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abbyandhanako · 6 months

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Drabble: Prologue to a prince on a ship full of pirates.

TW: Contains violence

It was a usual day at the Old Plasma safehouse in Driftveil City with the grunts and Sage Rood taking care of the abandoned Pokémon and helping Pokémon liberated during OG Team Plasma reunite with their trainers.

An Old Plasma grunt, Mark was tending to a Lillipup who had hurt his paw, He gently wrapped it in bandages.

“There we go, Lillipup….” Mark said softly.

It had been five years since he joined Team Plasma and he believed he and his girlfriend Abby would settle down, unfortunately his girlfriend Abby went to Neo Team Plasma or Ghetsis-faction, T.K went to Neo Team Plasma aswell.

While the grunts were tending to the Pokémon, they heard an aggressive bang at the door.

“What’s going on?!” A female grunt cried out.

“Open this door right now!” They heard a man’s voice, Mark had shaken up at the sight of it, Sage Rood then turned to Mark.

“196! Get to the Goddesses of Love and Peace right this instant!” Sage Rood commanded to Mark, Who ran down to find Anthea and Concordia.

Once the door was open, Rood could see an unconscious and bleeding Old Plasma grunt who was guarding the safehouse, indicating he was beaten by the group.

He ran outside and saw a Korean man in traditional gear and several men and women, some of the men had Rhyperior, a Fearow, a Tyranitar and several others

“What do you want?!” Rood yelled, “Leave this place at once!”

“I want you to return my son at once.” The man said, “Mark Jeong, the 19th Count of Jeong, I am Jeong Yong-il, the 18th Count of Jeong, He must continue my family line and I will NOT let you have him!”

Rood was disgusted at Yong-il.

“We are not handing 196 over at all, I’m sorry but he is not to be handed over to you.” Rood said, closing his eyes.

“I’m not giving you an option!” Yong-il yelled, Rood soon unclipped Herdier’s Poké Ball then Swoobat’s Poké Ball.

Unfortunately Herdier and Swoobat was no match for the Jeong family’s Pokémon, They was knocked to the ground painfully by Rhyperior and Tyranitar.

“얼마나 한심한지…. (How pathetic….)” Yong-il hissed in Korean before knocking Rood to the ground and raising his fist, One of the family members ran into the Old Plasma safehouse to retrieve Mark.

“I found him!” The woman exclaimed, She them tried to pry Mark out of Anthea and Concordia’s grasp.

Yong-il then began to punch Rood in the face repeatedly, each punch being harder than the last.

“NO!” Mark screamed, clinging onto Anthea desperately as the woman tried to hit her in a bid to get her to let go of him.

The next thing that happened, they heard police sirens, the grunt that was punched stood up and saw Clay and several police officers.

“What’s goin’ on here?” Clay asked, his eyes widened as he saw the beaten Rood to the ground while the man went inside to fetch his son, “Excadrill, stop him!”

The steel mole Pokémon then stopped Yong-il in his tracks, the police officer soon ran inside to handcuff him, the woman who was trying to pry Mark away from both Anthea and Concordia was now forcefully holding his hand and dragging him towards the door.

“NO! LET GO! LET GO!” Mark cried out but to no avail.

“Ma’am! Let go of the boy!” The police officer yelled.

“No! He’s my family’s only heir! He must marry to continue the family line!” The woman yelled in response, Mark used his other hand to take out Glaceino’s Poké Ball.

The Glaceon immediately bit the woman, causing her to let go of Mark, the other Old Plasma grunts seemed frightened with Mark’s paternal family invading the safehouse to get to him.

“I’m goin’ to need an ambulance!” Clay was heard outside, He was appalled at Yong-il’s savage beating of Rood.

Once all of the Jeong family members were taken away and Rood and the guard grunt were taken to a hospital via ambulance, Mark sobbed in a corner, terrified at what his family will do once they take him back and in guilt at what happened to Sage Rood.

“Son, are you alright?” Clay asked Mark, who shook his head.

Anthea and Concordia got scratches from where the female relative was scratching them.

“I’m not safe here….” Mark sobbed pitifully.

Anthea and Concordia looked at eachother in concern.

“We might have to contact Neo Plasma.” A male grunt said, “I’m not sure if they will take Mark in but it’s worth a shot, I don’t agree with it either but we can’t have Mark’s batshit insane family going after him.”

“Are you serious? The faction Ghetsis leads?!” Concordia asked.

“What?! One of the Neo Plasma grunt left his baby here before!” The male grunt protested, “There is a chance they’d probably accept something like this!”

—————————

Once they got into contact with Colress, the de facto leader of Neo Team Plasma, he was accompanied by Abby and T.K.

Abby and T.K were Mark’s girlfriend and former subordinate so it was recommended that they were brought along as they were familiar with Mark and could probably stay with them.

“So, you want us to take in this Old Plasma grunt?” Colress asked the male grunt who was accompanied by Anthea and Concordia.

“I’m not 100% on board with it but Mark is not safe at the Old Plasma safehouse, His father has put Sage Rood and another grunt in hospital and his female relative who was identified as his cousin has tried to kidnap Mark from the Goddesses.” The male grunt explained, “Mark spent the entire night screaming…”

Colress turned to Mark.

“Hmm, what’s your full name…?” Colress asked Mark.

“Mark Jeong….sir….” Mark said to him, Abby went over and gently held his hand, she found out about the situation on the news about an attack on the Old Plasma Safehouse by a noble family.

“He’s my boyfriend, Doctor Colress.” Abby said to Colress, “We met during OG Team Plasma.”

“Oh ho! a Wuji Couple! I don’t see those a lot nowadays and neither does Lord Ghetsis!” Colress exclaimed, “Now back to business, What do you do, during OG Team Plasma and now?”

“I…I was a caretaker….” Mark said quietly, still shaking violently, “I looked after Pokémon at the castle….I was deemed unfit for liberation missions….”

Mark still seemed to be scared from yesterday as Colress, Anthea and Concordia saw.

“What’s your grunt number?” Colress asked him.

“Grunt 196….sir…..” Mark whispered softly.

“What do you also do in Old Plasma now?” Colress asked Mark.

“I…I run an Eeveelution sanctuary, It’s my home….” Mark murmured, “I look after many Eeveelutions, my maternal family funds it too….but it’s Old Plasma run, the grunts from Old Plasma help around when I’m not there….”

Colress nodded as Mark spoke.

“Alright then! I’ll take you to the Frigate, Grunts 627 and 158! Do you want to accompany Mr. Jeong?” Colress asked them.

Abby gently took a hold of Mark’s hand and gently embraced him.

“You’ll be safe…Please don’t worry….” Abby said softly, “I’ll explain it why you’re here…”

T.K didn’t say anything to Mark as Colress lead the three to the Plasma Frigate, It was a large ship.

“So…This is Neo Team Plasma’s HQ….” Mark whispered.

——————————

When they got inside, a male grunt named Barret soon saw the Old Plasma grunt with Abby, Colress and T.K.

“What’s he doing here?!” Barret asked, “Why is there a grunt from the ‘traitor’s faction’ here?!”

“He is not safe at the Old Plasma safehouse in anyway.” Abby said to him, “Have you seen that news report of the Jeong family invading the safehouse so they could get their heir back?”

Barret turned to Mark who was desperately squeezing on the coat tails of Colress’ scientist coat.

“Wait…He’s the heir of Jeong?” Barret asked Abby, “He looks more like a kicked Lillipup than a ruthless nobleman.”

“Is…Is Sage Ghetsis aware of this?” Mark soon asked, the grunts and Colress soon turned to him, He wasn’t sure if Ghetsis would have approved of a grunt being in N’s faction being on the Plasma Frigate.

“Oh? You’ll be meeting with him shortly!” Colress said to Mark, “He’ll probably be explaining the rules to you while you’re here!”

“Okay…” Mark said to him.

———————————

Ghetsis was sitting alone in his office when Abby and Mark teleported in.

Mark looked at Ghetsis, he saw the man was dressed in a black cloak, was wearing what seemed to be a suit underneath, he was wearing a now black and red eyepiece and was holding a cane.

“Ah, Grunt 196…Mark Jeong, I thought we wouldn’t see eachother again after Team Plasma’s split.” Ghetsis said to Mark, “I heard about the attack on the Old Plasma Safehouse from grunts, I never thought someone would actually do that and not attack us instead…Have a seat.”

The Shadow Triad soon got chairs for both Abby and Mark.

“Alright, Grunt 196, I’m going to explain several rules to you due to your faction.” Ghetsis said, “Rule number 1, You are not allowed to wear the Neo Plasma uniform, we cannot have a security risk, This is also for safety concerns as an unsuspecting grunt can lead you into a place you have no business being in.”

“Okay….” Mark said in response.

“Rule number 2, You are not to be on B2F, the Helm or the Storage Room by yourself unless you are with Grunt 627 or 158.” Ghetsis said to him.

Mark gave a nod in response, Ghetsis looked more intimidating than he did two years ago.

“Rule number 3, anything you request has to be taken up with me, Doctor Colress or Sage Zinzolin, these can be approved and denied.” Ghetsis said, “If you want to bring some of your Pokémon from your sanctuary, you may only bring a maximum of eight including your own Pokémon, This is to prevent overcrowding.”

“Okay sir….” Mark said in response to him.

“Rule number 4, You can only leave the Frigate if you’re accompanied by Neo Plasma personnel such as 627 or 158.” Ghetsis responded to him, “You also will have to stay in a female only dorm room as I do not trust the male grunts not to harm you.”

Mark gave a nod in response.

“Now explain the rules to me.” Ghetsis said to him.

“Okay…not allowed to wear the Neo Plasma uniform for security and safety reasons….not to be on B2F…the helm or the storage room by myself….anything I request has to be taken up with you, Doctor Colress and Sage Zinzolin…..Will have to stay in a female only dorm for my safety….” Mark said in response in his own words about the rules.

Ghetsis nodded and crossed his arms.

“That’s right, You and 627 may go now.” Ghetsis said, “I will lead Mark to his dormitory, keep him in the infirmary until then.”

