Archive of Our Own

As usual, Ash was raring for a battle.

A new day, a new journey (or the same one, a changed one), a new path. His shoes were almost flying off the ground as he tore up the road, a one-way ticket to Cyllage and his next Gym Battle at last. It’s been far too long since he had a Gym Battle to be honest; considering the everything following Santalune, well, let’s just say it didn’t leave much in the way of practice.

Proper practice. Real practice.

“Ash, slow down!”

But now, now? The Gym Challenge never looked so enticing. At least two of the next Gym Leaders were guaranteed to be interesting, incredible, a real test of skills, and his heart was beating in his chest. A battle, any battle, will do. And the next town was so near, too. It was the perfect opportunity to—

A hand clasped his shoulder, wheezing breath following afterwards. Ash stopped in place, turning back and blinding the others with his signature smile. “Come on, the next town isn’t far!”

“But you are! We can’t all just—” Clemont was shooting him a disapproving look before bursting into a coughing fit. Ash’s excitement dimmed into worry as he helped his friend stay standing, waiting for the moment where his breath returned to normal. Looking behind them, he could see Serena and Bonnie also trying to regain normal breathing capacity, leaning against the trees lining the path and puffing from the exertion.

…Maybe running ahead wasn’t the right choice. “Hey,” he said softly, nudging the limp inventor in his grasp, “You alright?”

Clemont peeled his eyelids back blearily, his shoulders still shaking. “…Could be better. But thanks for the help.” He pulled himself upright on his own, brushing his suit off with a hand before gripping the straps of his bag with a strong grip. “I know that you’re excited, but unless you’re going to this town on your own there’s not much point in the full-steam-ahead approach. Besides, you’re not the one carrying the supplies. A slower pace won’t hurt.”

And there’s the Gym Leader, right on schedule. Ash has been getting used to this recent revelation, but times like this really drove in that difference between them. Wise and composed, picking up faults and staying as a steady guide by his side.

“Ah, I guess you’re right.”

Just like always.

Slowing down his pace as advised, Ash snuck a peek at Clemont through the corner of his vision. It was still unbelievable after all this time— that someone so close to him could have been a Gym Leader. And not the first one in line either.

A Gym that required four Badges. That meant that it was the fifth Gym in the usual series of eight, past the halfway point, starting the downwards race towards the end. To the League.

And that meant… that meant Clemont was that strong. All this time, too.

“Is there something on my face?”

“No, ah, just forget it.”

In the end though, facing ahead was the best bet. Ash minded his speed, pouring his nervous energy into fiddling with his hands instead. He really wanted to battle something, to make sure that he wasn’t losing his touch. It was embarrassing enough as it was needing a rematch for the first Gym, and he certainly didn’t need a repeat performance like that for the next one. 

The good thing was Ash was familiar with Rock Types and Onix specifically— having an old friend who had one throughout a few region-trotting journeys gave ample opportunity to understand the Pokémon. High defences, lowered speed, bulky and tough enough to beat without a plan. Early Gyms usually utilised two Pokémon, so knowing one of the possible obstacles was more than enough for him. But that didn’t mean the win was guaranteed. Indeed, the Battle Chateau showed him a different side to the Rock Snake and the Type the next Gym Leader embodied— the quickness of movement, the deftness of moves executed, the way the moves were combined to gain that edge in battle.

Ash shook his head, pressing his lips together as if to stifle the thoughts through pressure. He couldn’t afford to lose before going there. Worrying himself about it… it wouldn’t help him, would it? It would just make everyone else worried as well. What he needed was a game plan; Froakie obviously had the clear advantage with Types alone, but his finicky nature would make it hard to act against a larger and stronger opponent. Fletchling couldn’t handle such a Gym and Ash wasn’t desperate enough (would never be desperate enough) to do such a thing. Pikachu… had experience. And Iron Tail would definitely help, same with Quick Attack and a well-timed Thunderbolt. With some training, maybe they could—

“Hey there, are you a Trainer by any chance?”

Ash heard the footsteps stop before he did the same, the voice breaking through his frenzied thoughts. In front of him was a woman with hair the colour of pink and red combined, twirling one strand of it at the side of her face as she pointed towards him. He gulped— if only for that narrowed, focused gaze he has seen in many skilled Trainers before. “Yeah! I’m heading towards the next Gym, actually.”

The woman nodded, pulling out a Pokéball. “Ooh, a Battle Trainer. I like seeing that kind of drive in such young and sweet people like you. Well, I’m sure you know what they say—” And locking eyes with him, there was that force of will behind it— “When two Trainer’s eyes meet, a battle begins.”

There was a soft chittering sound in his ear and Ash fully realised that Pikachu was speaking to him. There was something strangely entrancing about that woman— and maybe it was the fact that she was matching his thoughts on battle with one of her own— but it was still much too early to tell. The others behind him were talking in low voices, verifying the woman’s words as she threw the Pokéball at last, and with that flash of light even more questions arose.

The woman winked at him as her partner stood beside her, the long creamy white ribbons tipped with pink and blue snaking around her arm. “Ah, I forgot to introduce myself. I’m Penelope, and I’ll be battling with Sylvian over here.”

“Sylvian…” Shaking his head to clear it of the mental fog, Ash brought up his Pokédex. The Pokémon, along with its Type, caught his eye. “An evolved version of Eevee, huh? I guess Sylveon does look a little like Espeon. But Fairy Type?” He briefly remembered the words somewhere… at an airport next to Alexa with some fluffy-looking pink birds…

“Wait, you didn’t know?” Bonnie broke apart from the group huddle, holding up Dedenne in front of him. “It’s one of the eighteen types, yeah, eighteen, and it’s because of Professor Sycamore that it exists! Actually, this little one is half Fairy himself, right?” Dedenne chirped happily, pawing his face in a very cute way. Pikachu squeaked back and then jumped off Ash’s shoulder, running circles around the girl and getting the Antenna Pokémon involved as well.

Ash scratched his head as he returned the Pokédex down. “A different Type, a different Pokémon…” He felt a grin stretching on his face, that spirit charging him up. A different chance… He gave Bonnie a thumbs up and a thanks before facing down Penelope while adjusting his cap. “Well, you learn something new every day! So I’ve got to thank you for this new opportunity, miss.”

“It’s my pleasure!” Penelope let out a small but warm laugh before holding a finger up. “Actually, I do have one request if it isn’t too much to ask.”

“A what?” His hand was already wrapped around a Pokéball, his mind already set on his choice. While Pikachu would be a safe choice, this battle could offer him a different perspective on another one of his Pokémon.

Penelope pressed that finger to her mouth as she grinned. “Just that if I win, I’d like for you to come with me, please. I don’t just battle for nothing, you know.”

Ash pulled the Pokéball up as he glanced at the others, wondering about their thoughts on the request. Bonnie was trying to wrestle down the squirming Pikachu and Dedenne down while Serena’s face was a bright pink, with Clemont looked quietly contemplative at what was transpiring around them, seemingly ready to interject with something wise and probably negative at the same time. Facing back to his new opponent before anyone else protested, he let his hand fly and the Pokéball release his Pokémon of choice. “Let’s see if you’ll win in the first place.”

“Haha, that’s fair enough.” The woman in front of him smirked while the Sylveon pulled its ribbons back into itself, the two of them the picture of a perfect team. “Now, Sylvian, use Moonblast!”

On one hand, Clemont should’ve known what was happening.

Ash was always a boisterous person, always running for the next thing— although not quite as literal as today has been, or the last few days— and he has an appetite for battle that can rival his appetite for food. That is to say that it wasn’t entirely uncommon for him to accept challenges from stray Trainers that they meet on their travels. It was one of his many avenues for practice with his new (mostly new) team of Pokémon in preparation for the League, and from some of them Ash would even go so far as to learn something new.

And there was nothing wrong with that. Clemont has found that to be an amazing method for learning, one that he would’ve never thought of if he hadn’t been on his journey in the first place, and it really did put a lot of things into perspective. If anything, it helped him be a bit more social himself. 

But the problem was a bit more complicated than that. And was also far beyond what he could remedy on his own.

“Come on, little adventurers, and check out what Pokémon we’ve got with us here today!”

In any case, the price for this battle was a trip to the nearest kindergarten. Clemont bore the weight of his bag on his back as Bonnie chatted to the children in the playground about the clash of moves— about how quick Sylveon was and how Froakie used the environment to his advantage, all with variable movements and dubious sound effects. Ash was speaking with Penelope, who was a teacher in this establishment, with her Sylveon standing nearby and Froakie nowhere to be seen. Serena was standing next to Clemont and still looking undecided as to where to go, holding the hair that frames her face over her reddened cheeks.

Actually, maybe he should do something about that. “Hey, are you okay?”

“Ye—ah, ough.” Serena meeped before spitting out strands of hair, letting go of the bush she inadvertently made. Quickly combing herself into some resemblance of before, she straightened herself up before flashing him with a small and practiced smile. “Definitely! Not at all worried for even one single bit.”

