#my only knowledge of Pokémon comes from Pokémon go

[dorianbrightmusic]

i'm seeing a lot of Pokémon SV DLC analyses where people say 'Oh, Kieran's fixation on Ogrepon is because he sees it as a path to strength; Carmine's bullied him long enough that his shield against admitting his weakness to himself is adoring a legendary creature'. And don't get me wrong – these interpretations certainly hold water – but I've actually been working from basically the opposite angle for all this time.

By all means, Kieran idolises strength, but he inhabits Carmine's shadow – he's the weak sibling, and probably has been for a long time. Yet, rather than fixate on the fantastical power of the Loyal Three, he identifies himself with Ogrepon – the downtrodden, ostracised creature cast out to eke out a subsistence. A terrible demon that wasn't quite terrible enough to cause anyone any lasting harm. The creature defeated by heroes, rather than the perfect, heroic figureheads themselves. He's enamoured with the downtrodden; he sees himself in its grief, in its being cast out and excluded. He's been cast out and excluded all his life (and he can't be a bad person, right? It's not fair – he's hated senselessly, surely, rather than for some reason?) – he sees himself as harmless; so the ogre, too, must be harmless, mis-blamed. Strength is thus in resistance; in growing a shell to tolerate others' inexplicable cruelty. So Kieran looks to Ogerpon, and he thinks that the meek shall inherit the earth, and it gives him the strength to tolerate long nights with poor company. Others are villains – not him, not this creature – and he's safe in the knowledge that at the end of the day, at least an ogre can go down in mythology as the putative sole survivor of its trials.

In this sense, Kieran's like Penny – he finds himself in a position of weakness, of being victimised, and forms himself an armour of being an underdog, of being the thing that bites back. Yet while Penny's position is that the underdog might muster the strength to bite back and restore justice, Kieran's view is that at least the underdog was worth loving. He's inert and preoccupied with his inertia. He can't understand that maybe he could be a human, with the capacity to grow, the capacity to sin. And when Carmine is cruel to him, he reaffirms his own contrarian mindset more – she says I am worth little for my weakness, so my weakness is all I am worth; my weakness is my strength.

And yet he chases strength, because he has to to survive. So when the player comes by, and supports him, maybe he has the safety to walk away from his preoccupation with being an underdog, to enjoy strength for strength's sake. And then, he starts losing, but this time, there are stakes, since he can't just withdraw and be consoled by the fact that withdrawing is right, is right, is right. Thus, he must get stronger. And then, when Ogerpon turns out to favour Juliana, who's become Kieran's idol for all that strength means, rather than Kieran, who's Kieran's selfsame designated weaklingpatheticscumidiot——well, what can Kieran do but fracture, since his whole ideology, his whole premonition that he might have the right to inherit the earth, has been fractured? And, under stress, he pivots from one extreme to the other. All he knows is that weakness is now unbearable. He must get stronger. Must get stronger. Must get stronger—because otherwise he's doomed, he's nothing. He has no myth to dissolve his identity in any longer, so he reshapes himself around the only other standard he's ever known. And it twists him and it breaks him into tiny pieces, because suddenly, the last thing he can bear to be is Kieran: Kieran, the downtrodden and meek boy. He has to flip on his axis; he must become the designated villain of his story by popular imagination, or else be subsumed in the fact that he's going to die someday without any place in the world. He has to play a part, because he's been consigned to one so long, and he can't think of anything other than heroes and villains, enemies and martyrs. He can't be the bad guy. Strength is now goodness; weakness is now evil. And he can't reconcile who he thought he was with who he must become, and as a result, all he can do is try to destroy the person who's destroyed his ideology.

