for food!” Also this man called Corbeau seemed to be disgusted.
“Interesting. The research of my people came to the result you also went to the casino again. Where you made even more debts … But I have some new job idea no Pokémon has to be involved with you.” He looked at his grunts. “Take this scumbag and bring him to the office. Philippe will take care of everything there.”
“No… Please, forgive me …” The man looked scared and begged at him. “I won’t do anything bad! I’m a good guy, it’s just a misunderstanding!” Fortunately, he seemed to have already forgotten about Harmony and Fletchling while being tracked away.
“Eh …” Harmony looked unsure at Corbeau. He was standing there for a moment and had slightly shook his head, maybe in disbelieve of the other men’s behavior. Harmony had no pity, because it was his own fault if that pig borrowed money and later was unable to pay back. She often had her difficulties by understanding other people’s actions, but she was sure it was right to thank Corbeau. “Thank you for your help, sir. I really owe you something.”
“You should be careful about the words you choose, kid.” Before that, he didn’t care much about her being there. He looked at her with sharp eyes, but seemed to relax a little bit. “But I won’t take your words too serious and guess you’re just too grateful. But remember I didn’t do this for you, but for Lumiose … So, I act like I didn’t hear your volunteering work offer.” Harmony was a little bit irritated that her words could be understood this wrong, but she was relieved. Maybe this Corbeau who was about to leave wasn’t that bad. “Well then. Have a nice time in Lumiose City.”
“Yeah …” Harmony decided to turn her attention back to Fletchling. “Well, looks like everything turned out alright for us.” Her partner seemed to have the same opinion and sat on her shoulder. She looked at her Rotom Phone. “Well, I planned to watch a little bit more of Lumiose City before going to the hotel. But it’s getting late … Fortunately, the place isn’t that far away from here.” She smiled at Fletchling and looked at the sky where the sun was about to settle down soon. “Dad … It seemed you were right back then. The encounter with the first Pokémon is really something special.”