“You looked a little worried before.” Clemont refrained from talking about the battle. He didn’t feel like it was his place to— not before or even now. Especially now. Not with that prestigious title hanging over him. “Do you also not know what the Fairy Type is?”

There was a small laugh then as her body relaxed. “Are you insulting me?”

“Just making sure that everyone knows the Type Chart,” he said, although judging by Serena’s more genuine smile, he successfully managed to pass off some playful banter. A good sign as always, especially after the reveal. In the distance, Ash quickly rifled through his pockets as Penelope clasped her hands in gratitude, and with one more flash of light Fletchling made his appearance, with the group of kids oohing at the scene and making their way forward— guided by the Pokémon Guide Bonnie, of course (Clemont wouldn’t say it out loud, but he was happy to see his sister make friends with people closer to her age than they were).

Obviously Serena noticed, and obviously the next question was, “Do you think that we’re also supposed to show our Pokémon?” Her happy mood slightly shifted towards one more pensive, and Clemont only somewhat understood; the request was that Ash would accompany her back (to the school, were the unspoken words), and from that moment onwards Serena was withdrawn. The situation wasn’t half as bad as even Clemont’s disaster-orientated mind could formulate— it was merely to show a new Pokémon to her class, and Ash being at the front of the group with one on his shoulder was an easy enough target for the school teacher to grasp.

Even if the way Penelope carried herself was definitely strong. A Trainer indeed. Clemont put his hands in his pockets as he shrugged. “We’re not held to the agreement,” he supplied, watching as the kids ran around trying to grab the corkscrewing Fletchling and agile Pikachu, Froakie’s absence a stark thing in the explosion of movement Ash’s team held.

Serena hummed, sliding one hand to her own pockets. Ash finally noticed them standing around and waved at them, trying to extract himself from the group that had him in their grasp, and the two held in a shared laugh at his weakness. Somehow, the Kantonian being ensnared by excitable children felt normal. Brightening up at the attention, she then said, “I think… Well, I’m not sure about Fennekin, but I do want to try something new. And help, if I can.”

“If that’s what you want, then go for it.” Clemont wouldn’t do it himself, considering the grabbiness of these children, but then again he already had something else in mind. There was a flash of blue at the corner of his vision, between the pillars behind even the class themselves, and he narrowed his eyes.

(He wasn’t going to talk about the battle if he could help it, but the fact remained to be seen about how Ash and Froakie were reacting to it. And if it was due to him, Clemont, the Gym Leader, that was causing this.)

Pulling his bag up, Clemont watched as Serena took a step forward before looking back to him. He gave her a bemused smile. “Uh, you can’t be expecting…”

She gave him a firm nod. “We’re all doing this journey together, and that means we’re a team. And a team shares the good times as well as the bad.”

“But…” Froakie was a fast Pokémon, not to mention one that could hide at the slightest convenience. Clemont didn’t have all day to search for one Starter, and he couldn’t let Ash beat him to it, or otherwise the conversation would end up going in a totally different direction. Serena turned to face him with her hands on her hip, and he gulped, reluctantly pushing his hands back into his pockets.

“Bunnelby, Chespin, Heliolisk, come on out!”

One new thing Serena learnt about Fennekin today was that she loved attention.

From Serena, usually, but when the Trainer directed the Fire Starter to the children eagerly awaiting her arrival, the fox merely fluffed her ear tuffs and strutted forward, sitting daintily in front of a small gaggle and licking her paw carefully. It was so exaggerated that Serena had to hold in a laugh at the whole act, controlling her voice as she told the children about her Starter.

One of them, a sweet girl named Vivi put her hand up just as Serena finished talking. Pointing to her loosened her tongue, as the girl scooted forward in her sitting position and said, “Do you have any other Pokémon, Mademoiselle Serena?”

The way she said the title was endearing even if the question was less so. Fennekin fixed the child with a stiff look and the girl scampered back with a yelp, the Pokémon not letting up until Serena put a hand on the fox. Turning towards Vivi, she then said, “Not exactly. I’ve just started my journey, you know.”

“If you mean a month ago is ‘just started’,” Bonnie said, skipping over with a proud look. Some of the other kids started to crowd around her, hanging into her confident movements, and that may have softened Serena to the intentional dig.

“It’s not like I’ve done much since then,” Serena argued back playfully, bopping Bonnie’s nose. The latter wrinkled her face with a small sneeze and the former laughed a little, shifting her position so that she was sitting comfortably with Fennekin on her lap. It was true. What had she done?

Not much. And yet not enough to dissuade others from poking their nose in. Bonnie still shook her head as she took a step backwards, pointing towards the older girl. “Did you know that she entered the PokéVision competition just last week?”

“No, don’t tell them that!”

She grinned as she danced away from Serena’s grip, calling out, “And she helped a Pokémon Groomer and a Gym Leader, and raised a whole Vivillon to save so many more, and is heading towards a Pokémon Day Centre after a Breeder told her to go because she’s that awesome?”

“That’s so cool…” Vivi breathed out before ducking her head at the lunge Serena had made, all the kids scattering around the merry chase that had initiated between the two friends. There was small laughter at that, granted, so the children weren’t at all scared, but Serena still felt a flash of mortification at her actions and how easily she gave way to the hot feeling in her face.

Nevertheless she caught her culprit all the same, in more ways than one. “Bonnie!” The younger girl laughed as Serena finally caught her, having to run around a few tight circles and letting go of her Pokémon in order to tackle the blabbermouth with a restraining hug. “Don’t do that to me, you fripouille.”

“But it’s true!” Bonnie giggled in her grasp, wiggling her way out of it to stick her tongue out at her before putting her own hands on her hips. “You know what! Hands up if you think that Serena is awesome.”

“Me, me!”

“A Gym Leader? That’s so cool!”

“Did you see every single Vivillon ever, Miss?”

Serena couldn’t even hide the blush on her face as she quickly scrambled to answer their questions and gently accept their praise, mentally dismissing any thoughts about her progress and their meaning as she dealt with the gaggle of children. Short answers turned into lengthy exploits turned into Fennekin forced to deal with the very attention she was seeking, causing Serena to extract her from the grubby hands that have touched unknowable things.

Sharing a look with the disgruntled Fennekin, the two turned their gaze towards the one who pulled them into this mess. Addressing the children who have eagerly followed them, Serena said, "It must be tiring standing around like this all day long. This is playtime after all! I’ve got a great game we could play. …If you all trust me?”

“Yes!” they chorused, standing up straighter, watching her and cooing when Fennekin barked afterwards.

“Then follow my lead,” Serena restrained a smile as she pointed her finger in the crowd, almost bursting out into laughter as everyone simultaneously turned on Bonnie as she yelped in surprise and backed away slowly.

And now, the finishing touch. Serena projected her voice and cried out, above the stampeding feet and outstretched hands crooked over just so, “And let’s charge forward with our strongest tickle attacks!”

There were footsteps nearing his location, coming closer and closer until passing by.

Froakie let out a sigh before following up with a too-loud hiccup-croak as two gloved hands grabbed his midsection, his Frubbles overblowing around his neck until it hit the face of his attacker. Naturally, though, Ash was not phased (apart from some light spluttering)— he just sat down in place by the edge of the fountain, his hands wet and his smile bright. “Thought you escaped me for a sec, didn’t ya?”

“Fro.” Froakie didn’t think about anything… except to have some distance. A lot of distance. Away from this place and all of its connotation.

As usual, his Trainer brushed it off. Plopping the Starter on his lap, he then looked outwards at the Pokémon and children playing around in the yard. Voice deceptively light, the human said, “They all want to see you, you know. Gotta complete the triangle of Types— Well, at least one of them anyways.”

Froakie doesn’t let up his Frubble cloak, instead using it to cover everything but his pupils. Ash exhaled quietly. “Come on, Froakie. This isn’t like you.” The frog stiffened up in his grip. The human still continued to talk. “I know the battle wasn’t the best, but it was just one battle. And it was against a new Pokémon too.”

A new Pokémon for him. Froakie knew all too well about the popularity boom with Eevee— a Pokémon with as many Types as there are colours in the sky. Adaptable and full of change. Ubiquitous with Trainers everywhere. Froakie was capable of change too, albeit one that he couldn’t necessarily determine the nature of, and with an attitude that made it harder to unlock with the help of humans.

That is to say, it was inevitable that Ash would have a lapse of judgement. However, it was not acceptable for Froakie to have done the same, especially with the result being taken down through such unconventional means. “Kie…”

Ash looked down at him, the brim of his cap covering the sun from Froakie’s eyes. “That bad, huh? I get it. I… should’ve helped you more in the battle. I’m sorry.”