#ngl the more i dive into kieran's character the more i worry about his mental health. #i do have a specific diagnosis in mind but it's not one i have and it's a stigmatised one so i wanna be really really careful here #still: let's just say 'black and white thinking' 'mutable identity' 'abandonment phobia' 'very rash when angry' 'emptiness' #and 'very verrrry reactive mood' – well if you know you know #anyway. he's my blorbo and he breaks my heart #pokemon sv #teal mask #the teal mask #kieran #pokemon kieran #pokémon #scarvio #scarvi #SV #scarlet and violet #pokémon scarlet #pokémon violet #pokemon scarlet #pokemon violet

[smallestapplin]

[request]

Let’s goooooooooo

How about some theme based gym leader S/O headcanons, Authors choice on characters, go wild, feel free to make them yandere if you’d like just have fun with this one!

- Pierced Anon

Anything for you broski! I used this opportunity to write about less loved characters. ^^

-

-

💙Blue💙

- Power couple? Power couple! With Blue’s history with being a champion and a gym leader, aside from being a legend, you two are THE power couple.

- The finale gym leader to beat, strong with your typing, and strong in your theme, with your very loving boyfriend who stops by to cheer you on.

- I’m so sorry if you are a dark or ghost type gym leader, with your dark and spooky aesthetics. Blue is going to be in your gym, bright clothes, looking so out of place, as he acts as your personal cheerleader.

- “That’s right! That’s my partner! Heh, aren’t they just amazing?”

- He posts a fair bit online, and respects if you don’t want to have pictures of you posted. But he does have an entire slumber dedicated to you, and of you and your Pokémon training.

- He will make memes of the trainers you defeat, cause he’s recording the whole match, and some expressions or moments are just too funny not to!

- Buys or produces all sorts of merch themed around you, to show his love and support of his honey!

- Plus, Blue makes the perfect sparring partner. He changes up his teams, has good strategies, strong well trained Pokémon, battling against him easily prepares you for others.

- He accidentally ruins you for normal challengers, cause not many pose as much of a challenge as your boyfriend does.

- Be careful and watch which pokeballs you pick up! There have been several times you grabbed the wrong one, and brought one of his Pokémon to work instead.

- Though his Pokémon like you, so they were at least chill. You, however, we’re not chill-

-

👻Morty👻

- another match up! You two are quick to become a hot topic, and what most want in a relationship.

- Morty is so relaxed, so calm, but so attentive and caring, loving to hear you talk about work.

- Meanwhile you’re just opposite enough to complete him, being everything he needs and wants in a lover. Especially with the job!

- You being a gym leader is relieving, as you’ll understand his complaints, or comments on how he can improve his gym, or train.

- And since he’s a gym leader too, he can help you out a lot more than most could!

- Half the time he only had to say one word, and you’ll completely understand what he’s talking about. He loves it!

- He likes surprising you at work, when he’s in his lunch break, or day off. He’s stealthy without even realizing it, and sneaks up on everyone, scaring the daylights out of challengers and employees alike.

- But, while a subtle change, you’ll notice how his smile softens, and eyes brighten at the sight of you, as he walks over with a lunch box in hand for you.

- You both have hectic schedules, with managing your respective gyms, meetings, and taking care of the gyms upkeep. But Morty makes all the time he care for you. He’s always stopping by.

- He’s scared trainers, cause sometimes he’s the first person they will see, and think they are at the wrong gym. Only for you to pop up and greet them, making the trainer sigh in relief.

- It’s pretty common knowledge around Johto that you’re with Morty, even new people are quick to find out. Especially since you steal his scarf every chance you get.

- But Morty likes it when you steal his clothes, he thinks it’s so cute.

- He’s a decent person to train against too! He’s the fourth gym leader, and his ghosts come with a good amount of power.

- But he’s never upset when he loses, in fact he’s happy to cause that means he gets to give you kisses, for winning of course.

-

♠️Grimsley♦️

- this man is constantly texting you to come down to the league, just so he can get his affection, but shhh he’ll never admit it and call you the needy one.

- Both of you live pretty busy lives, but mostly you, as Grimsley mainly just sits and waits for a challenger. So you get many calls and texts from him, as you work.

- He likes face timing you and watching you battle, he likes seeing the show you put in at work. He’s your number one fan from the shadows.

- Though everyone knows.