—————————

Mark laid down on a bed in the Cathode area of the infirmary, He still had a sad and vacant look on his face, He was still shaking and terrified, the grunts looked scary other than Abby and T.K, He even found Ghetsis intimidating, the man was calm when he was explaining the rules and asked Mark to explain back to him.

He then heard the door open.

“196, It’s time to lead you to the dorm you’ll be staying at.” Ghetsis was heard, he walked over to him, “Come along now…”

Mark got up and began to follow Mark, he soon opened a cabin door, He saw nine female Neo Team Plasma grunts, he saw one bed was unoccupied.

The grunts looked at the young man in the old medieval soldier style attire of OG and Old Team Plasma holding a Flareon and Glaceon.

Ghetsis noted this was the dormitory Abby stayed at when she wasn’t in the infirmary.

“Ladies, This is Mark Jeong or Grunt 196, He will be staying at your dorm but not temporarily, only when he is here.” Ghetsis explained to them, “We were originally going to settle him in with the male grunts but they were serious concerns for his safety because he is not in Neo Team Plasma and is in Old Team Plasma.”

The women turned to eachother for a moment in bewilderment, A male grunt from Old Team Plasma, in their dormitories?!

“Do you have any questions?” Ghetsis asked

A female grunt with dyed pigtails soon raised her hand.

“Rebecca, Grunt 856?” Ghetsis responded

“Lord Ghetsis, Are you sure about a male grunt staying in our dorms, I mean I don’t mind it but will he be okay?” Rebecca asked.

“Grunt 627, your dorm mate was insistent he be placed here.” Ghetsis said in response, “I’ll be going back to my office.”

Once Ghetsis left the office, the female grunts looked at Mark with wary and suspicion as the latter sat down on the bed and hugged his Flareon, the grunts looked at eachother.

“Um, hello?” Mark heard a soft voice, It was the grunt who asked Ghetsis if it was safe for Mark to stay here.

“안념하세요…(Hello…)” Mark said in response to her.

“Are you Korean? That’s so cool!” Rebecca exclaimed, “Can you teach us some Korean?”

“Rebecca, That won’t be necess-“ A female grunt with blond hair in a ponytail said to her.

“Um…sure….” Mark said quietly.

Mark soon began to teach Abby’s dorm mates Korean, While doing so, Abby walked in.

“Abby!” Mark exclaimed, he finally started to cheer up thanks to Abby’s dorm mates and went up to hug her.

“Waitwaitwait, Abby, is he your boyfriend?” Rebecca asked, the other female grunts went ‘Oooooh!’ at that.

“Yes. Yes he is.” Abby said to them, she returned Mark’s embrace, “Look how sweet you are all cheered up….”

“You’re lucky to have such a handsome boyfriend!” Rebecca exclaimed, “Can we learn a bit more about him?”

Abby was about to say no until Mark grabbed her hand and onto the bed, both sat down on the bed.

“Well, Mark is from a noble family…” Abby explained, “His families were the Jeongs and the Chois.”

“Wait, I heard of those pricks! Aren’t they the family that attacked the Old Plasma safehouse to get to their heir who was an Old Plasma grunt?” A grunt with frizzy hair asked, “What douchebags!”

Mark felt himself freeze up.

“Look, You’ll be safe here! Lord Ghetsis does not tolerate your father’s bullcrap!” The woman exclaimed, “You can count on Grunt 870 to help you out!”

Mark gave a small nod in response, Grunt 870’s vigor reminded him of Abby’s a little bit.

“Wait, so Mark’s a nobleman? So he’s like a prince on a ship full of pirates!” Rebecca exclaimed.

“I guess you can put it like that.” Abby responded.

“A prince…on a ship full of pirates?” Mark asked himself.

He did enjoy Abby’s dorm mates, He was relieved at Rebecca who loved Korean culture and K-pop, she never did anything to be offensive to him and he even introduced her to Korean folk music aswell.

———————————

While in the infirmary, Abby and Mark heard Ghetsis’ panicked voice over the PA.

“Grunt 627, 627! Get Grunt 196 over to my office at once!” Abby heard Ghetsis, “Right now!”

Mark looked terrified, a male Neo Plasma grunt who twisted his ankle chuckled a little.

“Sage Ghetsis?!” Mark exclaimed in panic.

“Did you get in trouble, little Old Plasma grunt?” He joked in response.

“I’ll be back soon, Can you wait until then?” Abby asked the male grunt.

“Sure, I’ll be alright!” The male grunt said in response as Abby took Mark and hurried to Ghetsis’ office.

“Abby?! What’s going on?!” Mark asked in a desperate manner.

“I don’t know!” Abby said in response, Flareina and Glaceino followed on behind them.

Once they arrived at Ghetsis’ office, Ghetsis put a reward poster down on the desk.

“They have a 15 million Poké Dollar reward for your return!” Ghetsis exclaimed, “That fucking Yong-il!”

Ghetsis looked at Mark, who now looked terrified as much as he was.

“Change of rules Mark, you cannot be out of the Frigate longer than three hours, Once your three hours are up, come back here at once!”

Mark gave a terrified nod in response.

“I will not let that prick have you!” Ghetsis exclaimed, “You and Abby may go now….!”

Once they left and got back to the infirmary, Mark soon began to sob, his paternal family had now a bounty for 15 million Poké Dollars on his head, all he could do now was cry…..

Once Abby noticed it, she pulled Mark into a hug.

“Ssshhh…..You’ll be safe here, I promise we’ll keep you safe….”

Mark sobbed on her shoulder until he began to tire out.

“Arceus you have a rough life…” The male grunt said, “That’s rough buddy….”

Abby gently laid Mark down on a bed, She was disgusted at Yong-il doing this to Mark

#drabble #abby kadozawa {{the nurse of hell's infirmary}}#mark jeong {{the unusual visitor}}

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imfluentinfangirlandgay · 2 years

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Thrown Home Again - Pt 2

I wrote a part 2 for it because I liked it so much. Might draw a ref for this version of Ingo someday. Not today, though.

Words: ~7500

The very first thing Ingo did the next morning was call the prosthetist to schedule a consultation. He’d had to have Emmet help him with the terminology that he could not remember so easily, and with insurance details. They said they could fit him in next week, which was ideal. Elesa decided to stay over for the day to help Ingo settle in. Apparently, his arrival had happened on a Friday, which was awfully convenient, for once. She sat in the kitchen, at their dining table, listening to them try to schedule one doctor’s appointment. It took almost fifteen minutes, but Ingo did not want to be stuck on the crutch forever. He did still have the prosthetic from Hisui, but he remembered the doctor saying to avoid it if possible. He’d been using it long enough that one more week wouldn’t hurt.

Elesa sipped her coffee as he ended the call with a relieved sigh. “I do not want to have to use the crutch forever. It may be useful, but the leg is just easier to get around with. And less noticeable.” He hummed to himself as he took a sip of the tea Emmet had prepared for him - chai tea, just the right temperature. It was even by his old favorite brand. To say Ingo was touched when he saw his brother pull out the box was an understatement.

“What’s your plan for today then, boys?” Elesa asked as she finally woke up a little more. Emmet shrugged.

“I am Emmet. We should likely report Ingo’s return to the police. And maybe let others know he has been found, like Drayden and Iris. I should go shopping. Oh!” he cried suddenly, running into his bedroom and re-emerging moments later. He was holding a bundle of objects in his hands that Ingo recognized immediately. Pokeballs. “They’ve missed you, as well. Especially her,” he added, pulling a seemingly random ball out of the pile. “I will do this one at a time. I do not wish to derail you again.” Ingo nodded as Emmet tossed the Pokeball into the air.

A familiar pressurized hiss, followed by a beam of light, and there sat a Pokemon that Ingo remembered vaguely, its name coming to his mind the moment he laid eyes on it. “Chandelure,” he vocalized, a little too loudly, “my partner.” The fire/ghost whirled to the sound of his voice and hovered in the air for a moment. Then she chimed in delight, immediately zooming over to Ingo and lightly bumping his chest. She made happy trilling noises as Ingo laughed, hugging the Pokemon close. He had missed her. “I apologize for my absence, Chandelure. You look healthy, I presume Emmet took good care of you.” It was not a question, but a statement. Chandelure chimed in affirmation, nuzzling herself against Ingo’s chest. She was gentle. Ingo wondered if she could tell he was still injured. Ingo allowed her to float just above his head, happily swinging back and forth gently, as if swaying in a breeze. He nodded to Emmet, who threw the next one in the air.

It was a medium-sized brown Pokemon with large steel spikes sticking from its head and claws. It was facing Emmet. “Excadrill,” Ingo recalled. The ground-type whirled as well, comically similar to how Chandelure had and raced over to Ingo without hesitation, chittering in excitement at seeing its trainer. He laughed and petted its head as it hugged his legs tightly. It noticed the suspicious lack of flesh on his left side, swiping at the cloth curiously. “Yes, I returned with some missing parts,” he said as he rolled up his pant leg to show the Pokemon. It touched his stump with its claw, looking at it. Then it went back to hugging him. It didn’t care.

Next up was Haxorus. Ingo remembered her to be the most motherly of the group and she did not disappoint, making happy and distressed calls when she saw his scars, looking over him frantically to see if there was anything she could help with. “It’s alright, Hax, these are all old injuries. They hardly bother me anymore.” She did not seem satisfied with that answer, though, and continued to hover around Ingo. He did not complain.

They continued on in this manner, revealing Klingklang, Galvantula, Eelektross (again), Crustle, and Durant. At one point, the apartment became too small to house the reunion, prompting some Pokemon to retreat to their balls. Chandelure got to stay out, still floating in her designated spot right above Ingo.