For what? There was a racket in front of them and Froakie turned his attention forward, to where the group were invested in feeding time. Too many people and Pokémon in one space, surely, but that didn’t stop them from indulging in some mundane task. Amidst the chaos, a slender white body pulled herself from out of the crowd.

And Froakie’s treacherous heart stopped, as if still under the effects of Attract.

Ribbons outstretched towards him, a few pellets of Pokémon food upon it. To anyone else it would be a peace offering, an olive branch, a kindness, but all he could see was a white flag, his own white flag, and soon enough the Frubbles obscured everything that was in front of him.

Above him, there was talk. “…okay..?”

“…a moment…”

“…wants to help…”

“It’s fine, really.” There was a jolt of movement, and Froakie blinked, his perch being jostled by the careless movements of his Trainer. He croaked lowly, pulling away at the expanded ball of Frubbles around himself and wiping what covered his eyes to glare at the boy.

And yet Ash laughed, shaking his legs again and forcing Froakie to adjust his grip. “You’re fine,” he said, and there was a force behind it, notable enough to get Froakie to just watch. Ash nodded, that glint of seriousness entering his gaze, before turning his head to face forward.

To where the Sylveon was still waiting.

Froakie didn’t dignify that Pokémon with even a glance.

Ash sighed and extended a hand forward, taking the pellets and tilting them close to his eyes. “Hmm, definitely not weird-looking. Unless you think brown is a weird colour.” He pulled it lower, to his nose, and took a few exaggerated sniffs that made Froakie recoil. “Not smelling weird either. Smells like food. You do eat food, right?” 

There was a teasing tone to his voice, and despite himself, Froakie couldn’t help but feel foolish. It was just food. The nymph couldn’t do anything to it without anyone noticing, and Froakie himself was wise to her tricks now. After all, a move like Attract needed time to charge and a motive behind it. This Sylveon was a stranger, and yet was welcoming them into their home. Caring for those who needed care.

Offering him food.

Froakie grumbled to himself, trying to fend off against the sensible ideas, but he couldn’t resist eating after the strenuous workout he had gone through. He reluctantly took the pellets into one hand, feeling its solid mass before tipping it into his mouth. It was… okay. No bad reaction. Apart from the shame, of course.

He ate three more before holding himself back, nestling himself further into Ash. The human merely nodded, handing the rest to Sylveon. “You deserve some too! Eat up!”

“Vee-yon.” With a swift and dainty action, the nymph extended a feeler to grab the petty morsels remaining, the velvet tip brushing across Ash’s gloved hands and over his ungloved fingers. Froakie found himself stiffening involuntarily, desperately looking up to see the reaction.

But Ash’s heart didn’t beat any faster. His posture was firm and steady. And his eyes were the warm brown they’ve always been.

Completely unaffected.

Froakie looked away, the shame bleeding through his body and restraining any further movements. How could he, when the signs of his failure was ahead of him?

(In the end, this weakness was his own.)

Clemont sighed as he watched Trainer and Pokémon reunite.

It was a good thing, a great thing, really. Ash always had that tendency to slip away from conversations as easily as water, and their dynamic had changed now, and maybe that’s what caused this change in state. Ice was slippery too, but it was solid. Cool. But now all that energy had to go somewhere, and things have changed now, and Clemont didn’t know where to put himself on this side of the equation. Was he a reactant, a dynamic thing; a product, something molded by the environment; a symbol, only making meaning in relation to what was before and after? 

He couldn’t tell.

In the wake of the Gym and all associated dramas, Clemont didn’t know where he stood.

Clearly, his attempt at observing the challenger has gone wrong— even interjecting with his title hanging over him felt too uncanny to indulge in. He didn’t even know why he tried. It felt weird, being known as a Gym Leader to people he considered friends, to people who knew him without the title, but it was now the norm and he had to do something with it. The trek to Cyllage has never been more awkward.

But then again, if he had the chance to do it all over again…

No. Clemont would never regret it, even if the blinding mortification and temporary changes has made the situation less than appealing beforehand. Not to mention the fact that he would inevitably face another one of his colleagues, and it wasn’t like he could guarantee their silence on the matter. No, it was best that he had dealt with the problem at the Gym the way it had naturally unfolded— with chaos, with trust, and with innovation.

So now, without the option of regret or disappearing on his problem, the only thing he could do was just… wait it out.

Awkwardly.

Painfully.

Were there eyes lasering into his back? Nope, just a kid who wanted to talk about Bunnelby. He indulged them for a time, speaking of the tenacious and peaceful nature of the Pokémon while giving the Normal-Type twice the amount of head pats, showing the kid his favourable spots. He hoped that would be enough to tide him, especially when Bunnelby went to lead the kid away before they asked too many questions. A reliable friend for sure.

Clemont wandered around for a bit. Sat down on a bench once, fiddling with the mess in his bag before a paw tugged at his pant legs. It was Chespin, giving him the biggest and shiniest pair of eyes the world has ever seen. Clemont sighed before pulling out the Pokéfeed with the least amount of pellets in it, giving a lengthy lecture beforehand about sharing and being responsible before handing it away. He didn’t have much hope for the food, but at least it would make the kids and Pokémon happy.

A little while later, he found himself catching that flash of blue again. Just a bit bigger than last time, but unmissable all the same.

Adjusting the glasses that one child had knocked askew less than a minute ago, he peered forward, finding himself standing up. There was a blur of movement between the columns— a colourful beanie and sky-blue shirt. He took a step forward, almost in a trance as he continued to squint at what could have been a stray child— and then yelped as a shock of electricity raced through his body.

It was a restrained burst of energy, all things considered, and yet the nature of such a thing was what really caught him off guard. Coughing out a small puff of smoke and feeling his hair stand on its ends, Clemont turned to Heliolisk with a babbled apology. “Sorry, I’m so sorry, I didn’t see you there.”

Heliolisk, as usual (or as usual as it’s been lately), narrowed his eyes and didn’t say anything, merely removing his tail away from the stiff foot and standing to attention. Clemont followed his gaze, which was where the columns were, and curiosity started to get the better of him. That meant… that meant there was someone there, right?

He paused in place for long enough to hear a pair of footsteps approach him, followed by, “What are you doing?”

Clemont shook out his hair, returning himself to the present and not the hundred thoughts and calculations running through his head as he faced Bonnie, his hands stilling by his side. “Just thought I saw someone before…”

“Like a ghost?” Bonnie said bluntly, crossing her arms when he instinctively stiffened at the mention. Her tone was blasé, but he could tell when she didn’t exactly believe him on something. And again, why should she? After everything he’s done before? It’s not like he could change so easily.

Shooting her a glare, he then gripped his elbows with his hands, shielding himself from— from what, exactly? Scorn? Ineptitude? Failure? “Nevermind,” he muttered, attempting to step away from the area of interest before something stepped in his way instead.

Or someone. Heliolisk raised his frills out, slowly, which was also a new thing. Clemont found himself gazing into his Pokémon’s eyes, wondering what he meant as Bonnie glanced behind them, deciding to meander off. He reluctantly turned his head as well, finding an old woman approaching them with a kind smile on her face.

He first thought that Bonnie was going to attempt a (very poorly thought out) marriage proposal to her, but luckily there were some limits to her eagerness. Instead, what had actually transpired was a quick and hushed conversation, with many different gestures and emotive body language. Clemont wished he could understand even a bit of it, but the woman nodded before he could come near and then loudly said, “You’ve probably spotted Randell, then.”

“Randell?” Bonnie scrunched her nose as she mouthed the name, her expression clear as day. Clemont could’ve laughed at that, but under the watchful eye of the elder lady, he held himself still.

The woman nodded once more. “He’s a sweetheart, bless his soul, but he’s been through a rough few months lately. Be gentle with him, and don’t worry if he doesn’t come. He’ll join in his own time.”

Bonnie thought over the words, before brightening up and chirping, “Oh, okay then! Thank you so much, headmistress!”

“No worries, young one.” The woman’s attention was on his sister, and yet there was a subtle nudge she gave. Towards where the pillars were. Towards him.

Oh, okay. Clemont ducked away, his footsteps slow but purposeful. He had been given something to do. Something purposeful, meaningful. Maybe. But if it made him look busy? He’ll take it.

And if Heliolisk followed after him? That’s good, too.

Randell hated this place.

It wasn’t fair. Before, when he liked Pokémon, he could barely get close to one before all the other kids crowded around Ms Penelope’s latest friend. And— And now, when he knew them for what they actually were, there was like fifty of them all around! Pokémon were all ganging up on him, he could just tell!

Alas, nobody actually believed him. Even Elliot ran away from him, too busy in the allure of a real life Pikachu. Pah. As if there weren’t thousands of those mice in the world. What does one Pikachu actually matter in the whole big (scary) world?

So he’s stuck waiting for playtime to end. With days like this, where Ms Penelope brought multiple Pokémon, time slowed down to a crawl. Randell could physically feel seconds tick by like minutes. Of course Sophie said that time doesn’t go faster or slower and it’s always the same, but Sophie liked Pokémon! Said she’s going to get a Starter some day. How does she know that—

“Hey, Randell.”