- He’s more salty about the other league members and champion adoring you, cause they have told him if you two ever break up, they are taking your side.

- He was more offended they even thought of you two breaking up! How rude!

- His Pokémon are babies for you, and you’ve taken his Krookodile to work, cause she wouldn’t stop following you, and would sulk when you’d tell her to go back. So you were stuck with an oversized lizardy lillipup for most of the day, your challengers found it hilarious.

- Until Grimsley called you, asking for his Pokémon back.

- “Babe, I’d love to give her back to you, but you’re gonna have come down here and get her yourself. She’s cuddling me right now.”

- “Oh of course, when my Pokémon want to cuddle is ‘oh of course sweet baby’ but when I want to cuddle it’s ‘no Grimsley, you bite too much.’ How cruel.”

- “Grimmy, sweetie, I know you bite to show affection, but your teeth are sharp and biting my forearm isn’t very sexy of you.”

- Yes, these types of conversations happen regularly.

- He’s fun to train with, however he will be making it a bet, mainly cause if kisses are on the table he is not going easy, he wants his kisses damn it.

#this was really fun to write! #pokemon #pokemon imagines #pokemon x reader #pokémon #pokemon fluff #pokemon blue #pokemon morty #pokemon grimsley #pokemon blue x reader #pokemon morty x reader #pokemon grimsley x reader #pokemon headcanons

[bungalowbear]

four.

nanami kento x reader, pokémon au, wc: 1,095

reader is a psychic gym leader and nanami is a ranger. this part is a flashback explaining their shared history. thank you to @strawberrystepmom for inspiring this little series 💜

Many years ago…

You and Nanami are in the park, enjoying the bentos you packed for lunch while sharing easy conversation. Once you’re meals are finished you lie with your backs against the grass and watch white fluffy clouds make their way lazily across the sky above Saffron City.

“I’ve been accepted to the psychic training school,” you say.

Nanami hums. His eyes are closed as he basks in the afternoon sunshine. “Didn’t I say you would be?”

“Yeah, but it’s Sabrina.” Your words are a whisper, doubt creeping into every syllable. “She’s close to our age and already one of the best.”

“And you will be too,” Nanami reassures in his usual steady cadence that you find so soothing. You’re both only teens now but you’re certain as he grows older his voice will only get richer. You often wonder what it will sound like.

Tilting your head toward him, you notice his hair is getting longer. Side swept bangs cover nearly the entire right side of his face. “You think so?”

“From my limited knowledge on psychic abilities it seems you’re already showing promising skill. Having proper training will only help you reach your full potential.”

You grin at his practical evaluation. “I’ve got potential, huh?”

“Of course. Just…” Nanami’s eyes drift to the side, catching yours already looking at him. He shifts his hand so that the tip of his pinky touches yours. “Be careful. Sabrina may be gifted but she doesn’t have the best social reputation.”

“As long as I have you I’ll be okay.” You move your hand to rest on top of his, making his ears blush pink. “We’ll always be friends, won’t we?”

“Always,” Nanami says confidently.

“Okay, enough of the mushy stuff.” You smile at him, then turn on your side to face him fully. “How has your training been at the Dojo?”

You run straight home and use your video phone machine to call Nanami. When he picks up you can’t hold in your squeal of excitement.

“I take it something good happened today,” Nanami comments. His hair is damp and there’s a towel around his neck. You must have caught him right after a shower.

“Something great!” you exclaim. “Sabrina chose me to be her direct pupil.”

“Well done. You’ve been working really hard.”

“I’ve felt her close by since I’ve started at the school. But I never thought she would choose me.” You’re so excited that it’s hard to stop smiling, even with the ache settling into your cheeks. “We should go out and celebrate. It’s been a while since we got together.”

“Sounds good.” Nanami nods. “I’m fine with wherever.”

“Yay!” You throw your hand up in a cheer. You lean forward to get closer to the screen. “Oh, and tell Yu to come too.”

Nanami frowns, slightly, but you catch the shift in his expression. “What for?”

“I miss him, too.”