When the reintroductions were over, Ingo took to his feet. Emmet and Elesa both shot up to help him, but he just grabbed the wall and hopped into the main room, grabbing his team from Hisui. He hopped back in, meeting two disapproving stares. Right, he wasn’t supposed to do that. “Uh… my apologies, I will grab the crutch next time. I wanted to show my team from Hisui, assuming they are still in here and Giratina did not leave them behind, too. He tossed the first ball up, watching it give a different, but still familiar, hiss of steam and a flash of light - revealing a large Gliscor. It smiled at Ingo as it flew over to him and rested itself on his shoulders, gently pushing him back into his chair. “This is my partner from Hisui. Gliscor, meet Chandelure, my first partner from my childhood. And this is my brother, Emmet, and our friend, Elesa. We are no longer in Hisui,” he said to the flying scorpion. It smiled at him as it always did, chittering in his ear. It floated up to Chandelure and they began to strike up a conversation. There were no attacks thrown out, so Ingo hoped it was a good one. “Some members of my team may be… a little large for the apartment,” Ingo admitted. “I have my normal team of Gliscor, Alakazam, Tangrowth, Machamp, Magnezone, and Probopass, and then I have a couple other… odd ones. Alpha Pokemon. A Basculegion, Kleavor, and a Wyrdeer.” He was met with two confused faces.

“What are Alpha Pokemon?” Emmet asked.

“What are the Pokemon you just said?” asked Elesa.

Ingo realized then that the three Pokeballs he held contained Pokemon that had likely been extinct for centuries. Wow. What should he do with them? Sneasler was probably extinct too… “Ah, yes. They are extinct in modern times. Basculegion is - was the evolution of Basculin. Kleavor was the second evolved form of Scyther, alongside Scizor. And Wyrdeer used to be the evolved form of a Stantler.” Emmet and Elesa stared at him, dumbfounded. “There were Lords in Hisui for each of those three Pokemon as well, however these are not those Lords, but Alpha Pokemon. In Hisui, there were another type of Pokemon one could encounter, and those were Alphas. They were very strong and powerful, knew moves that most members of the species could not learn, and were oftentimes twice the size of normal members of the species.”

“Didn’t you say an Alpha Crobat was the thing that hurt you?” Elesa asked. Ingo nodded. Her eyes narrowed. “How big was it?”

“I did not get to see it, as the cave was pitch-black at the time, however I could tell it took up the entire cave entrance, and the cave was about ten feet tall, at minimum.” Both continued openly staring at him. Then Elesa facepalmed.

“How are you even alive right now?” she asked, shaking her head in exasperation. “And you’re the one who is always so worried about safety-”

“The lights were extinguished by someone that day, and I was still new to Hisui and did not expect an Alpha to live inside the caves,” Ingo defended. “Though after that incident, they did not extinguish the flames again for a long time.”

He remembered Adaman dragging a man to Jubilife Village, where Sneasler had taken him due to its proximity. He was glad, even now, as their medicine was slightly more advanced than the Pearl Clan’s. Irida had come to his side immediately, when he had regained consciousness, she looked like she had been crying. She sat with him and talked to him, listening to his story. Adaman, the Diamond Clan leader, could be heard outside before he could be seen. He was shouting at someone. Ingo had not been able to make out the words through the haze of pain, but he distinctly remembered the way the door to the Galaxy HQ building had barged open, the shouting quieting down.

It had been his first time seeing Adaman. He had been rather angry, shoving another man through the doorway roughly. His face was red, his hair in his normal messy ponytail. The man Adaman had shoved through had seemed inclined to argue until Adaman had thrust a frustrated finger in Ingo’s direction, causing the man’s gaze to follow it. And he’d gasped, the blood draining from his face as he took in Ingo. Ingo had tried waving weakly. And just as soon as they’d appeared, Adaman dragged the man out, Ingo now being able to catch the words, “How noble does it seem now, Melli? He’s missing a leg and an eye. Is it still more important for your ego to be boosted or would you rather see more people end up like that poor man? Don’t give me another speech like that, I don’t want to hear it.” There had been another voice, briefly, shaky and terrified as the door to the outside had shut. Ingo wished he could have informed Adaman that he was not bitter, but he found himself already half-asleep again.

Ingo had not seen the man again until he had been made Warden. Irida had held the ceremony at the Icelands, not far from the Pearl Clan home. As soon as it was over, Sneasler had led Ingo away, a grin on her face as she thought about her choice. Even then, she had seemed happy to select him as her Warden. Ingo did not know how he had been given that privilege, but he accepted it with a head held high. Sneasler had led him all the way back to her cave, showing him her living quarters. As the days went on, she led him around more and more of the Coronet Highlands, eventually leading him around the area near Lord Electrode’s hollow. Ingo, who had not been able to see it due to it being on his left side, had jumped at the gasp he had heard. He turned, allowing his good eye to look at the figure that had made the noise. He was surprised to recognize the man from the hospital that day. “I have seen you before,” Ingo called out. “I suppose you are the other Warden I was told about, and we will be in close quarters.” Ingo had shuffled his way over, still getting used to the first prosthetic he had been given. It was much more simple than the later versions, simply a wooden rod with a flared head that fit over the stump, held in place by a single leather strap. He was not able to wear a shoe over it, leaving his gait slightly awkward as his living foot was a little longer than the other. Sneasler followed him closely, in case he fell.

“My name is Ingo, of the Pearl Clan, and I am Lady Sneasler’s new Warden. How may I address you, sir?” The other man stood stock-still, as if he had seen a ghost. It took him a minute or two to work through his shock enough to stammer out,

“I am Melli, of the Diamond Clan. My Noble is Lord Electrode, of this hollow.” He had paused, looking a little sick as he took in Ingo’s eye and leg. “I- how did you lose your foot?” he asked bluntly. Ingo did not mind, though he suspected he knew the answer.

“I was conducting my way through Wayward Cave, trying to forage some crunchy salt for the Pearl Clan. It was too dark for my radar to properly assess the area and I confronted an Alpha Crobat, I suspect. I have since seen and heard others, and it makes the same noise as the thing that attacked. It caused a minor cave-in. It was Lady Sneasler who found me and saved my life,” Ingo added, patting the large Pokemon on the arm affectionately. She churred deep in her chest, pleased with being addressed in such a manner. “She has since selected me to become her Warden. I have much to do for her, to thank her for saving me.” He looked back over at Melli, who looked like he was going to be sick.

“Ah, I see… that is… truly unfortunate to have happened to you. I-uh- must take care of some Warden duties now. I will be seeing you,” he added, moving away quickly. If Ingo didn’t know better, he would have thought that he’d seen moisture collecting around his eyes. Ingo shrugged, though, tipping his cap as he turned, Sneasler leading him away from the odd Warden and back to her cave.

“-ngo? Ingo, hey, can you hear me? Come back to the land of the living, please.” Ingo blinked away the memory. Elesa was waving her hand over his good eye, trying to get his attention. “You’ve been spaced out for a whole five minutes, we’re getting concerned.”

“Ah! Apologies, Elesa, I was reliving a memory from Hisui. What are we discussing?” He looked between the two of them, Emmet looking tense. As he spoke, though, Emmet relaxed into his chair. Ingo’s eyebrows crinkled. Had he worried Emmet that much? He kept a mental note to himself to ask his brother about this later and monitor him.

“How best to break your return to others. Do you remember what the general public thought of you the last time you were here?” Elesa watched him closely. He considered for a moment.

“We were well-known, me and Emmet, were we not?”

“Yes, all three of us are sometimes called the Nimbasa Trio and are the three most well-known figures in Nimbasa City. What we’re trying to ask is if you think you’re ready for that kind of exposure yet or if you’d like to hide out a little longer before revealing yourself and facing the press.”

“I am Emmet. Ingo is still healing. We should take our time.” He crossed his arms, his eyes guarded and his smile strained.

“Yes, but if it looks like he’s avoiding everyone, that’s gonna be worse when the truth comes out-”

“Can I say something about this?” Ingo asked. They both stopped talking for a moment, looking at him. “I agree with both of your statements. I say we report my return to the police and request that they keep it under wraps for a bit. I would like to get a new prosthetic made so my appearance isn’t quite so jarring, though there is not much I can do about my eye and the scars. Maybe I could get a new coat tailored as well, seeing as my old one is near unusable. There were other individuals mentioned too, family. Inform them as well. After I get my new leg, I feel I will be better prepared for everything.” Elesa nor Emmet looked very happy about this compromise, but both begrudgingly nodded. Emmet would probably wish to hide Ingo away from the public forever if he could, while Elesa would try to let it known he returned tomorrow. Truthfully, Ingo was nervous about reintroducing himself to the masses, but he knew Elesa was right and it would have to happen eventually. Ingo caught the table, grabbing his crutch as he stood. “In the meantime, I would love to clean my cab. I have not had a proper shower in years. This is the first outfit that I have worn other than my general uniform since I was taken to Hisui.”

“Do you remember where your extra clothes are?” Emmet asked, getting up. Ingo waved him off.

“Unless they were moved, they should still be in the dresser. I won’t be long.” Emmet began to follow him until Ingo fixed him with a stare. He felt guilt about it afterwards as Emmet slunk away, back to the kitchen with Elesa, looking like a kicked Lillipup. Ingo knew he was just concerned, but he also knew that if he didn’t nip this behavior in the bud, he wouldn’t be able to stand without Emmet tripping over himself in his haste to help. Ingo had been caring for himself for three years like this! He was a grown man. He could handle himself.

Ingo was really getting the hang of crutches, expertly maneuvering around the apartment and entering his room. Chandelure followed him. He did not mind. This room had obviously been left exactly as he had left it, not a speck of dust anywhere. The room smelled musty, the bed meticulously made and everything in its place. There was a bed with black sheets, a dresser, a bedside table with a lamp, a desk, and a small bookshelf. His closet opened with double folding doors. Ingo rooted around in the dresser, pulling out some undergarments and random shorts before heading to his closet and grabbing out an old shirt. He swung by the hall closet and retrieved a towel, too. The black one. The white one was always Emmet’s. With his bounty, he entered the bathroom, sitting on the side of the tub as he undressed and fiddled with the water to make the temperature correct. He leaned his crutch against the wall closest to the tub, within easy reaching distance, carefully swinging his body under the water. He managed to gain his balance and scrubbed hard, getting to use real shampoo for the first time in a long time. He combed his hands through his long hair, removing the knots as well as he could. It was absolutely enthralling, getting to use hot water in a warm environment. It felt like he was scrubbing more than just grime off of himself, watching the water turn brown as it swirled down the drain.