The boy jumped out of his skin, hands tightening around the beanie over his head. There was a teen in front of him— blond hair, big glasses, some sort of onesie?— and he quickly turned his head down. “G’ ‘way.”

“Maybe I should’ve introduced myself. I’m Clemont.” The older person waited for a bit, before letting out a thoughtful hum. “Do you actually like being alone?”

Randell felt tears prick at his eyes, but he wasn’t going to cry in front of this stranger! “No! I mean, yeah, I guess. Don’t want to be near Pokémon, anyways.” He blinked rapidly before looking up, grip loosening to allow the movement, and found the person nodding.

What… What kind of trick was this? “Shouldn’t you stay with your Pokémon?” he found himself snapping, sadness sharpening underneath fear. “You can’t just leave ‘em by themselves. You never know what they might do.”

Clemont looked strange about then, but shook his head afterwards. “Pokémon are like people. They have their reasons for doing whatever they do. Sometimes it’s a lot simpler than you expect.” He glanced off to the side, and Randell looked there to find a massive, really tall—

He blanched, turning away. “You brought one near me!” he cried out, pulling the beanie so low it covered his eyes. “Oh no oh no oh no…”

“It’s, it’s okay, Randell!” In a lower tone, Clemont muttered, “Heliolisk, you know you shouldn’t—” And then, “Please don’t, we don’t want to make him more panicked. Yeah, you can get the others. I’m sorry, it’s not your fault.”

Randell started to twist the drawstrings until he felt a hand over his own. He stilled… but not because of this guy! It’s because, well, he didn’t want to. He guessed. “Hey, Randell, are you okay? It’s okay if you’re not. Okay, that is. Am I even making sense?”

A totally reluctant giggle slipped out of his mouth. Lasted two seconds at most. Totally not a real laugh or anything. “Mmmmhm.”

“That’s not an answer,” Clemont said, tone picking up in pitch. Was that supposed to be teasing?

Randell quickly pushed the beanie up so he could glare at Clemont. “Hey! Stop teasing me! I’m grown up enough to know that counts as bullying!”

Clemont raised an eyebrow at that, his hands flexing by his side as he mumbled, “Bullying?”

“Just like Pokémon.” Randell knew that because he had personally gone through the experience himself. Nobody here really knew that because they weren’t at his aunt's house in the holidays when that fluffy Pokémon nearly got him. “They’re all liars. I’ll never trust a Pokémon again.”

There was silence for a while, and Randell started to think that he was finally left alone when he felt a hand on his shoulder instead. He looked up to see that face framed in gold, understanding shining through, and, and, he didn’t really know how to feel about that anymore. The only thing he could say was, “I know you don’t believe me. Nobody does. But it’s true, it really is.”

He kept seeing that scene replay in his head, a neverending loop of wanting and being betrayed— the time he tried to approach a Hoppip, ever so naively stretching a hand out before it blasted him with the attack. He hit his head on the fence, feeling dizzy as he watched the Pokémon quickly retreat, not even looking down at him, and that’s when the truth sunk in. “And I didn’t even do anything to them! They just hurt me for no reason at all…”

Randell turned his head to Clemont, expecting some useless talk, but instead that hand slipped down to hold his own and give a little squeeze.

And Clemont said, “It’s not your fault.”

And Randell, well, he… he did what he did best. He ran away.

He ran so far that there was a thick fog and noise and something hugging him, and pushing him, and before he knew it there were four walls and moving ground all around him.

And with nowhere to go anymore, he let himself cry.

Out of all the surprises the day had in store, smoke bombs weren’t it.

Bonnie shook her head and tried to fan away at the cloud that threatened to swallow everything up. She probably should’ve guessed that some random delivery would be booby-trapped and rigged to blow up, but then again, who would do that to a place like this? 

Sparks tingled beside her and she squinted forward, trusting Dedenne’s senses as she waded through the smog. The field in front of the kindergarten wasn’t too big, but there were play equipment and a small fountain, so watching her step was the smartest thing she could do right now. Suddenly, a bright light cut through and Bonnie instinctively pulled a hand to shield her eyes, blinking rapidly before peeking through the fingers.

And finding her brother there. “Don’t scare me like that next time, bro!” she complained, stamping her feet once she was comfortably in front of him. Clemont just let out a small breathy laugh, hugging her back before adjusting his Heliolisk-light and facing forward, on the lookout once more. She looked up at that machine, a myriad of thoughts flitting about in her head, before her face broke out in a small smirk. “Wow, you’re using that? Does that mean that you and Heliolisk have made up, then?”

The light flickered as Clemont choked on his breath, the smoke thinning down in small bursts. He shot her a glare but she just grinned, and once the area became clear enough to see she walked forward while dragging him by the hand. “Bonnie, you better not be pulling me towards—”

“It’s alright,” Bonnie said, the plan clicking in her head. It’s not like they could keep avoiding each other forever! She’s seen how awkward snack times and Pokémon Centre visits were ever since they’ve left Lumiose, and while there wasn’t a lot of experience (two days, to be fair), she wasn’t going to stand for it! Pokémon were awesome, and the Gym Team more so!

So she detached her hand from his and watched giddily as he ended up walking forward on his own, right towards where Heliolisk was turning his head around in search of someone.

And the two of them locked eyes. Yes!

Bonnie couldn’t help the squeal she had when she watched it all unfold. Yeah, sure, a box exploded and everyone’s wandering around or whatever, but problems can be solutions if one just looked hard en—

“Bonnie? Have you seen Ash?”

The eponymous girl shrugged as she continued to watch the scene. “I dunno. Wasn’t he with Ms Penelope?” Bonnie had wanted to speak with the schoolteacher about her Sylveon, but Ash kept hogging all her time by talking about strategies and all that. It was super boring, so she left.

And yet, that crinkle between Serena’s eyes didn’t soften. “With Ms Penelope? But she said—” and she cut herself off with a growl, looking almost annoyed with herself. Bonnie got that. It’s annoying when nothing goes your way, sometimes.

Like now! Chespin was trying to play with Heliolisk’s frills, which was obviously going to make him upset and then lash out, which is bad because Clemont was really close, like, ground level with him. Bonnie almost had half a mind to run in and snatch the Grass Starter away, but then Bunnelby came by and carried Chespin away instead. That’s… nice. She’s going to reward Bunnelby later, she just knew it.

She found herself softening as she turned to Serena, ready to talk to her properly, but she looked distracted, rocking herself in place while holding Fennekin in her grip. Bonnie tilted her head at that, trying to figure out what was wrong. “You’re not worried about Ash, are you? The one who’s always going on his own and doing whatever it is he’s doing.” She laughed, just to prove her point about the futility of such an endeavour. “I bet he’s just up a tree or something.”

“Maybe…” Bonnie found herself frowning at that. Geez, couldn’t Serena have some faith?

Bonnie was about to point out his Pokémon to show how okay he was (because if one thing was true, it was that Ash would never leave his Pokémon behind!) but found herself hesitating. She could see Ms Penelope rounding up the children and trying to lead them back into class, she could see the headmistress looking around the pillars, she could see Dedenne in her bag and Bunnelby and Chespin wrestling around. Clemont and Heliolisk were a given, and so was Serena and Fennekin.

But Pikachu? Froakie? Fletchling? Ash?

Bonnie found herself stepping back, shaking her head as her mouth became dry. “No. No, he was here, I saw him!” She gripped her bag tighter, making sure to not lose sight of it either. Whispering downwards, she added, “You don’t think…”

From the corner of her eye she could see Clemont suddenly crane his neck up, panic flashing on his face. “Randell?” he gasped, and Bonnie looked up to see the headmistress shake her head, her face whitening with alarm. 

Ms Penelope looked back at that, her gaze frantic as the children started to clamber away. “Sylvian? Oh no, where is he?”

All of a sudden, the kindergarten went into chaos, people calling out names, talking, getting all worried over everything and for a good reason too. Bonnie found herself feeling lost, feeling small, feeling like nothing but a child (and she is one, she guessed, but it’s hard to think of that when you’ve lived the life she did) as she stood in place, unable to do or say anything.

Then Serena’s voice came loud and clear, cutting through the noise with a confidence found nowhere else. “Ms Penelope, has your class seen anything strange with the package or the gate?”

The kids stopped wandering around as they looked at each other, words passing through the minute movements they gave each other, a language forged in familiarity. Bonnie couldn’t really understand it, but she could tell that there was something someone had found, and soon enough, Sofia put a hand up. “There was this van? And these delivery guys, they put it down.” She looked annoyed as she looked down at the ground, rubbing her arms. “Told me to get lost.”

“Yeah!” Tristan called out, shaking out a fist by his shoulders. “There was this Meowth with them! I wanted to pet it, but then it made a weird noise and the delivery people got mad at me.”