“Sure,” he says. “I’ll tell him.”

“Aw, did you want me all to yourself?”

Nanami’s eyes widen and now there is a very obvious pout on his lips.

“It’s okay, Ken.” You chuckle. “Next time will just be the two of us.”

Something is wrong.

Nanami doesn’t hear from you for months. Calls go unanswered and eventually your messages promising to meet up stop altogether.

It isn’t until the competition between your respective gyms to determine which is to be the official gym of the city that he sees you. And he instantly knows that something is really wrong.

You stand beside Sabrina wearing a hard expression. Your eyes don’t seek him out the way Nanami’s do. In fact, you don’t even acknowledge him until the battle pairings are announced.

Cold, unfamiliar eyes lock onto his when you’re named his opponent. He’s always known your abilities would grow, but even he is taken aback by the intensity of your changed presence. You’re surrounded by an aura of maturity that seems to have sprung itself up in a short amount of time.

Nanami follows your lead and doesn’t approach, not until you’re on opposite sides of the battle court and he summons Hitmonchan to go against your Gothitelle. Nanami braces himself, an unsettling feeling forming in his gut. This won’t end well.

For him.

Not unexpectedly, the Dojo suffers a swift defeat. Nanami seeks solace in the comfort of his room where he lies on his bed with a towel over his eyes while Yu lounges in his desk chair.

The match against you was brutal. You didn’t hold back as you directed Gothitelle to victory. His fighting type didn’t stand a chance against your psychic, and ultimately Hitmonchan could not overcome any of your attacks.

Nanami’s head aches as he contemplates the relationship with his Pokémon. He didn’t like how it felt as he watched Hitmonchan take such a hard beating. Nanami couldn’t help him on that court, no matter how much he wishes he could have. There’s only so much training he can give until it’s time for them to stand on their own.

But is that all he’s meant to do? Train Pokémon and stand by while they fight alone on the battle court? Nanami always thought he was helping his Pokémon, making them stronger. But maybe it was time to decide if this is the really best way for him to nurture Pokémon.

Yu has been training to become a Ranger, often suggesting Nanami consider becoming one as well. Perhaps that’s a route he should consider.

“She didn’t seem like herself,” Yu comments as he sips from the juice box he got on the way over.

“Because she wasn’t.”

“I’ve heard Sabrina’s gym was intense, but…” Yu pauses. He says your name, forlorn. “I never thought she was capable of being so ruthless.”

Nanami sighs. “Neither did I.”

“You should talk to her.”

“I’ve tried,” Nanami grumbles. “She doesn’t answer any of my calls.”

“So try something different.” Yu’s voice is light, as if the answer is so very simple. He tosses an unopened juice box onto Nanami’s stomach. “Go see her.”

Yu is probably right, Nanami thinks to himself. After all you and Nanami made a promise to each other, so an effort has to be made to keep that promise intact.

It’s another month until Nanami is able to set aside his pride and go see you. But he’s in disbelief when your home is empty and your neighbor tells him you’ve left the city. And in that moment Nanami feels a hardness forming around his heart, sealing away the promise made between once devoted friends.

series masterlist

I do not have a taglist. Please follow @bungalowbear-archive and turn on notifications.

#catalog #jess’s pokemon au #nanami kento x reader #nanami kento #jjk #pokemon au

[ask-the-royal-absol]

(@ask-gizmo-and-vigil) Gizmo: So, Hope. How strong exactly is your Blaze Kick? I assume you know that move, so you could essentially melt those steel bars and kick some ass for us!

*Hope sighed. This idiot didn’t even know what EVs were. Clearly this pokémon has had no training or they’d know about them.*

Hope: Effort Values, or EVs for short, are the values gained when Pokémon engage in combat. They increase your attacks and defences and can be key to obtaining victory. And judging by your stats…

*Hope eyes, at the mention of this, changed from their usual blue to an orangey-brown colour, carefully studying Destino. They soon fade when she finished what she was doing.*

Hope: You’ve definitely been slacking on your training. Sure, you have some attack EVs. But you haven’t truly maximised them. And nothing in speed too? You really need to step up. I wouldn’t be surprised if you were to be easily knocked out by a simple attack. You look frail enough as is. I doubt you’d even be able to land a scratch on me.