He turned off the water, wringing out his now-clean hair and lowering himself when his foot slipped. He did not manage to catch himself on the side of the tub, falling rather awkwardly into the bottom of the still-wet bathtub. He managed to land on his arms, saving his ribs, but the resulting bang was definitely loud enough to be heard everywhere. A loud knock on the bathroom door. “Ingo? Are you alright?”

“Yes,” he responded, trying to hide the strain in his voice, “just suffered a quick malfunction. No damage done.” He managed to push himself up and sit on the edge of the tub again and wrap the towel over himself as Emmet pushed open the door, ignoring Ingo’s response.

“Are you sure? That sounded verrrry painful.” He peeked in, not wanting to invade Ingo’s privacy, but also ensuring Ingo was telling the truth. Seeing Ingo sitting on the side of the tub, drying his hair with the towel satisfied him.

“I am alright, Emmet, I swear it. I will be out shortly.” Emmet narrowed his eyes at his brother, but shut the bathroom door anyway. After a few moments, Ingo heard Emmet’s footsteps retreat. He sighed, drying himself off as well as he could and dressing while sitting on the side of the tub. After dressing, he rose and rooted around for a hairbrush. He managed to find one, oddly enough, and got to work on his mane. Looking in the mirror, he also wondered if maybe it was time for the beard to go. It did cover some scarring, but did it really do that much?

Ingo emerged twenty minutes later, clean-shaven, hair combed, and wearing clean clothes. He had not felt so refreshed in a very long time. He dumped his old outfit in the laundry room and returned to the kitchen, finding Elesa and Emmet deep in conversation.

“I get it Emmet, I’m worried, too. But he is still his own person and has been living with this for a while. Maybe just observe and wait for him to ask for help if he even needs it. If we get too overbearing, its just going to frustrate him. He’s still Ingo. Though I do agree that maybe a bar for the shower- oh hey, Ingo!” Elesa looked up cheerily and waved. She was now wearing the same outfit she’d had on yesterday. She probably didn’t pack an extra set of clothes. Ingo waved back with his free hand, coming back to his seat at the table. “How do you feel after a real shower?”

“I feel like I just pressure washed my entire cab and deep-cleaned the inside. I forgot how nice modern amenities were, like centralized heating and running water.” Ingo must have been downright starry-eyed because Elesa began to laugh. “I don’t think my hair has ever been this clean since it last got cut. I forgot how light it was.” He grabbed a lock of hair, bringing it in front of his eye. It was now a very light silver, as opposed to the deeper gray it was just an hour ago.

“You shaved,” Emmet commented. He was grinning.

“Yes,” Ingo laughed, “I originally grew it out due to the lack of razors in Hisui, then it helped cover some of the scarring. But it was very patchy because of the scarring, so I figured I would just shave it off. I rather missed being bare-faced.” He stroked his chin thoughtfully, readjusting himself to the feel of no hair on his chin. “What arrangements have been made with other passengers?”

“We contacted Drayden and Iris. They… well, we didn’t say what was happening, just to come by today. They seemed a little busy but Iris was worried. I said we were all fine. I didn’t say you’d come home. It’ll be a little surprise for them.”

“If Uncle Drayden has a heart attack, I’m blaming you,” Emmet piped up. “Also, you’re holding back Iris from breaking more of Ingo’s ribs.”

“I’m sure they’ll be alright once the shock wears off. I mean, you didn’t have a heart attack.”

“I thought I had. I thought I was dead at first,” Emmet deadpanned. Elesa stopped laughing.

“Emmet-”

“I thought you were dead for so long, Ingo. I thought I had died, too. And that’s why you looked like you did.” His eyes widened as he realized what he was saying. “Apologies, I should go clean up-”

“Emmet,” Ingo said again, more insistently. He grabbed his brother’s wrist, not allowing him to move further. He used Emmet’s momentum to swing himself off the chair, standing up and facing him. “Emmet, I did go through some things while I was gone, but that’s not to say you didn’t. You sat here everyday and waited for me to return, didn’t you. I may look different, but I’m still your older brother. Let me take care of you, too.”

“You’re older by three minutes.”

“Still qualifies. I finally got to remember you, so please let me help you. I missed out on being there for you the past few years and there is a lot of time to make up.” He made eye contact with Emmet, his voice low and serious, but not threatening. Emmet’s arm relaxed slightly. “You’re allowed to feel things still. I know I do. It’s going to be a bumpy track for a long time. But I’m back. And I’m not leaving again. I promise.” Ingo gently tugged on Emmet’s arm, pulling him into a hug. Emmet collapsed onto his shoulder, still being cautious of his chest area. Ingo rubbed his brother’s back, allowing Emmet to just lay on him.

“You used your old shampoo again. The one you got because I liked the smell.”

“Was that the same bottle that was in there last time I was here?”

Emmet didn’t respond or a moment. “I… couldn’t use it. It smelled too much like you,” he murmured quietly. Ingo’s heart fractured. He held Emmet for some time, both just lightly holding each other in their arms.

A knock at the door. Emmet moved to allow Ingo to sit back down as Elesa stood. “I’ll get it,” she said. Emmet wiped some tears off his face. Ingo offered a very slight smile. Emmet beamed at him, grabbing his hand over the table. “Oh, hi, Drayden, Iris. Before you come in, just know not to be too rough with him, okay? I promise, it will make sense in a moment. Brace yourselves.” Elesa led two people in, who Ingo had flashes of memory of the moment he saw them.

Drayden. White beard, thick, muscular arms, suspenders and cargo pants, ready to fight in a war.

Iris. Drayden’s adoptive daughter. Dark skin, chocolate eyes, dark hair, and a smile that could melt your heart.

Both stood in the doorway as Elesa moved back to sit in her previous spot. They stood and just stared at Ingo. Iris’s eyes grew wet almost immediately. “Ingo?” she asked, her voice giving away her trepidation.

Ingo nodded. “Yes. I’m home.” Iris rushed forward, making Emmet shout.

“Please stay behind the yellow line! His ribs are still broken.” Iris froze, watching him in horror. She didn’t know what to do. The girl watched him now, noticing his blind eye, the scarring. Her eyes darted down to the obvious missing flesh under his knee. Chocolate eyes widened, tears spilling as she looked back up at his face.

“Ingo? What happened?” Her voice broke. Ingo couldn’t take it anymore. He grabbed her arm, pulling her into a gentle hug. She laid her head on his shoulder and heaved thick, heavy sobs. Ingo rubbed her back with his left hand. Drayden stood behind her, still frozen in the doorway.

“I’m alright, Iris. I’ll be alright. These are all older injuries, Emmet already took me to the hospital to get checked. The doctors said I was doing alright.” She continued to loudly sob into his shoulder, which Ingo did not mind. Emmet stood and came to her other side, hugging her as well. Something about that made Iris smile wetly. She enveloped Emmet, too, hugging the two brothers together for the first time in over four years. Drayden snapped out of his trance, striding forward and laying a hand on Ingo’s shoulder, moisture in his eyes as well. By the time Iris had let it out, Drayden had some tears lost in his beard. She stepped back, looking between Ingo and Emmet. They both also had some stray wet on their faces.

“Ingo…” Iris looked down at him, her eyebrows knitting as concern rippled over her features. “Where were you? What happened? You got hurt…” Drayden patted her shoulder with his other hand, gently maneuvering her to the open chair beside Ingo. Emmet grabbed another chair from the desk in his room so Drayden had a place to sit, which he did. They all seated themselves, Drayden giving awkward glances to Ingo’s leg.

He gave them the abridged story again, from how he ended up in Hisui to how he had gotten injured, to how he became Sneasler’s Warden, right down to how he had found his way home again. “Giratina informed me it was an accident that I was derailed, and was kind enough to return me with some of my memories. I have been having large bursts of memory as I experience familiar places and people. For example, before you walked in, I remembered hearing your names, but not your faces. As soon as I saw you, I remembered most memories I believe I ever made with you, including when we were young children.”

Drayden and Iris sat in a stunned silence. Iris looked up at Ingo, “You-you’re kidding, right? There’s no way you got sent to the past…” Emmet got up quietly and slipped into the next room, retrieving the journal and photos. He silently passed them to Drayden, who looked over them with Iris. Her eyes widened as they looked over the photos, seeing the Pokemon from past times, the old manner of dress, and of course, Ingo himself, in the middle of some of them, tipping his cap or pointing at the camera with one hand in his famous pose.

“It’s true, Iris. I didn’t believe it myself at first but he even has the old timey Pokeballs, the ones made of wood that puff out smoke. They still have Pokemon in them. And he showed up wearing the uniform in that photo. It’s in the other room. Even the prosthetic leg looked old,” Elesa confirmed. Emmet nodded with what Elesa said, further confirming it. Drayden was staring at the photos intensely.

“You said that the region was called Hisui?” he asked to the silence.

“Yes.”

“Hmmm. Would it be alright if I took photos of some of these? I have a friend who may know some more about this time period you were in and pinpoint exactly when you were,” Drayden explained.

“There are some I’d like to keep for my eye only, but there are some I don’t mind you showing. I also have these Pokeballs in here, some of which contain Pokemon that are now extinct. They are large and powerful Pokemon. I am not quite sure what to do with them, as I likely will not have the space to use them to their full potential, and I do not want to just keep them in the balls all the time.” Ingo set his eye on Drayden.

“Yes, I can ask him about that. He is the most brilliant mind in all of Sinnoh, and if my memory serves me well, the Sinnoh region used to be named Hisui until about two hundred years ago.”

“Two hundred years?” Elesa’s jaw fell open. Emmet looked rather alarmed himself. Iris was watching Ingo, who did not look all that surprised, all things considered.