Clemont looked thoughtful at that. “How many delivery people?”

Five kids put their hands out, with four holding out two fingers. Anders looked around and quickly corrected the amount of fingers he held by flicking out another one.

This time, Bonnie understood the glint of understanding between Serena and Clemont, a face she also shared with them. While a duo with a Meowth can theoretically be anyone, knowing their luck it seemed that the culprit was clear. 

It was Serena who made the call. “I’ll go out.”

Her brother looked conflicted for a moment, but Ms Penelope shook her head. “You don’t know these forests, and Randell and Sylvian are my responsibility. Besides, this may be my fault for pulling you all into my school.”

The three of them vigorously shook their heads at that. “Ms Penelope, you should focus your energy into protecting the students that you have now,” Clemont pointed out. “Ash is a capable Trainer, and I’m sure he’ll be able to handle the situation.”

Bonnie pressed her lips together in doubt. Sure, Ash was capable, but he lost to Sylvian in a one-to-one fair battle. He forgot what the Fairy Type was. And perhaps most egregious of them all, he was missing. How did Clemont know that he was anywhere near where everyone else was?

It seemed that Serena was similarly implacable, by the way she kept glancing backwards to where the gate was. Bonnie looked down at her bag, where Dedenne was starting to doze off again, and made a decision.

She shoved the bag towards Serena, almost startling her with the force of the action. In a harsh voice she whispered, “Take it and make sure everyone is okay, alright? Especially you,” she added, levelling her with the most serious look ever.

…And maybe a searching one too. Clemont and Ash would know about Dedenne’s and Pikachu’s connection in action, but Serena would’ve only heard stories of it. Bonnie was trying to see if Serena was listening back then.

Serena looked down at the bag and looped it over her shoulder, giving her a sure nod. “I’ll do my best,” she said, and there was understanding there in the way she held the bag and the way Fennekin stood beside her and the way she looked at Bonnie like she really could get it all done.

Somehow, that was enough to make Bonnie feel like things were starting to get under control.

Clemont was a terrible person.

He sat on the ground, tightly gripping his clothing over his knees as his mind went into overdrive. He couldn’t go out— what if one of the missing people came back? Staying back was cowardice. He couldn’t talk to the kids because what if they ran away too? Dealing with crowds were too hard, and the overstimulation was frankly starting to rise up in volume until—

A smaller hand placed themselves over his right one, a body scooted up close to him. Quietly, Bonnie said, “You’re shaking.”

Clemont couldn’t say anything. He looked down to see his knee bouncing up and down, jittery nerves infecting his motor skills. He clenched his jaw and tried to stop, but it wouldn’t listen to him. He promptly gave up. 

Heliolisk, who was beside him, whacked his bag with his tail. Clemont still couldn’t say anything so he just pulled the bag off, finding the pressure to be a little less. Chespin came around and chirped as he jumped towards the bag, this time finding the Generator Pokémon blinding him with a quick flash of light before clicking in annoyance.

Bonnie snatched up the dazed Chespin, petting him while also holding him tightly. The Pokémon snuggled into her grip, happy for some attention at last. The siblings sat in silence, letting the chatter from everyone else fill the void.

The world was turning. He was outside the Gym, but was the Gym really out of him? He picked at the suit on his knees instead, finding it funneling all of his attention to that one point. Why couldn’t he change?

“Stop beating yourself up,” Bonnie said. Clemont shook his head, but she pushed herself harder against him, almost knocking him down. “I mean it.”

“You shouldn’t have to worry about me,” he shot back. 

She shrugged. “You’re my brother. I’ll always worry.”

What’s that supposed to mean? He grumbled to himself, thinking about stranding up and immediately dropping the idea. “Are you okay? I noticed you didn’t…” Do your routine. Keep Dedenne with you. Stay with the other kids instead of me.

Bonnie shrugged, her focus on tickling Chespin, who was remarkably resilient until she found a weak spot. She kept at that same spot for a long time, the loud laughter drowning out sounds before devolving into hiccups and gasps. This naturally prompted Clemont to pull the Pokémon away before he fainted. “That was uncalled for,” he said simply, stroking the top of Chespin’s head as he took in some desperate breaths.

“He liked it,” she said petulantly. Heliolisk clucked at her, and she stuck a tongue out. When she locked eyes with Bunnelby, he hopped away to stay at Clemont’s side, and she pouted, crossing her arms.

She really did look young then, in that way young kids would get upset that things weren’t going exactly their way even though they knew they did something wrong. Clemont recalled something a teacher had said to him once, and decided to relay that information to her. “Use your words.”

She shot him an expression that was a mix of confusion, annoyance, and betrayal. “Huh?”

A small smile broke out on his face as he turned away. “If you’re upset, then just tell me. I’m not a mind reader.”

Bonnie furrowed her brow at that, waiting painfully long before saying, “Will you… make an invention that reads minds if I don’t?”

“What? No.” He shook his head, feeling scandalised that she thought of such a thing. Alas, considering how Bunnelby was slowly inching away from him and Heliolisk narrowed his eyes, it seemed to be a sentiment many shared. Clemont sighed. “That goes against ethics and my own personal values.”

“You have values?”

He responded by tickling her side, getting her to scoot away and with a burst of laughter as she shielded it with both hands. “Okay, okay, I’ll stop!” she cried, and Clemont shared a look with Chespin before relenting.

Now that the bleakness of before was wearing off, Clemont could still attest to feeling terrible. But on the flip side, he could finally vocalise it. “I’m sorry about before. I just— I've been feeling terrible lately. In my mind,” he quickly clarified as Bonnie started to raise a hand towards his forehead.

Bonnie lowered that hand and opened her mouth, before glancing at him and mulling her words through. “But the worst part’s over.” It was such a quiet, small thing.

“I know.” It’s true. He knew it was over, that it couldn’t hurt him presently anymore, but fear was a fickle thing, unable to be reasoned with. He still had nightmares. Still flinched at unexpected noises and touches. Still hated the unexpected, and found himself easily overwhelmed with the worst case scenario. “Just wished my body did.”

She cracked a smile then. “If only you could show the evidence to your body.” The grin grew larger at his confused hum, and she leaned backward to rest her back against the ground. “Like you make one of those long presentations and bore yourself so much you don’t feel scared anymore.”

Clemont squinted at her. “You didn’t appreciate me talking you out of being scared at night.”

“I do! That’s why I suggested it.” He sighed as Bonnie snickered to herself, and it was fun, having this banter without the constraints previously binding him. Even if it came at a cost.

So far, every good thing seemed to be connected to something bad. But if he reversed it, it also looked like every bad thing was followed up by something good. 

Maybe there’s more to the story than he previously thought. Yet still, time moves on anyways. So, maybe, it’s more like time has an effect on how situations can be perceived.

Or, in other words, how time can heal old wounds.

While Ash still had trouble finding out a Team Rocket plot until it hit him squarely in the face (in the form of smoke balls that activated one other the other, rolling far enough to blanket the entire yard of the kindergarten), he had perfected the reflexes to react to danger throughout his entire journey so far. That’s how he was clinging to the back of their van as it was speeding away, his teeth gritted as he narrowly avoided being tossed off or spotted through the mirrors.

The only Pokémon he had on his side was Fletchling, who was keeping pace beside him, fast and sleek. Ash felt gratefulness to the bird, considering that it couldn’t have been easy trying to stay with him in such a narrow place, but he couldn’t vocalise anything in fear of being found out (and normally he wouldn’t care, this was Team Rocket after all, but they’ve changed just as much as he hasn’t). As it was, he was quickly trying to find a way in, the lock too stubborn under the fleeting touches his fingers could afford. He had to get in.

Fletchling finally landed on his shoulder, his little chest heaving from the effort. Ash gave him a nod and then angled the movement towards the lock, thinking about the Tiny Robin Pokémon’s sharp beak, and somehow, there were no complaints.

Still, it didn’t budge. Ash fought the urge to peek out. He couldn’t keep holding on forever. They couldn’t keep driving forever. And as much as he loved and trusted Fletchling, not even he could face the might of Team Rocket as he was.

He shook his head as Fletchling tried to use a claw to stabilise his hold, pointing to himself before staring up again. His fingers were getting bruised. He could barely hold in a hiss at the way his legs were holding on.

Fletchling poked him, none too gently.

Ash sent him a glare. He didn’t have time for this!

Fletchling puffed up his chest and pecked once, twice, this time at the lock itself. There was a strange rise of temperature in the air, and Ash twisted his fingers away just as a tiny spark lit up the metal. And then another. The beak heated up, and soon a small flock of embers loosened the lock enough for a deft twist by Ash’s hand.

Of course, it was too hot for him to hold and it tumbled out of his grip, clattering on the rocky road below him. The duo both froze, expecting one of the thieves to notice, in turn not noticing as the doors slowly opened wide due to nothing holding them back. 