*How dare this Pokémon make a criticism like that?! Destino was incredibly strong. They knew it. No Pokémon in the Underdark could best them. Except their parents. And the Bisharps. But that was it. The rare candies they were given raised them up to a solid level 30. Destino had to get to her in some other way.*

Destino: Hope Hope Hope. I see what’s happening here. You can’t fool me. You’re purposefully avoiding my claim that you can’t break the bars by going into this nonsense about “EVs”. I get it. You’re too weak. I understand. Not everyone can be as strong as me.

Hope: You mentioned your lack of knowledge on EVs and so I had to tell you what they were. What do you mean avoiding your claim?

Destino: I mean, it’s clear you’re too weak to break out. You would have done so already if you could.

Felix: Hey Des, maybe don’t taunt the Pokémon who almost kicked your ass? She’s told me she’s had a lot of training.

Destino: Really? Too bad that training clearly hasn’t made her strong or anything. No wonder she was so easy to capture.

*This Absol was frustrating. Hope could feel herself getting angry.*

Hope: You seriously think I couldn’t break through?

Destino: Huh. You know I always thought those were a lot stronger than that. Guess we’ll need to get new ones. Good going. You do realise those take time to make? Wow Hope. Destroying property that doesn’t even belong to you. What kind of a princess does that? Clearly one that hasn’t been trained in royal etiquette. I expected better from you.

*The audible, frustrated growl that came from Hope brought a smug smile to Destino’s face. Felix floated forward. He didn’t want Destino to get their ass handed to them yet again.*

Felix: Alright. Destino pal, I get ya havin’ fun with this but ya do need ta stop. I’m finding it entertaining but there’s only so far ya can go before it gets violent.

Destino: But I was only just getting started! I was gonna throw a few more verbal insults here and there. See how far I could push her.

Hope: Would you like me to come out there and kick your ass?! I am super effective against you!

Destino: And I’m Destino, how’s it going? I could easy beat you when it comes to combat.

*Their smug grin broadened as Hope got more riled up. Felix, seeing this happen, floated in between the two of them, holding his hands out to stop them from doing anything further.*

Felix: Alright! Destino, stop now. Ya gone too far. Ya gotta work with this Pokémon on the surface. What’s the use in taunting her when she’s gonna be the only one helpin’ ya up there?

*Destino gave a nonchalant shrug.*

Destino: Pure entertainment really. It’s just so much fun to see her squirm.

Felix: No more, or I’ll have ta possess ya ass until ya behave. I spoke to ya about shit talkin’ tough opponents earlier. That applies here. She’s here to bring ya up there safely so ya can do what ya need ta do. This insultin’ is gonna do more harm than good.

*Felix didn’t do it much, but when he did possess Destino, they hated it so much. They hated that loss of control they had as they were powerless to overcome it. Sighing, the smug grin faded from their face.*

Destino: Urgh, fine. I’m only doing this because you asked, Felix. The next opportunity I get, however, I’m going straight for the personal insults.

*When Felix got between the both of them, Hope felt a little calmer. Someone dealing with this annoyance. She looked intriguingly at the pair as they spoke. Looks like Felix had some weapon that he could use against the Absol. And threatening its use seemingly worked. Hope had heard stories of ghost types possessing Pokémon and using their bodies for their own sick, twisted desires from stories that had been passed around. Looks like this was one of the things that were partially true. She wondered how much control the Gengar had over someone’s body when he possessed them and for how long.