“That would make some sense. The gods that the people worshiped they referred to as the ‘almighty Sinnoh’. And there were very few, if any, modern amenities. I spent much of my time foraging for food, bathing in local streams and rivers, and many a night where my only warmth was my Pokemon I had with me. There was no running water or heat. You could only get around with the help of Pokemon if you were lucky, most people feared them greatly. In fact, in my time there, Pokeballs had just been invented. I was revered for my ability to catch Pokemon. Nobody had seen anything like it before.” Drayden watched his nephew with an unreadable gaze (to most, Ingo could tell he was shocked, and maybe a little sympathetic). “I was the only Trainer in all of Hisui for a time. The only other person who could even come close to my training ability was the master of the Pokemon dojo herself, Zisu. She’s the woman in that photo there,” he pointed to one specific photograph of himself with a tall, redheaded woman who had her arm draped over her shoulder, grinning broadly at the camera. “She also taught me self defense, even after my injury. It came in handy more than once,” he chuckled.

At this point, everyone was giving him an odd look. So he kept talking to fill the silence. “You see, in Hisui, it is incredibly dangerous. Most Pokemon would not hesitate to attack humans directly for entering their territory, like with the Crobat. This little scar here,” he pointed to a thin line leading from his right thumb about four inches down his flesh, “was caused by an aggravated Luxray. I was surprised I only got off with a scratch. This other one,” he gestured to a spot on his chest, pulling down his shirt just under his collarbone to show a red blotch about two inches in diameter, “was a Paras. Those were everywhere and always angry. And since I essentially lived with Lady Sneasler in her den, I had these sorts of encounters daily.”

“What about those little nicks all up your arm?” Iris asked, pointing.

Ingo’s eyes softened. “Ah, those are from the offspring of my Lady Sneasler. I would often watch over her kits and ensure they did not cause trouble while she was out fulfilling her duties. They did not yet know how to control their claws at such a young age, and would often leave little nicks on my arms. They liked to practice climbing on them. The only problem was that they were poison types, so I had to have a barrage of pecha berries on me at all times-”

“Sneasels aren’t poison type,” Iris objected. “They’re ice/dark dual type.”

“Hisui had an ancient breed of Sneasel that was a poison/fighting dual type. I occasionally ran into the other Sneasel breed in Hisui, but they were much more rare. I expect that the Hisuian Sneasel is extinct by now,” he added, his tone turning melancholy. “Along with Sneasler.” He realized with a jolt that if he truly came from two hundred years ago, every single person and Pokemon he had known was long dead. Irida, Laventon, Melli, Adaman, all were nothing more than bones and forgotten tales by now. That thought wormed its way into his brain but he shoved it aside. He could process all of that later.

“Well, I still ended up back here due to Giratina,” Ingo said, wanting to change the subject, “and though I am missing a couple parts, my cab managed to return to where I belong.” He was the only one who chuckled.

“Ingo, if I may ask, are you blind in that eye now?” Drayden asked quietly. Ingo nodded, waving a hand in front of it.

“Can’t see a thing. I tend to swivel my head around to be able to see more and prefer to be approached from the right.”

“I see. Er, well, I understand. Poor choice of words… anyway, what were your plans? Who all knows that you are back in Nimbasa?” Drayden changed the subject, clearly wanting to be off the topic of Ingo’s injuries.

“We were going to let the police know today, but try to keep it under wraps until Ingo gets a new prosthetic leg, he doesn’t want to use the crutch forever,” Elesa explained. Drayden’s eyebrows furrowed. Ingo knew that he had noticed the missing appendage, but the fabric was currently draped over the limb, hiding the stump from view.

“How… how much of your leg did you lose? You don’t have to answer if you don’t want, it’s kind of personal-”

“You’re alright, Iris. Like I mentioned, it is an old injury and seldom bothers me now. I have adapted to it.” He pulled up the pant leg, allowing them to see it in full view. His bone ended about two inches down his knee, a bit of extra fat and muscle encapsulating it with loose skin making it shake awkwardly if he lifted his thigh. He flexed his knee to show it better. “I still have full control over it and I can walk fairly normally. It’s just a matter of finding something more comfortable. Emmet, where did my leg go? The metal one?” Elesa got up first and retrieved the metal appendage from the couch, handing it to him. “This one was given to me by a kindly metalworker back in Hisui. My leg fits into this sanded-down wood here and the straps connect like this…” He put on his leg, adjusting the straps accordingly. It was vaguely shaped like a human leg and even had a large flat piece reminiscent of a foot, except it was made of dusty metal. “It can even fit my shoes on it, so in Hisui I would wear my boots over it. It kept the leg cleaner and less people noticed I was even missing anything, especially when I had my pant leg covering it.” He walked to the front door and back, ignoring the noise of protest from Emmet. He returned with his boots, leaning against the wall to put it on. As always, it fit snugly on his foot. “The only real problem I ever had with it is this one little ridge of sharp metal that wears at my stump where the wood doesn’t cover it. It used to give me sores.” Now wearing his leg, which felt more natural to him, he walked over to the couch and retrieved his coat and Pokeballs. Not for any real reason, he just felt more comfortable with him.

“Ingo, the doctor said not to wear that leg, remember?” Ingo groaned.

“Yes, it is only for a moment, Elesa. It feels more familiar than the crutch.” He could practically hear her rolling her eyes. Chandelure still floated above him, watching him move around. He reached up and patted her glass. She chimed at him. He returned to the table again, sitting down with a huff. “Besides, if I live so sedentary, I might finally waste away,” he grumbled. “I used this leg for three years, one more week won’t kill me.”

Iris snorted and scolded, “Yeah, but your leg will probably thank you! Look at it, it’s begging to retire.” Ingo removed the leg and scowled. Drayden asked if he could examine it. Ingo handed it over to him as he raised its eyebrows.

“This is much lighter than I expected. And the general design fits well for daily wear and tear. You say you used this daily for three years… either you kept this thing in the best condition possible, or this metalsmith used some celestial ore that we have not previously discovered.”

“It’s just plain steel. It’s hollow, but fairly thick,” he said, knocking on it to produce a sound. “The inside is filled with Pokemon fur to make it a bit less noisy as I walk around. Otherwise my leg would clang every time I took a step.” Drayden hummed.

The conversation took a livelier turn after that, leading to other topics such as Iris’s recent victory as the new Champion of Unova and her Pokemon team. Ingo followed along, allowing his adoptive sister to take the spotlight. She was eager to fill him in on what he had missed the last four years. Elesa chimed in with how strong she had been at her gym battle and other things such as her latest fashion line.

Fire exploded in his leg. Or, at least, it would have if he had still had it. Ingo hissed, gripping at his stump as he waited for the pain to subside. Thankfully, it did not take long. About ten seconds of pain and the feeling vanished, along with the thought that maybe he still had a foot. He sighed, looking up to see everyone now focused on him.

“Are you alright?” Emmet asked, concerned.

“Yes, those happen sometimes. I feel pain coming from my foot, even though it is not there anymore. It was much worse within the recent months following the incident, but I still get them occasionally. They used to last for days sometimes, but over time they diminished in frequency and magnitude.” Elesa was typing something into her phone.

“They’re called phantom pains. They kind of just happen sometimes, it’s very common in people who have had an amputation. Your body still has those nerves open for that part, even if it's not there anymore, and they just trigger sometimes, causing pain. No cure for it.” Emmet let out a breath of relief.

“It has already subsided. That is the only time this injury really bothers me anymore.” Chandelure had floated down to Ingo’s level, giving him a soft bonk on the shoulder.

“I think we have a bigger problem,” Iris cut into the fresh silence. “Ingo, when was the last time you got a haircut? You look feral.” Elesa snorted so hard that she had to stop herself from hitting the wall behind her with her head. She started laughing, tears streaming from her eyes.

“I wasn’t going to say it, but yeah, you really do give off the Mountain Man vibes with that hairdo. Maybe we should sneak you out to a barber tomorrow.”

Ingo rolled his eyes and brought the band he kept on his wrist up to his head, tying his hair back in a long ponytail. “I am not opposed to that. It is more of a nuisance than anything, though I do appreciate how soft it is now that it's clean.”

“Oh, oh, Ingo, can I braid it? Please?” Iris was practically hopping in her seat. Ingo couldn’t say no to that. The girl bounded over, taking the band out of his hair and letting it fall in a silvery cascade down his back, swiftly getting to work at the split ends.

“Wow, it is already almost dinnertime. Shall we notify the police of Ingo’s reappearance while we decide what to get for dinner?” Drayden suggested. Everyone nodded, their stomachs empty. Drayden and Elesa decided to go out and retrieve food from a restaurant down the road as Emmet called the police station. Ingo allowed Iris to braid his hair and unbraid it. It felt nice to have someone play with his hair. Maybe he shouldn’t cut it. Then he looked at Emmet’s hair and realized that no, he missed having it shorn. It was coming off.

“Yes. Yes. I have information on a missing persons case that went cold. Is there any way an officer could meet us here? Yes, my address? Thank you.” Emmet hung up sighing. “I am Emmet. I hate phone calls.” Ingo patted his brother’s shoulder.

It was hardly ten minutes later when there was another knock on the door. Iris flew up and opened it, leading in an officer in a deep blue uniform. “Hello again, Mr. Emmet, I hear you have information regarding-” she froze, catching Ingo’s form. “So I see. Are you able to answer some questions? I need to write up the report for this one.”

“All I ask is we keep this quiet for the moment. I only returned yesterday and I am not quite ready to have the news run stories on me yet,” Ingo atoned. The officer nodded kindly. She pulled out a notepad and asked a lot of standard questions, even if the answers given were odd, like to the question ‘what caused your disappearance?’ his response was ‘a rift in space-time caused by Giratina, which threw me two hundred years into the past and it later confirmed this directly’ which got him some eyebrow raises. However, with the physical evidence he had on him, such as the journal and photographs, the officer seemed convinced. She wrote down his answers and promised that they would get a follow-up call in the morning, as well as her secrecy.