Ash scrambled for purchase and tried to swing the door back with his body, half hanging out as Fletchling futilely tugged on his jacket to slow his momentum, his legs almost slipping with the frantic action. There was a scandalised squawk before a voice cried out, “Hey, Twerp, don’t you dare do such salacious acts to our bargain ride!” A series of honks followed, almost causing him to close his ears with his very much occupied hands.

Dang it. Might as well. “Don’t you ever get tired of using the same truck?” he yelled back, once again pushing the door back to little avail. “Was the garbage dump near the airport or something?”

“Excuse you! We only get the best Twerp-crushing machines! And here’s a manoeuvre that will spin you out!” Just like that the bumpy ride turned into a spin-out, causing everyone to yell for their lives as the most ill-timed swerve pulled them off the road. Ash clung on for his life, feeling fear slip into him as the hinge started to screech just so.

He had to do something. If there was a hope, any hope— As if his plan was heard, a flurry of Frubbles stuck the door at a permanent angle, stopping its imminent detachment and giving Ash enough time to crawl to the other side of the door, away from Team Rocket’s eyes. In front of him he could see Froakie sticking to the corner, desperately trying to steady everyone while almost on the verge of slipping out himself.

There was a boy in here. A boy with a beanie and a sky-blue shirt, holding on while also trying to not get thrown off while also avoiding the Pokémon around him. Ash tried to draw up a name, but then the truck (which had finally straightened out), slowed down, and he had only seconds before everything was going down.

His eyes caught onto two boxes— Pikachu and Sylvian. Froakie and Fletchling were free.

“On the count of three, let’s hit the boxes!”

It didn’t budge.

“Again!”

It shook, but nothing happened.

Ash gritted his teeth, his shoulders hurting, Froakie and Fletchling winded. They’ve already done so much. Maybe he was the one not putting in the effort.

He pulled himself off the ground and tried again, and this time, he felt someone else nearby. He tried to focus through the daze to find the kid there beside him, fear but also something else shining in his eyes.

Looking at Sylvian, Froakie croaked before siding up with the child, letting go of the Water Pulse he was charging up. Oh. So that was it.

Ash felt a burgeoning smile on his face as he nodded at the kid, adjusting his cap. “Let’s combine our strengths and do it again one more time!” he cried, and the kid cracked a smile as they both readied themselves and then ran forward, the Pokémon joining in with their powered moves, hitting the targets with everything they’ve got.

And they only had one chance left.

“Maybe the Twerp fell off.”

“Do you really think that would be enough to stop him? Falling off a truck going at full speeds?”

“Wait, I think I hear something.”

But that one chance was all they needed.

By the time Team Rocket finally got out of the truck and appraised the door, there was no one inside. Conversely, a Moonblast, Water Pulse, Ember, and Electro Ball was aimed right at their backs.

Ash flung his hand out at the same time as the kid as they both yelled for the attack, not letting a single second go to waste.

The forest was loud and quiet at the same time. Could silence be loud? To Serena, whose been surrounded by movement and chatter for some time now, it was a poignant change of state.

She followed the trail of destruction, Dedenne peeking out of his pouch as Fennekin closely followed by her side. It was tough, considering the felled branches and the muddy patches, but the connection between Electric Types drew a clear thread for her to follow, and follow she did.

It was the least she could do. The only thing she could do.

“Fen!”

…And now there was a bush. One full of webs. It took some time traversing around that, with Serena having to balance two Pokémon on her person, but soon enough they’ve avoided it. Fennekin quickly noticed the strain on the Trainer and hopped off, daintily trying to traverse the landscape on her own, but the pace was too slow.

And Serena’s thoughts were too, too loud.

The forest boxed her in. The forest reminded her of when she was a child, or younger than she was now, wanting to get away but being unable to do something about it. What had changed since then? Has she even changed at all?

The forest was tall, and that made her feel small. It made her issues seem bigger by comparison, insurmountable, because if she couldn’t get past this then that would mean she didn’t have any sort of drive at all. After all, survival is what everyone dreams of first, followed by comfort, followed by specific wants that lights up that person’s life. And Serena’s been having difficulty dreaming lately…

The forest reminded her that she doesn’t know how to fight. She has some sort of strength but it is unwieldy, unused, and entirely built up on failure. She doesn't battle. She tries not to make trouble for others. Somehow she still finds it anyways.

But someday, she’ll find something worthwhile, right? That’s the point of a journey, from A to B to C and points plotted by people who try to give her a chance that she then tries for herself. But when does a journey end? When does her journey end? Will it ever end?

Serena kept pacing forward, her mind clattering on about details she didn’t want to focus on but started to anyways, amplified by the silence around them. She just needs to keep working on it. Keeping going forward, watch out for anything that could hurt, which is a surprising about of stuff, and not end up walking on circles—

Like with her dream.

Serena stopped, the background disappearing just as that realisation struck.

Oh. Oh no.

She still didn’t have a dream yet. It’s been how long, and she’s done, what has she done, and nothing's clicked yet. Nothing’s worked. And her mother was expecting a dutiful daughter, and that dutiful daughter was expecting a better life, and has Serena even found something other than questions?

(There is a tinkling sound.)

She’s running towards Ash now, but did she even know what’s ahead? What dangers, what complications, the battlefield ahead? But she didn’t battle, and a part of her didn’t want to subject Fennekin to it, but then another part argued that maybe she was limiting her Pokémon and just didn't want to hurt her own feelings seeing someone fight for her when she didn’t even know anything, their roles completely different, another responsibility she shirked.

(There is a sharp wind.)

She hasn’t even caught a Pokémon yet. And Fennekin was just handed to her, and did Fennekin even choose or was it Serena’s selfishness forcing the bond and was it even the right choice, was there a better one, was she even a choice in the—

(There was a fox calling your name, and a mouse itching to find the others, but you are frozen by indecision. You are shackled by what the future brings. You are scared of the sum of your parts.)

The ground glows, before a heavy presence reached her, time

slowing

down

until there were no thoughts at all.

/—(-)—/

.

.

There is a peaceful presence that has walked by. This primeval power that has heard a voice who has helped and been helped before.

There was a trail of destruction.

The deer felt pain. 

Serena’s gaze bounced around them, trying to look for something. There didn’t seem to be any twisting metal around the leg. Then again, they were too big for her to look at.

The deer felt your pain.

Serena stilled. She tried to say, it is not your fault. It’s my problem. I’ll be fine when I get back. It is just a temporary thing.

The deer does not believe that.

Serena looked down, scolded. There were no one else beside her. The yellow bag was still looped around her side. She wondered why that was so.

The deer seemed amused at that. You were so absorbed by your anguish you did not realise what you had left behind. And before a jolt of worry hits you, They sweep you with heavy-quilted comfort. It is fine. Life finds a way.

Serena felt those words in her heartbeat, four taps, four legs, or two steps for two legs. There is a question on her lips.

The deer cannot answer that.

Serena now felt frustration bubbling inside of her. How could there be no answer?

The deer stepped forward.

Serena stood in front of it, belligerence and wonder battling it out inside of her. Why is there no answer?

The deer steps forward.

The two stare at each other. [The] deer is so large, larger than [Life], and Serena remembered there were two other times they’ve met— and now, there was no one else between them, no [Pokémon] or steel, just two souls watching.

And waiting.

And asking and running away and wanting wanting wanting.

…There was a pang of wrongness in Serena. As much as she wanted answers, there was someone waiting for her. Someones. She did not want them to hurt anymore. She wanted to help them. She wanted to see them happy. She wants to see them.

The deer was waiting.

And Serena was waiting too, but that didn’t mean that she stood still. Her friends did not stand still. They went towards their dreams with everything they had, so maybe… maybe that was something she could do.

That… felt right. This was her choice.

The deer has a question.

That question is the same one in your heart.

Serena didn’t know the answer to that, but she wasn’t going to wait. She had enough of waiting. This was the time to seize opportunities, and she had one in front of her, one so close, and she can’t let them down. This was her decision. 

So The deer understands.

So The deer lets you go.

So when you wake up, you find exactly what you were looking for.

.

.

\—(-)—\

It took precisely twenty-three minutes and something seconds for Ms Penelope to walk out of the building, a determined look on her face as she drew out a key. Her eyes caught onto the siblings and their Pokémon sitting outside, and she nodded towards them as she went to step over the ruined form of the gate at the front. “I’m going out.”

Bonnie scrambled up to her feet, feeling a little weird without her pouchette but also totally stoked regardless. “We’re going with you!”

“We’re?!” Clemont called out as Ms Penelope’s gaze grew clouded. That same reaction all adults had when faced with something bad.

But the thing is, and it’s a very important thing, Bonnie’s already went through something bad. And something great came out of it! So, logically, something better would come out of this if they all worked together and put their minds to it, right? 