So many questions she wanted to ask. It seemed Felix was going to be more reasonable to speak with. He definitely had a strong sense loyalty when it came to the Absol. However, if she could get him also on her side, she may be able to use that to get the Absol to do whatever she wanted.*

#pokemon ask blog #pokemon #pokemon askblog #pokemon oc #ask blog #ask the royal absol #destino the absol #pokeask #ask #chapter 3 #hope is stronk #ass Destino hours #oh yeah these two are gonna get along just swell

[zponds]

(Credit goes to JWBtheUncanny on Deviantart)

Pokemon QOTCS: Friends of Ash PreCure Forms 2

As Requested by my Good friend MLPFan053, for the Pokémon Quest for the Crystal Skulls Event, We figured Ash shouldn't be the only one to have a Statues as a PreCure, Why not have his Buddies Join on the Action,

Clemont AKA Cure Inventor In this form, Clemont has more knowledge in Technology mixed with the Power of the PreCure's, Even more Advanced then Doctor Traum's Inventions, Even to the point of Creating Robots that Resemble Humans and Animals (Hopfully not going the same way Horizon Zero Dawn did) This is all due to the Blue-Prints inside Clemont's mind, As a PreCure he has the Ability to Take control of Any Machine that can use to his Advantage, He is skilled in Combat with some tricks in his Sleeves, Or in his case, His Bag, He does become the Partner to Tails (For his Costume..... I pretty much took inspiration from the Costume Designs of the Movie TRON: Legacy)

Bonnie AKA Cure Static In this form, Bonnie has the Ability to Control and manipulate Static Electricity, Which can be on the came level as an Electric Type Pokémon, But even she know her Limits as she would be mentored by Cure Peace later on. She can be bit of a Battery for some of Clemont's Attacks.

Serena AKA Cure Guardian In this form Serena isn't just a Protector for her Friends and Ash Ketchum, But she is a powerful PreCure Paladin, Who can use the Holy Light of the Plasma Spark to Heal those in need, But can use it on the Defensive, And her skills in Swords play with her Blade of Holy-Light are on par with Cure Master's Skills in Combat. (Your probably wondering how I was able to come up with her costume...… Well Truth be told I took a massive Gamble and Based aspects of it from this vignette.wikia.nocookie.net/sw…..... And I'm fairly sure many of you know what Series if from, What can I say, I need fresh material and.... gotta Admit, It's a really cool looking Armour set)

#pokemon #pocket monsters #precure #pretty cure #pokemon clemont #cure inventor #pokemon bonnie #cure static #pokemon serena #cure guardian #fancure #pokemon art #pokemon fanart #precure art #precure fanart

[vulture-writes-stuff]

Hi! Would you consider writing a Pokémon SV Rika x NB! Reader? Sfw, with them going on a fair date? Thank you so much in advance!

I love Rika. Such a fucking icon like?????!?? Peak fem character design 🙏 I want to hug her Clodsire but I would probably die if I did that

Also funny little tidbit about this story - it's mildly inspired by a personal experience of mine!! I went to the county fair with a buddy of mine when it was in town and got up to a bunch of shenanigans, including winning a gigantic plushie that I could barely carry lmao.

Bonus, my excessive knowledge of darts from playing way too much of the dart minigame in both Stardew Valley and Persona 5 Royal!! I did unnecessary research to try and find out how to completely dominate the optional objectives.

~

Rika X NB Reader

Every year, Mesagoza hosts a lovely fair celebrating the inhabitants of Paldea, and their rich culture. A certain member of the Elite Four has more fun than she'd anticipated.

Reader is not the SV protagonist - They're the former champion of Kalos, and took up baking after they were usurped. Their team is left relatively ambiguous, with the only mentioned Pokemon being a Dedenne and a male Pyroar. Reader is also mentioned to be shorter than Rika, because I assume she is very tall based on her ingame model.

Paldea is a gorgeous region. There's so many sights to see, things to do, Pokemon to meet... But to some, at least to Rika, you hadn't even seen half of it if you didn't attend the annual fair in Mesagoza.

Everybody came together to show the best of what the region had to offer, from the pottery of Alfornada or the cuisine of Cascarrafa. Rika made it a point to visit whenever it began, since it was a pleasant escape from her usual duties as a member of the Elite Four.