“I can see you went through a lot in your time gone. I will inform my superiors to keep your return from the press, though I will say that should you rejoin the Battle Subway, I look forward to fighting you both someday.” Emmet smiled at her. Ingo thanked her as she left. Elesa and Drayden returned with food a short time after. Dinner was a quick affair, after which Drayden, Iris, and Elesa all left to return home. Ingo hobbled his way into his bedroom that night, sitting on the bed and looking around at his old room. Something was missing.

Emmet poked his head in. “Ingo?”

“Yes, Emmet?”

“Do… you mind if I sleep with you tonight?” He looked nervous and awkward, like a teen asking their crush out to prom.

Ingo smiled softly and patted his bed. “I was just thinking the same thing.” Emmet grinned, wandering into his room and allowing Galvantula in, shutting the door behind him. He climbed in next to Ingo, letting out a contented sigh as he snuggled in. Ingo burrowed his way under the covers, allowing Emmet to settle his head into the crook of his neck. Weariness of the day’s events was settling into his bones.

“I missed you, Ingo. I’m glad you’re finally home.”

Ingo brushed a hand through his brother’s hair, leaning his head onto Emmet’s. “I am, too, Emmet. I missed you too, even though I did not remember it.”

“You’re odd like that,” he said, half-asleep.

“I suppose I am,” he agreed. Galvantula had climbed onto the ceiling and settled down for the night, just above their heads. Chandelure floated right next to her, also getting ready for sleep.

“Good night, Emmet. I love you.”

“I love you too, Ingo.”

[Part 1] - [Part 2] - [Part 3] - [Part 4] - [Part 5] - [Part 6] - [Part 7] - [Part 8] - [Part 9]

#pokemon legends arceus #submas #subway boss ingo #subway bosses #subway boss emmet #warden ingo #pokemon arceus #pokemon ingo #legends arceus ingo #ingo #emmet #my writing

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nagichi-boop · 2 years

Text

Aight part two, the part where I actually address the initial idea I had for this! Here’s part one if you haven’t read it. :)

Also this isn’t supposed to be a ship post. This comment will make sense later I think.

tw // blood (oopsie not again, teehee!)

- x -

Elesa sighed in relief as she watched Emmet’s body relax. The drink was working. She then walked out of the room and began looking around for Ingo. It wasn’t too long after that she checked the bedroom, where she found Ingo desperately scratching himself. She turned the light on, startling Ingo who turned and stared up at her with a frantic look on his face. He had patches of blood on his body, presumably from where he had scratched himself, and his fur was very messy. Ingo began to look around frantically, then used his claws to pull at a dangling part of his blanket from off of his bed, which then fell on top of him and covered him. It wasn’t too long after that before he could be heard scratching himself again.

Elesa knew Ingo had a habit of scratching himself when he was stressed, but something seemed different this time. Usually when Ingo was stressed, he would simply need Emmet to comfort him. But him lashing out and biting Emmet? Something didn’t seem right.

“Ingo, why are you hiding?” she asked him as she slowly pulled the edge of the blanket up. There she Ingo clawing away at himself, though not in the same manner she was expecting from him. Usually when he was stressed, he would look more dazed and panicked. But not this time. Right now he looked frustrated and in pain, that he wasn’t doing this to self sooth and did it more out of a necessity. She then suddenly had a thought. This wasn’t the first time she’d seen this level of frustration and desperation in a Pokémon. Ingo must have fleas.

“Hold on, Ingo,” she said before quickly grabbing him tight with the blanket. She held Ingo tightly to try and prevent him from wriggling out. She knew Ingo was likely desperate to keep scratching, but she needed him to stop (and she also needed to protect herself from him in this state). She ran to the bathroom, then placed Ingo down in the bathtub before quickly whipping the blanket off of Ingo. He looked up at Elesa, then drew the shower curtain around and began scratching again. He felt so embarrassed that his friend was here while he was like this, but he couldn’t stop himself. His body itched all over, a sensation he’d never experienced before. He hated it so much, but worse than that was having Emmet and Elesa see him in this powerless and unsightly state. His fur was scruffy and he could barely think straight. He just wanted this to stop. He was so ashamed.

Ingo’s thoughts were abruptly stopped when a flood of water fell atop him. He looked up and saw Elesa had turned the shower on, drenching Ingo and temporarily distracting him. She then went into the bathroom cabinet, looking at each of the bottles before pulling one out, one that Ingo recognised. It was the Pokémon shampoo that he had used to treat Excadrill before. Elesa poured it into her hand and then began gently massaging it into Ingo’s head. Ingo felt a sense of relief. Not only was Elesa scratching him helping with his pain, he also felt his itching going down.

Elesa then chuckled a little. Ingo suddenly realised that he had been purring the whole time. He then realised the situation he was in and panicked. Just as Elesa was about to start washing Ingo’s back, he let out a panicked cry and pulled the curtain again.

“Ingo, what’s wrong?” she asked, taken aback.

“I think he’s embarrassed”, a second voice spoke, startling Elesa. She turned around to see Emmet standing at the door.

“Emmet! Are you okay?”

“All thanks to you!” Emmet said, beaming and giving a thumbs up. “I can take it from here though. If you wouldn’t mind waiting outside?” Elesa raised an eyebrow. “I think Ingo is embarrassed to have you wash him”, Emmet explained, to which Elesa had a look it realisation on her face.

“Oh. Ohh, that makes sense,” she said. “Sorry Ingo! I just sort of acted without thinking and wanted to help you, but I guess I sort of treated you like you were a Pokémon.” She then scowled. “Well, I mean…you ARE a Pokémon but…oh whatever, I think you get what I mean. I’ll wait outside!” She then stood up and walked out of the room, leaning against the wall as she waited for the brothers.

“It’s okay Ingo,” Emmet said softly. “It’s just us now.” He pulled the curtain back and saw Ingo holding himself, looking up at Emmet with a very embarrassed expression. Emmet picked up the shampoo, pouring some out into his hand. “Are you ready?” Ingo reluctantly nodded. Emmet began to apply the shampoo onto Ingo’s head, not realising that Elesa had already done that. But Ingo didn’t mind. He once again felt very relaxed, gently purring as Emmet massaged the shampoo in, but this time he didn’t mind as much. It wasn’t that he didn’t appreciate Elesa’s help, it’s just that it was a bit strange having someone other than Emmet help him in this way.

Emmet then worked on washing the rest of Ingo’s body, which was a much easier task now that Ingo was relaxed and compliant. He then gently rinsed the shampoo off of Ingo before turning the shower off. He stood up and grabbed a towel, carefully massaging Ingo to dry him off. He then wrapped the towel around Ingo, which his brother then held closed.

“Would you be alright if I dried you off in the lounge with Elesa in the room? Or would you rather do that in private?” Ingo shook his head, then scuttled out of the room. He looked up at Elesa, then bent over. Elesa wasn’t quite sure what he meant but Emmet soon followed Ingo out of the bathroom.

“I think he’s apologising to you,” Emmet explained. Ingo then stood up again and nodded. Elesa chuckled.

“Hey, don’t worry about it! I’m sorry for acting without thinking. I just remember when Emolga was like you were, so I figured I’d try and help you out as quickly as possible since I knew Emmet was in the other room rest…” Elesa suddenly stopped and looked at Emmet worriedly. Given that he himself had refused to confess that Ingo had injured him, she figured Emmet didn’t want Ingo to know what had happened, but she spoke without thinking. “Oh uhh, I mean…”

“It’s okay,” Emmet interrupted. “I am okay now and so is Ingo. That’s all that matters.” He then placed a hand on Ingo’s head to reassure him, which Ingo appreciated. He then noticed the bandage around Emmet’s arm. Oh…he did that, didn’t he. He pointed at it.

“Don’t worry about it! Elesa helped me and I’m okay now.” He then pointed towards the living room. “Elesa, take Ingo to his destination. I need to make a detour to the bedroom for the hair dryer.” Elesa stood up straight. “Yes, boss!” She then smiled and walked with Ingo into the lounge and sat with him on the couch as they waited for Emmet, who quickly joined them with a hair dryer and fur brush. He plugged the hair dryer in and began gently brushing Ingo’s fur while drying it. Ingo felt a sudden wave of fatigue hit him as he relaxed and the tiredness of his agitated state caught up to him. He tried desperately to stay awake, especially since Elesa was there, but he found it a struggle. Since his back was turned away from Emmet, he didn’t noticed how hard Ingo was trying to stay awake, blissfully unaware of just how tired his brother was.

“Hey Ingo,” Elesa said softly. “You know I’ve seen you sleep before, right? If you’re feeling tired, it’s okay to rest - I promise I won’t mind. Besides, I’m not going anywhere in a hurry.” She then grinned at Emmet. “I’ve decided that I’m inviting myself over for a sleepover!” Emmet smiled wildly.

“We would be glad to have you as a passenger! Isn’t that right, Ingo?” Emmet then looked down and watched as his brother flopped onto his side having fallen fast asleep. Emmet then turned to look at Elesa and the two of them quickly chuckled in amusement.

- x -

Okay, theeere’s the wholesome content I was going for lol. Hopefully this ain’t weird? Idk, I kinda impulsively threw Elesa into the story and ended up making it waaay longer simply cuz I liked the idea of Ingo being ashamed of his friend seeing him in a rough state, but equally Elesa just wanting him to be okay.

#pokemon #transfer error au #pokemon bw #pokemon legends arceus #pla #nimbasa trio #submas #ingo #emmet #elesa #sneasel #hisuian sneasel #pokemon headcanons #nagichi writes

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misskikuwrites · 4 years

Text

Delirious in Love

Bederia Week 2020

Day 2 Prompt: Feelings of Love

Bede/Gloria (dressedinpinkshipping)

@bede-x-gloria

Feelings were not something Bede had much control over, especially when it came to Gloria. The effect she had on his heart had begun long before Bede had recognised his feelings for her.

Burning irritation, frustration and annoyance had been there from the start, from their very first battle. From the very first smile she'd given him. Too bright, too full of life and innocence.

He'd hated her instantly. Hated the way she smiled at him when she'd won, when she'd offered him a handshake and said that she'd enjoyed their match. As if he hadn't planned to thrash her and take her wishing star from her. As if his biting, snarky remarks had been compliments instead.