Clemont caught her hand and leveled her with a look that screamed ‘We can’t just leave like this!’ and she returned it with one that yelled ‘Our friends need us!’. There was an extended stare off where Clemont wanted to trust in the others (and not himself) and Bonnie continuously citing the fact that they’ve been gone for a while now and that they’re a team, ergo they should be helping each other, actively, and after some time, a shadow fell above them.

“Come with me,” Ms Penelope said, that battle twinkle in her eye.

There was a nice car she had a little ways away from the kindergarten— she told them that the headmistress was looking after the class while she went out. “Because Randell is part of my class, and that means he’s my responsibility,” she said as she twisted the key in the slot, the engine roaring to life.

Bonnie finally clicked the seatbelt in as Clemont sat on the opposite side, both of them understanding that sentiment at least. Her brother looked especially guilty as he looked out of the window and said, “I think I might’ve scared him off before. I wanted to help, but I fear I just made things worse.”

Ms Penelope hummed as they sped forward. “Worse by helping him? That’s certainly one way of seeing it, although I think I’d prefer ‘talking it out’.”

“Like using your words?” Bonnie asked.

“Exactly. He’s been having a hard time lately with what has been weighing on him recently, which makes it hard for him to talk to his classmates without feeling frustrated.” The woman’s voice was light and airy as she roughly turned the car into a side road, the trees immediately blanketing the sky. “Not even Sylvian could approach him. But in just one day, you’ve got Randell opening up.”

Bonnie glanced at Clemont, whose cheeks were starting to colour. She briefly thought about interjecting herself into the conversation with a much needed announcement, but he grabbed her hand and squeezed it, and she could tell that maybe it wasn’t the right time yet. So she let herself sink into the car seat, denied of satisfaction and bored.

It’s not like she didn’t care about Randell. It’s just, well, knowing a big bad problem is happening was a lot easier to deal with than having one spring on you. There’s waiting, but the wrong kind. The kind where you don’t know how long you’re supposed to wait. Despite everything, Bonnie’s been raised on order, on a schedule, and in some way it sticks. Not all the way. Not even half. But it does.

She started fiddling in her seat, not knowing what to do. There were no Pokémon in the car. No one to really talk to. And she didn’t know whether to worry or to feel relief right now either.

Looking out of the window, all she could see was green and brown. Which was boring. She sees that every time they travel, but at least then she could look deeper and find something cool. Bonnie had decided that car travel does not beat on-foot travel.

Ms Penelope met her eyes in the window and Bonnie found herself looking away, feeling cowed. This really was a big problem. She couldn’t be… what’s the word? Ungrateful? Inconsiderate? She flicked at the seatbelt, no longer having the pouchette to toy with.

The brother thought up countless plans, his breath telegraphing the success rates of each. The girl blankly stared outside, trying to find something worth latching onto. The woman refocused on the road and at the same time decided to talk. “I don’t mean to be presumptuous, but did you say that the sweet little Dedenne is yours, Bonnie?”

Bonnie sat up straighter in her seat, eyes instantly brightening. “Uh yeah! Sort of. Dedenne’s, like, both me and Clemont’s, but I take care of him the most.”

“That’s impressive.” Ms Penelope gently turned the car down another side path; from the corner of Bonnie’s eye she could see Clemont’s leaned-on palm turned into a fist to cover his mouth with (an attempt to seem unbothered and totally focused, as always). “You were such a great role model to the other kids— Why, I should’ve gotten you to be the teacher for the day. I can really tell that you care about Pokémon.”

Did she ever? “I do, I do! And when I become a Trainer, I’m going to get so many and become friends with them and do so many things and know everything about them!”

There was that glint in the teacher’s eye as their gaze locked in the mirror again, but this time, it was also in Bonnie’s eyes as she gripped her fists by her side and was leaning on the tip of the seat. “Who said you have to wait until then?” At her confused expression, Ms Penelope grinned. “You can always learn about Pokémon no matter how old you are, and be friends with them, and do whatever you want.”

Bonnie tilted herself from side to side as she glanced at Clemont, who was pointedly not injecting himself in the conversation. Polite, yes, but also unhelpful. She turned her attention back to Ms Penelope and mumbled, “But I can’t actually keep them…”

“Is that all you want, though?”

Is that all she wanted? No, not really. At that dawning look, the teacher nodded as the trees opened up and the sky stretched above them, a field of green blanketing the road around them. “If you know where you want to go, then there’s always a way to get there. Friends will always be friends, even if you can’t catch them. That’s how it works with people, if I recall correctly. And that’s how I got my darling Sylvian, after all.”

Bonnie’s eyes widened at the words. “Wait, you didn’t catch him?”

“Not at first.” A wink. “But life finds a way. So don’t give up yet, little explorer, and keep making friends with everyone you meet.”

“Okay. I’ll do my best.” There was a happy sort of rhythm in Bonnie after that, boredom no longer encroaching her mind as she thought about what she could do. After all, there’s a whole journey to have and so many Pokémon (and people) out there, so surely there will be so many chances to make friends as well.

A small smile graced her face as she looked out of the window once more, her legs swinging as she leaned back on the seat. Okay, so maybe there was some good in waiting after all. And in thinking too, but she wouldn’t dare tell her brother that (lest his head actually got bigger due to the praise).

In any case, he would end up finding something worthy of noting before she could with the time that he had. “Is that a building?” he asked, leaning toward.

“A warehouse, an abandoned one.” Ms Penelope nodded as she stepped on the gas, pushing themselves just a little bit faster. “Still, let’s check it out.”

The car clattered on, and hope was just around the corner.

There was a flash of light as soon as Randell stopped crying, followed by another burst and a frustrated squeak.

It was so weird. It took Randell a few minutes to realise that he was in a truck in the first place— a bit longer to find out that there were Pokémon inside as well. He backed away from Pikachu as he attacked the box with another Thunderbolt, feeling that fear strike him once more, but there wasn’t much else to go. Especially when he heard that familiar mewl.

Sylvian… Ms Penelope’s Sylveon, he was everyone’s friend. He helped in class, in the playground, even at pickup time. He protected them. He made sure they were okay. He even left him alone when he wanted to be alone.

And now, he was in trouble. He was stuck inside the clear box too.

That made Randell think: did Pokémon get scared too?

There was a flash of movement and a croak, followed by a burst of bubbles. Randell peeked over to see a Froakie try to get Pikachu out. He figured that it must be the boy that battled Ms Penelope’s Pokémon— their attacks were strong and aimed at something, the same side, even if it couldn’t do much. He tried to get enough courage to ask them to help Sylvian, but seeing that angry face on Froakie made him pause.

He didn’t want to get into trouble again. He didn’t want to get hurt. And he knew that the Pokémon were in a tight spot, but they could help themselves, right?

And then there was shouting and the doors opened and the truck spun around and all Randell could see was blue and courage.

Now they were walking— Ash and his Pokémon, Sylvian, and of course himself. Randell stood close to Sylvian and Froakie, the latter choosing to stay by his side even when they left the truck. It was weird, being close to a Pokémon that could hit with so much power. He kept expecting Froakie to do something to him.

But the Pokémon didn't do anything apart from moving forward and occasionally checking on him. There was a warehouse nearby, which could be bad but Ash said was their best bet to getting back. He looked so confident so Randell didn’t say anything, but he still relied on the feeler that the Sylveon had tied around his arm to steady him.

Somehow, the most surprising part was there was already someone there. Ash broke away from the line to call out to the girl, getting her to startle and give a meek wave back. Fletchling landed on her hat and chirped triumphantly as Serena squeezed out details from him about his adventure in stopping the evil people, her gaze resting on Randell at the end and brightening with… joy? “Oh, so you’re all here! That’s great news.”

“Yeah…” Randell pulled at the strings of his beanie, which was around his shoulders since they left the truck. Sylvian wanted to hug him back then and somehow it came loose, but when he though about putting it back on it felt like a layer between himself and the world. And Randell wanted to experience the world, now.

Those pretty lights stopped the bad guys from coming near him, even if they used the smoke from the attacks colliding to run away. Then again, those very same attacks could’ve hurt him just like that Hoppip from before. And yet looking at the Pokémon before him, strong and caring, he couldn’t fathom a different result.

“Dedenne’s glowing,” Ash said, tilting his head and squinting his eyes. “Just barely though.”

Serena glanced at him, finding a shimmering sort of light radiating out of the Antenna Pokémon before she groaned. “Do you think Bonnie’s going to get upset about that?”

He seemed to think about it. “I mean, it’s kinda cool? I wouldn’t mind Pikachu looking like that.” Pikachu glared at him (and Froakie smirked, but it quickly disappeared so it probably didn’t happen. Probably). Randell looked over at the other Pokémon, but the only one who looked close to that state was Sylvian, and Sylvian was always bright.

Well, not that bright. But maybe that’s a good thing, considering what had happened before. 