For the past two years, though, she always found herself beelining for one particular stall - the one run by Katy. Sure, the pastries were great, but that wasn't the only reason. Katy ran the stall with the help of a special someone, and that special someone was extremely important to Rika.

She could still remember how they first met - they'd come up to the Pokemon League a few years back, but without the intention to battle. Rika had originally assumed they were just there to see the sights, but then they had introduced themselves as the former champion of Kalos, and wanted to speak to Geeta.

She had so many questions, but not enough time to ask them. After they had their chat with the chairwoman (evidently just to praise her work), they walked right back up to Rika and asked her if she'd like to battle. Not as an official challenger, just for fun.

They hadn't even Terastallized their Pokemon, and they still decimated her. She didn't even know Dedenne could so easily defeat three ground types in a row. The moment she returned her Clodsire, she matched right up to them and asked for their contact information.

And there they were now, two star-struck lovers.

Rika hooked her thumbs in her pockets as she walked up the steps by the entrance of Mesagoza, eyes scanning the crowd. She could see the other members of the Elite Four were enjoying themselves - Poppy was happily tugging an amused Hassel about, stopping at anything she found remotely interesting, and Larry was finally relaxing as he enjoyed a snack at one of the various food stalls.

Finally, she spotted what she was looking for. A Dedenne. Now, a lot of people owned Dedenne, sure - but she only knew one person who's Dedenne wore an expert belt like a scarf. She hurried over to the stall, and was greeted with the pleasant aroma of strawberries and cream cheese.

The one she was looking for was preparing the prettiest crepes she'd ever seen, their Dedenne perched atop their head like a particularly electrifying hat. The moment the Antenna Pokemon saw her, he chattered excitedly, leaping off his trainers head and directly into her expecting arms. She'd gotten used to him throwing itself at her - he liked to do that.

"Hello to you, too." She chuckled, slumping over awkwardly to allow the Dedenne to climb up onto her shoulder. The other trainer glanced around worriedly, before they saw where their Pokemon had gone.

"Ah, ma chérie!" They looked positively giddy, the term of endearment slipping off their tongue before they could think. Wiping the strawberry juice off their hands with their apron, they rounded the stall to embrace Rika. "I see Bijou missed you as much as I did."

"I bet it's not nearly as much as I missed you." Rika teased lightly, letting her fingers entwine with theirs even as they split apart. Bijou the Dedenne was clearly thrilled, rubbing his slightly charged cheeks against Rika's face in an obvious gesture of affection. "How has the stall been?"

"Oh, busy busy. But Katy's doing most of the legwork business-wise, I was just helping." They hummed, giving Rika's gloved hand a squeeze. "Do you want to walk around with me?"

"Of course I do. I always do."

"I'll tell Katy, then, she won't mind me taking a break." They smiled, leaving for just a moment to go inform the baker of their plans. Bijou continued to nuzzle Rika's face, whiskers slightly scratching her. A Pyroar, one with a large, glorious mane padded out from behind the stall, tail flicking casually as he took the time to greet Rika as well. She recalled his nickname was Hugo, giving him a light pat on the head. "Alright! Let's go!"

Rika hooked an arm around their shoulders as they returned Bijou and Hugo to their Luxury Balls, all too satisfied to be near them again.

"What's the plan? Where are we heading first?" She mused aloud, using her free hand to gesture broadly across the plaza.

"Mmm... I saw they set up some new games this year. Do you want to check it out?" They asked with a glimmer in their eye. Even if they'd not been champion for some time now, Rika noticed they still had a firey competitive side.

"Let's go then. Try not to knock over all the bottles at the ring toss like you did last year." Rika earned a light slap on the side for that, but she knew it was worth it.

The various games at the fair weren't the main attraction, more of a fun way to occupy particularly antsy kids, but they were very entertaining. Quite a few of them were just rigged games of chance, but there were a handful that were skill-based.

"Rika, look." They nudged her side urgently, gesturing to one of the various stands. An almost comically large stuffed Dudunsparce was hung up at one of the stands, so long its tail nearly brushed along the ground. "It's so cute."