Her naivety, her innocence, the spark of light in her eyes were things Bede had lost long ago. It made her weak, made her vulnerable and a fool.

He lost control of his emotions in her presence. Arrogance roared to life. A rush of determination to beat her, to finally make her lose and grovel at his feet. And she won. Again and again, she beat him every time.

Always smiling, always friendly, even when he spat insults and glared.

She didn't smile when he'd had his endorsement taken away from him. The first time he'd seen her eyes widen in shock, the first time she'd reacted in panic and fear and he hated it. Hated the pity in her eyes.

It had been because of her that everything had gone so wrong.

He'd poured his heart out to her on the pitch during the Champion's Cup, when he'd never lost his cool like that before. Not completely, not enough to make him spill his thoughts and his heart so honestly to her until that point. And she'd accepted his challenge. Fought him without holding back, gave him a match to remember for they'd thought it would be his last.

He realised now, almost two full years later, that his feelings for her had already begun to change at that point.

It had taken another Champion's Cup, the first one since Gloria had become Champion, for Bede to acknowledge his feelings for her. That she was more than a rival to him. That the tugging on his heart was something deeper. Something he'd never felt before.

The moment he had realised that, his feelings for her only grew and grew until they consumed him. He gave in to his heart. To her.

He was in love with Gloria. A rival, a friend, and aching to be something more.

For now, Bede was content to be her friend. To have her send confusing messages to him with no context. He stared at his phone and frowned.

Gloria: please come kidnap me

Gloria: at stow on side gym slowly dying

Gloria: need a break

Bede huffed to himself, the corner of his mouth lifting in a slight smile. If she wanted to be kidnapped, then who was he to deny her?

Gloria was lying facedown on a bench in the lobby of the Stow-on-Side Gym when he arrived. He approached her quietly, unsure if she was sleeping. Her arms dangled over the sides of the bench, fingers tracing aimless patterns on the floor.

"What are you doing?" Bede asked, folding his arms and forcing the amused grin off his face.

Gloria snapped her head up at his voice. "Bede…!" she cried. Her eyes sparkled with relief. "You actually came…!"

"I got a strange request to kidnap you," Bede said. He raised an eyebrow at her. "So, are you going to get up or would you rather I fully commit to your request and drag you out of here?"

"I'm coming!" Gloria jumped to her feet, flashing a warm smile. Her cheeks dusted a light pink and she cleared her throat awkwardly.

Bede turned away from her dazzling smile before it could begin to fluster his heart. "Come on, your chariot awaits."

Gloria giggled and followed him to the waiting sky taxi outside.

"So, where are we going?" she asked as the sky taxi took off.

"Wouldn't be a proper kidnapping if I told you, now would it?"

"Oh, right!" Gloria shifted excitedly, staring out the windows as she tried to judge where they were headed. "Sure you don't want to blindfold me, then? I might try and run away the second we land."

Bede gave her a coy smile. "I'm sure I'd be able to catch you if you tried."

A challenge sparkled in her eyes as she laughed. "We'll see about that!"

All mentions of an escape attempt faded when they landed at the Meetup Spot in the Southern Wild Area. Gloria climbed out of the taxi, turning to Bede with wide-eyed curiosity. Whimsical anticipation brightened her smile.

Bede's heart squeezed, his chest feeling full. He walked ahead of Gloria, focusing on their destination rather than the adorable expression she was giving him.

"This way," he said. "It's not far."

Gloria skipped to catch up to him, falling into step at his side. They kept out of the patches of tall, unruly grass, the cries of Pokemon filling the air. Gloria breathed in the fresh air, sighing happily as a light breeze washed over them as they walked. She never kept her attention fixed on a single place for long. Always glancing at every sound, every Pokemon that peered out of the grass at them.

They worked their way past colonies of Combee, Roselia dancing amongst the flowers as they rounded up a hill. The grassy hill ended abruptly as the top of a cliff overlooking the vast Wild Area. Patches of blooming wildflowers danced in the breeze, the flowery scent making Gloria sneeze. Wingull soared overhead, gliding freely in the clear sky.

Gloria gaped at the view, drawing herself slowly to the edge with an enchanted sigh. She placed a hand over her heart in awe.

"I… I didn't know there was such a view like this…!" she sighed, breathless with wonder. A cluster of Machoke and Machop sparred down below, Excadrill digging into rockface. A Pelipper flew over the edge of the cliff, followed by a flock of speeding Wingull. Gloria whirled to stare after them.

"That's good," Bede noted and came up beside her. "The Wild Area is vast enough, but I couldn't be sure that you hadn't been here before."

"It's amazing!" Gloria gasped in joy. Calls of Roselia and Oddish sang in the warm air as they plodded through the flowers. Gloria sat on the soft grass, brushing her fingers through the thick blades. "I don't think I'm going to be getting up any time soon."

"That was the point," Bede said. He sat beside her, leaving a comfortable distance between them. "You wanted a break."

Gloria smiled down at the grass. "Thank you," she said softly.

Bede quickly glanced elsewhere, as if he were more interested in the Bellossom than the sweet smile on Gloria's face. It was so tempting to lose himself in her eyes.

A gentle, relaxing calm drifted over them. Gloria closed her eyes, head tilted slightly skyward, the afternoon sun kissing her cheeks and leaving them slightly pink. Bede took the moment to glance at her. To memorise the ethereal glow of her chocolate coloured hair in the sun, a golden halo of light outlining her. To burn this sight into his mind for all eternity. She was breathtaking. The tender smile on her face was mesmerising. Bede's heart melted as if she were the sun and he would gladly succumb and burn to cinders if it meant he could be near her.

He wouldn't have minded if this moment lasted forever.

As always, it was cut short abruptly. A figure walked towards them, a young trainer with an eager grin.

"Are you the Champion?" he asked.

Gloria opened her eyes and looked at him, blinking blearily through the glare. "Yes?" A frown settled on her brow.

"Then, I challenge you to a battle!" the trainer cried, snatching a Pokeball into his hand.

Gloria's expression fell. A faint flicker of pain flashed behind her eyes for a fraction of a second. She took a breath, steeled herself to stand.

"You'll have to defeat me first," Bede said, standing and bringing out a Pokeball.

"And who are you?" The trainer looked disinterested at Bede.

"I'm the Fairy Gym Leader, Bede. The second strongest trainer in Galar. You'll do well not to forget it."

"You're just a Gym Leader," the trainer scoffed. "I asked the Champion to battle, not you. Or is she too scared to fight without dynamaxing?"

"She doesn't owe you a battle. If you're that desperate to fight her then complete the Champion's Cup."

Bede was so intent on glaring down the trainer, he almost missed the soft groan that sounded behind him. He whirled and caught Gloria holding a hand to her forehead. Her face twisted in pain.

"Gloria? What's wrong?" Bede was at her side in an instant. Her cheeks were flushed, lips parted with sharp breaths. He removed her hand from her brow and replaced it with his own. "You're burning up!"

"Whoa, is she alright?" the trainer asked.

"Of course not!" Bede snapped. He scooped her up in his arms and commanded his Rotom phone to call a sky taxi. He left the trainer on the hill and tracked back the way they'd come.

"Bede…" Gloria croaked, her voice sounding hoarse and raw, and she cleared her throat. She blinked through the haze of pain. "I'm fine, it's just… a cold." She coughed into her hand for a moment.

"You should be home resting! What were you thinking, participating in the exhibition matches when you're like this?"

"But… I'm the Champion. It's my duty-"

"Screw your duty!" Bede hefted her higher in his arms as gently as he could. Her head lolled against his neck, her burning forehead warm against his neck. "It's not your duty to work yourself until you collapse."

"I haven't… collapsed yet…"

He scoffed. "You were about to. Is that why you were lying on the bench in the Gym? You were already feeling like this earlier…"

Bede scolded himself for not noticing. He'd seen the tinting of pink on her cheeks and put it down to the sun or a simple blush. Not a fever.

By making her sit in the sun like that, he'd only made it worse.

Gloria closed her eyes, her soft lashes fluttering against Bede's skin. "I thought it would pass…"

Bede sighed. That was just like her - to put her duty and other people's expectations ahead of her own health or safety. He doubted it was the first time she'd pushed herself to the limits.

He lowered her gently into the sky taxi and gave her address to the driver before climbing in himself.

"Do you know if anyone will be home?" he asked.

"Mm… I don't know. Mum might still be out..." Gloria curled up in her seat, her eyes shut tight. She didn't move an inch until they landed, save turning away from Bede to cough, and made to climb out of the taxi before Bede stepped in front of her.

"I'm just a bit sick," Gloria said, brushing him off with a lackluster wave. "I can still walk."

"Fine, but I'm staying close. Not about to let the Champion topple over just because she wanted to walk by herself."

Gloria didn't have the strength to roll her eyes and let Bede lead her to her front door. Pain rippled across her face, causing her to wince and hiss through her teeth.

"There's… a key beneath that pot plant," she said, pointing at a small plant by the door. "I left my stuff at the Gym…"

Bede fished out the key and unlocked the door, letting Gloria in before he followed. She swayed on her feet and Bede quickly caught her elbow. She sank against him with a groan.

"Sorry…" she mumbled. "My head…"

"I've got you. Where's your room? You need to lie down and rest."

She motioned with a floppy wave of her arm. "That way. Down the hall…"

Bede slid his arm around her back to hold her steady and walked her to her room. He opened the door for her and she stumbled the last few feet to her bed and face-planted onto it.

Bede's heart sank but he shoved that emotion away. "At least take off your shoes," he chided gently, and worked off her boots when she replied with an incoherent grunt. She wiggled forward on the bed so she could bury her face in her pillow with a pained groan. She hacked deep in her throat for a few, rough breaths.

"Where do you keep your medicine?" Bede asked. "You need to take something for that fever. Do you have a thermometer somewhere too?"

Gloria peeked at him with one eye, turning her head slightly on the pillow. "Mm… we do. In the bathroom cupboard. It's the other door in the hall."