There was a fleeting touch and Randell looked down to see Fennekin bumped his leg, her teeth snapping at a leaf stuck on her back. Without thinking Randell bent down and picked it up, and when he stood once more he found everyone looking at him. “What?” he spat out, immediately on edge.

Ash laughed as Serena smiled at him and said, “Do you want to help me brush her later? She’ll need all the help she could get.” Fennekin yipped at her before turning to him, eyes wide and sparkling, and Randell felt a small grin on his face.

Maybe nothing was bad after all. “Okay. If there’s still time,” he said, letting go of the leaf and watching as Fletchling hit it with a fireball. Both Fennekin and Dedenne crowded him in wonder, the Pokémon chatting to themselves as Serena gave Ash a questioning look.

“Yeah, he learnt Ember. Such a quick learner, this little guy.” Serena wiped a finger underneath her eye at that and Ash raised an eyebrow at her, the two of them pantomiming a talk that was quickly ended with the rumble of tires. While all the Pokémon adopted a battle ready pose, one of them walked forward with an excited trill.

And where Sylvian went, Randell followed.

When the car stopped, a woman stepped out and embraced the Sylveon before resting her eyes on him. “Randell, dear, you’re okay!” Ms Penelope cried, and there was something weird inside of him because he felt warm at the fact that she cared.

“Yeah,” he mumbled, stepping closer to her. Dimly, he noticed Ash and Serena catch up with the rest of their group and talk, but all Randell cared about was his teacher and the class’s Pokémon. “I’m sorry, Ms.”

She stood up while Sylvian stood close to her, the ribbon entertained over her arm. “Sorry? For what?”

He felt his body start to shudder. “For… for not liking Pokémon and saying all those mean things—”

“Randell, your feelings are valid,” Ms Penelope interrupted, putting a hand on his shoulder. A ribbon looped itself around his arm, and he blinked back tears as he watched the teacher give him a bright smile. “But even if you’re scared or upset, you do know that we’re all here for you, right? So you don’t feel alone.”

He… wasn’t alone? A hand brushed over his head as she murmured, “But still, I’m happy that you recognise that you shouldn’t speak mean words to others and you’re letting all your feelings out in a nicer way. That’s a good step in the right direction, little explorer.”

“Can I… talk to you more, Ms? Later,” Randell added, realising that there were still four people and countless Pokémon just standing around waiting for them.

Ms Penelope nodded at him as they both stood up, Sylvian between them and looking proud to do so. “That’s a smart choice.” Turning towards the others, she clapped her hands and said, “I’m so sorry for getting you all on this mess, everyone, but may you please grant me the last honour of saying goodbye to the class before leaving? I can take you back and recompense you for this!”

“You don’t have to give us anything!” Clemont cried before ducking as a fireball almost hit him. He quickly stared at Fletchling and Fennekin, who looked guilty, but not as guilty as Bonnie who was right beside them. In the commotion where Pokémon were being recalled and others staying by their faithful perches, Randell felt another presence by his feet.

He looked down and found the round yellow eyes of Froakie appraising him. “Fro?”

“I think he wants to be friends with you,” a voice called out. Randell looked up as Ash grabbed the Pokémon, grinning around his head. “Whaddaya say? Do you want a super cool Pokémon to be your friend too?”

“Kie fro, fro!” Froakie was squirming in the grip, evidently not feeling so cool being held like a rowdy child, but Randell grinned as he put a hand on Froakie and said, “Sure!”

Froakie immediately quieted, his gaze falling down to the Pokémon nearby. Sylvian giggled lightly as he removed a feeler from Ms Penelope and held it high, waiting.

“C’mon,” Ash gently said, jostling him a little. “You did save him. Think about it as evening out the score. You’re both on even ground. See,” and he put Froakie down, crouching beside him. “Practically the same now!”

Froakie's expression was disbelieving even with both eyes closed, but he peeked out of one as he gingerly tapped the ribbon with a finger. The ribbon rippled with the touch. Froakie opened both eyes and grabbed the feeler with more strength, croaking in surprise as it lopped around him and drew him close to the Sylveon, who nuzzled him affectionately.

“That’s friendship right there,” Ash said as Froakie was embraced by the Fairy-Type, unable to leave until Sylvian wanted him too. Randell laughed before helping the Water-Type out, finding Froakie look off to the side before the Pokémon gave him a small pat on the shoulder.

Friendship with Pokémon. It was… nice. Randell didn’t know how much he missed it until today, and it was almost sad to let go of Froakie as the Trainers and Ms Penelope looked at the car with varying levels of disappointment.

“How are we all supposed to fit in the car?” Serena had said, looking pensive at the back seats and especially the trunk for some reason.

Bonnie hummed thoughtfully as she put the pouchette around her shoulders, apparently not noticing Dedenne glowing at any time since since Serena had relinquished the bag (Randell looked down at Sylvian and, yep, no more glowing anymore). “You’re right, it’s pretty small, isn’t it?”

“I…” A beep broke into Ms Penelope’s thought as wheels crunched into gravel, a long van parking itself horizontally in front of the warehouse. Little faces pressed themselves against the window as the front one rolled down, the headmistress giving the teacher a smirk as she said, “Next time dearie, use the bus.”

The teacher crossed her arms as she gave a nod to the older woman. “Only you can think of a plan like that, Angela. And in record time too!” 

There was chatter between the two adults as the kids stared at their classmate, making gestures towards him with smiles on their faces. Randell took a step forward as the closest door slid open and some of his classmates gave him some room.

Should he? He glanced back as he watched the group of Trainers (and Trainer-to-be) start to walk towards the car, arguing about spots and who would take the front. One of them turned to him as if knowing his gaze.

Randell wanted to turn away, but he had something to say to him, too. “Sorry about before, Mr,” he mumbled, pulling at his fingers.

Clemont didn’t tell him to not be sorry. He didn’t give him a big talk or anything. All he said was, “It’s okay. I’m sorry, too.”

“Sorry? For what?”

The older boy shrugged, no Pokémon on his person or anywhere around him. “You were sad and you became lost. You ran away because of me. You shouldn’t have to feel like that.”

“But I do— I did feel like that,” Randell amended, his hands straightening by his sides. It was true. He was the one who chose to run, and what happened next was certainly not Clemont’s fault. “And you helped.”

Clemont blinked. “I did?”

Randell nodded. “Yeah! You made me think about Pokémon doing their own thing because of their own reasons, and that helped me be a little less scared.” He put a hand out for a very grown up handshake. “So, uh, thank you!”

Clemont hesitated for a second, before the corner of his lips rose up. “You’re welcome, Randell,” he said as he shook his hand, a soft yet sturdy handshake cementing the bond.

“My legs hurt from walking so much, I’m just going to take the back and let you two go at it.”

“So that means I’m going to take the front seat!”

“No, me!”

The blond teen rolled his eyes as he stood up straighter, glancing at his group. “I’ve got to break this up, don’t I?” Looking back at Randell, his smile grew warmer. “Make sure you keep being brave, but also remember that it’s okay to be scared sometimes. Just balance them out, and stay with your friends, and all your problems should get marginally easier by comparison.”

Randell didn’t understand half of those words at the end, but he made sure to nod and wave as Clement retreated to the arguing Ash and Bonnie. Sylvian, who was beside him the whole time, pulled his feeler away from his arm, patting his back as the Pokémon beaming at him. Randell pulled away his beanie and gave it to the Sylveon, saying, “Can you hold it for me? Until we get back?”

“Vee, vee!” Sylvian chirped before taking over the hat, placing it on his own head and tying it securely. 

Ms Penelope stood next to them as she shook her head with a wry grin. “You do realise he’s not going to let it go as easily?” she said with a laugh, and that somehow made the choice even better to Randell.

It’s about time he gave something back to Sylvian, after all. “That’s okay. We can share.”

“Look at you, growing already.” Another beep crashed into their talk and Ms Penelope sighed, waving him off and giving him one last wave. “Go into the bus, you don’t want to make the headmistress upset! We’ll follow after you.” Randell was already a step ahead, finding himself giggling as he was sandwiched next to all the people in his class, the school day going from so boring to fraught with excitement and some danger.

Elliot was the first to speak, quickly piping up with, “So, Randell, what happened?”

“If you want to,” Anna added, nudging the boy.

Randell found himself grinning as the tale bubbled in his chest— no longer the one that haunted him, of wanting and betrayal— but this time of strength and trust. “You see, it happened when the fog came—”

“It was smoke!”

“Stop interrupting the story, Darcy!”

But Randell didn’t mind or even notice the bus driving back as he told the story as he remembered it, everyone entranced with the tale, even as they tumbled out once the kindergarten fountain was in view and they said their farewells to the travelling group. It was a bright feeling enveloping a magical day, even if it didn’t start as such, and now he was finding himself looking forward to the next day and what it would bring.

New Pokémon? New friends? A new adventure?

He could only hope.