Bede nodded. "I'll be right back." He felt bad leaving her like that but had little choice. He found the bathroom and searched through the cupboards quickly, grabbing what he needed there before heading to the kitchen and filling up a tall glass of water. He found an icepack in the freezer and wrapped it in a cloth, lugging the collection of goods back to Gloria's room in his arms.

She'd rolled onto her back, an arm draped over her eyes. He tapped the thermometer on her hand. She grabbed it, felt what it was, and slipped it in her mouth without looking. Bede sat on the edge of her bed, steeling his heart at the discomfort worn into her brow.

The thermometer beeped, and Bede took it back, looking at the temperature displayed.

"Thirty-eight point five degrees," he huffed. "You're lucky it's not any worse, the way you were pushing through it."

Gloria sounded a grunt in reply. He placed the icepack on the arm she rested over her eyes and she sighed in relief, shifting it onto her forehead. Bede popped a couple of pain meds and handed it to her with the glass of water. She sat up slightly, head tilted back to keep the icepack in place. She downed the pills with a few hasty gulps of water.

"Thanks," Gloria sighed, lifting the cup to hand it back to Bede.

"I'm not taking it until you drink it all."

Gloria pouted, but it faded under the weight of her exhaustion. She squinted at him, keeping her eyes mostly closed from the pain of her blistering headache.

"When was the last time you had anything to drink? Or eat, for that matter," he added.

Gloria sheepishly looked to the side. "This morning…? It was uncomfortable to eat, so..."

Bede sighed. "And how many exhibition matches did you do today?"

She pursed her lips in silence.

"Thought so. How about this - you finish that water and I'll cook you whatever you want to eat."

She looked at him, eyes widening fractionally with interest. "Whatever I want?"

"Within reason," he clarified. "I'll use what ingredients you have here. I'm not about to leave you alone when you're in this state."

Gloria sipped at her water slowly, giving him a thoughtful look over the rim of the glass. Bede held her gaze, swallowing the rising heat crawling up his neck as she continued to look at him. He pushed down the realisation that he was sitting so casually on her bed. There was a twinkle in her eyes that he couldn't place.

"How about… pancakes?"

Bede raised an eyebrow. "Pancakes?"

"Yes, please. With maple syrup and ice cream. Please."

She asked so bashfully, her voice so light and breathy and honey-sweet. Bede snapped his eyes away as if he were contemplating her request and not drilling into his mind that her flushed cheeks were from her fever and not because of him.

"That's do-able. If you finish your water-"

"Finished." She held the empty glass proudly, smiling at him through the feverish haze in her eyes.

Bede wondered for a moment if the tender ring of her voice, the playful smile on her face, was a sign of delirium from the fever. He took the glass from her and stood.

"Pancakes it is, then."

Gloria sighed dreamily and sank in her bed so she lay down again. "I'm so lucky… Bedey making me pancakes…" she giggled breathily.

A spear of heat shot down Bede's spine at the way she called his name. That accursed nickname that Hop had teased him with had come back to haunt him with a vengeance. He snapped his eyes to Gloria, heart wedged in his throat, to see her smiling faintly with her eyes closed.

Bede stalked out of her room before she could open her eyes and see the slash of crimson heat on his cheeks.

He focused on making the pancakes, driving all other thoughts from his mind as he made himself at home in the kitchen. It was a simple enough request, a recipe Bede knew by heart, and didn't take him long to find the ingredients he needed. It wasn't long before he'd heaped the pancakes on a plate, drizzled with maple syrup and topped with a scoop of ice cream. Just as she'd requested.

Gloria sat up when Bede returned. The tight pain on her brow had eased slightly and the haze of heat in her eyes had cleared. She brightened at the sight of warm, fluffy pancakes. He handed her one of the two plates he carried, pulling out the chair by her desk and sitting on it with his own plate on his lap.

"How are you feeling now?" Bede asked. He hid an amused grin as she tucked into her pancakes greedily.

She hummed in delight, savouring the heaped forkful she'd shovelled into her mouth. She nodded, too happily eating to spare a breath to reply. Her cheeks still had a warm flush to them, but clarity had returned to her eyes. The medication had begun to work.

Bede nodded, satisfied, and tucked into his pancakes. The air in his lungs fluttered at her obvious delight towards his cooking. It was hard to bite down the giddy grin trying to work its way onto his face.

Arceus, it made him so damn happy when she enjoyed his food like that.

Bede struggled to keep his emotions in check as they ate. He collected the empty plate from Gloria when she'd finished and clicked off the light.

"Try and get some rest," Bede said. He took the glass off her bedside table. "I'll get you some more water."

Gloria nodded and crawled under the blankets, uncaring that she hadn't changed her clothes. Bede let that slide, swallowing the comment that formed on his tongue as her eyes fluttered closed. She'd dealt with enough today. She didn't need him getting on her case about sleeping in her clothes, especially when she's sick.

He returned with the glass of water, leaving it on her bedside table before walking around her bed to draw the curtains closed.

"Bede…?" Gloria peered at him above the blankets resting on her chin.

"What is it?"

"Are you going to leave now?"

Bede paused at the foot of her bed. He warmed from head to toe as if he were the one burning from a fever and not her.

"I… wasn't planning on leaving you here alone, if that's what you're suggesting." He looked away from her lest the sleepy look in her eyes, that pleading, worried gaze, spark something inside him that he couldn't hold back. "I was going to stay in the lounge until your mother returned. I'll be within earshot if you need anything."

"Can't you stay here…?"

Her quiet request, whispered across the room, sent Bede's heart skittering in his chest. He clenched his hands by his sides, a tingle of electricity shooting to the tips of his fingers. He stole a sharp breath.

"Please…?"

Her voice cracked, breaking as if she were on the verge of tears. Bede's self-control withered and he slumped.

"F-Fine. But you need to at least try and sleep." He stalked over to her desk chair and plopped himself down in it. "I'll leave if I see you getting distracted by me."

Gloria giggled softly, happily, like a child. "Okay," she sang in a quiet voice and settled deeper into her blankets. Bede studied her for a moment, making sure she was actually going to try and sleep, before bringing out his phone. He needed something to do other than stare around her room in order for him to hold onto some remnants of his sanity.

Surprisingly, he was able to relax after a while. After his heart stopped drumming an erratic beat in his ears and he was able to breathe easier. He occasionally glanced at her to see how she was doing and would smile at the content expression on her face as she slept. Bede knew he could have gotten up and left at any moment without her noticing. He didn't have to keep to her request for him to stay.

But he did. Bede stayed by her side, in her room, as she slept comfortably, not once feeling an urge to leave.

Bede jolted alert when he heard the front door click open. It could only be Gloria's mother at the door. Or worse, Hop.

Bede sent a panicked glance at Gloria, making sure she was still asleep, before he stood quietly and edged towards her door. It was slightly ajar, and he could hear someone moving about near the kitchen. It would be impossible for Bede to step out into the hall without it being obvious that he'd come from Gloria's bedroom. His breath caught in his throat in trepidation.

But he couldn't risk whoever it was waking Gloria up.

Bede stepped out of Gloria's room, her mother blinking at him for a moment. He quietly closed the door behind him as his cheeks burned sheepishly.

"Gloria's asleep," he said quickly, keeping his voice low. "She's come down with a cold."

"Oh, dear." Gloria's mother smiled softly at him. "Were you looking after her? Thank you. She has a habit of pushing herself too hard sometimes."

"You have no idea," Bede muttered, then straightened stiffly as he caught himself. "Y-Yes, she does that quite often," he added hastily. "I used your kitchen earlier, I hope you don't mind."

"Of course not. You're one of Gloria's friends; feel free to make yourself at home whenever you come by."

Bede nodded slowly. He looked away absently, his face feeling slightly warm. His heart felt weirdly soft. Soft and light.

"How is she doing?" Gloria's mother asked. "She doesn't say much whenever I ask. I think she doesn't want to worry me." She lifted a couple of shopping bags onto the counter and started to put the items away. Bede stepped over and began to help, receiving a thankful smile from the older woman.

"She doesn't want to admit it, but she has been taking on more duties than she can cope with," Bede answered honestly. "She's heard from people all the things Leon had done when he was the Champion and has tried to do the same. She seems to have forgotten that he built up those duties over many years as the Champion. She doesn't need to take it all on at once."

Gloria's mother smiled, Bede noticing the similarity between mother and daughter in her eyes. "I'm so glad she's found friends like you."

Bede looked down at the fruit in his hands. His throat constricted and he swallowed dryly as he stacked the red apples in the fruit bowl. He couldn't find the words to reply so he nodded instead.

The door to Gloria's room clicked open. "Mum? Is that you?" She stepped out, rubbing her eyes blearily.

"Good afternoon, sleepy head," Gloria's mother teased. "I heard from Bede here that you've caught a cold."

Gloria pouted at Bede. "I wouldn't call it a cold… I just had a bit of a temperature, that's all."

"That's one of the symptoms of a cold, Gloria." Bede looked pointedly at her. "Unless you think it's the flu, instead?"

"Whatever, I feel a lot better now."

Gloria's mother walked over and placed her palm to Gloria's forehead. "Hmm… you're still a tad warm. You should take tomorrow off and rest."

"What?" Gloria huffed. "That's a bit extreme, don't you think?"

Her mother smiled. "I'm not going to argue about this with you. You'll take the day off and rest. That's final."

Gloria grumbled but didn't protest further.

"I should get going," Bede said, suddenly feeling out of place. "I hope you feel better soon," he added quietly.

Gloria smiled. "Thanks, Bede."

His heart fluttered, the feelings he had for her threatening to spill forth if he looked at her smile for much longer. He ducked his head and nodded, taking the moment to leave.

The cool evening air outside helped calm his racing heart. It was getting harder and harder to bottle up his feelings for her. His heart felt like a boiler under pressure, threatening to blow at any moment.

All it would take is a single trigger and everything that he felt for her would erupt into the open.

Bede breathed in deeply and sighed.

Not yet.

He would keep these feelings buried for a lot longer.

#bederiaweek #bederia #dressedinpinkshipping #btyu #bede #gloria

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