"It is pretty cute." Rika pondered, an arm still slung around the other. It looked like the game was just darts, though it likely had some difficult twist that would make winning feel even more glorious. "...How about I test my skill, eh?"

"Oh, you don't need to-!" They began, but she was already set on getting that ridiculously ginormous Dudunsparce for them. She removed her arm from their shoulders, fixing her gloves with a simple tug.

"How much for a game?" She asked, leaning on the counter casually. The fellow behind the stall perked up when she spoke, setting his hands on his hips.

"It's 200 for one game. Ya get 6 darts, and ya have to score exactly 301 to win the big prize." He explained, pointing at the Dudunsparce. "Get less than 301 and you get one of the little ones. Get more, and you don't earn any prize."

Rika bounced the possibilities back and forth in her head. Scoring exactly 301 points wouldn't be impossible, but it would be rather difficult... She did trust her aim, though. If she got this right the first try, she could get that massive thing for the price of a PokeBall.

"Alright, alright." She made up her mind, fishing her wallet out of her pocket and handing over the money. The man gave her the colorful arrangement of darts, bidding her a sly 'good luck' before ducking out of the way. Rika shot her partner a cheeky grin and a wink, casually swiping her hair out of her face. "How about a good luck charm from you?"

They giggled at her slightly dramatic flair, standing up as tall as they could and looping their arms around her. The kiss they shared was brief, but full of nothing but love... And well-wishes for the dart game.

"Is that satisfactory for you?" They mused as they parted, making a point to "fix" her necktie even if it was already quite neat.

"Very." Rika let her fingers trail down their arms, lingering for as long as she could before she turned her attention back to the game she was supposed to be playing.

While this little game wasn't quite like a Pokemon battle, Rika found herself hyperfocused on achieving her goal. They motivated her to do the best they could in everything, probably just because she loved seeing them smile.

She found herself throwing darts without thought, the first finding its mark in a double twenty. The next three landed nicely in triple twenty, and the fifth barely made it onto a triple fifteen.

Rika twirled the last dart between her fingers for a moment - if she'd done the math right in her head, she was in an excellent position to land the score she needed. She glanced over her shoulder to see her partner giddy with excitement, the spark in their eye reminiscent of a star in the night sky. It was easy to get overjoyed about such a simple thing, and their joy was positively contagious.

Her hands reacted before her brain could, and she tossed the final dart. It landed on the edge of the double eighteen, wobbling precariously as though threatening to slip free... Before staying in place.

"Huh! Guess I shouldn't have expected any less from one of the Elite Four, eh?" The man behind the counter shrugged light-heartedly, before waving vaguely to the plush Dudunsparce. "It's all yours. Thanks for playing."

Rika carefully took the Dudunsparce down from where it had been hung up, slinging it around her shoulders like a weirdly thick scarf.

"So, how do I look?" She leaned toward them with a sneaky grin.

"Like my knight in shining armor." They laughed, practically throwing themselves into her waiting arms. Perhaps Bijou had gotten it from them. "You're too kind, ma chérie. Thank you."

"I'm happy if you're happy." Rika passed the giant plush to them, and they wrapped it around their shoulders like she had. "Want to get some food?"

"Sure, but what do you want to get? This'll be my treat, by the way, you've earned it." They spoke with a voice so firm it could stop a rampaging Tauros, and Rika knew better than to argue. For someone who once nearly burst into tears because they couldn't open a jar, they could be a little intimidating when they needed to be.

"Something sweet sounds good, but what would you recommend?" Rika knew exactly what she was doing by asking this - they were passionate about baking and pastries, even moreso once they'd started working with Katy. The moment she said the word sweet, they perked up, obviously considering the many possibilities.

"Well, I may be biased, but crepes are always tasty - gelato would be nice since it's hot, or maybe-" They went on and on, gesturing wildly as the pair walked aimlessly around Mesagoza. There was nothing Rika adored more than hearing them so excited about something. She loved the sound of their voice, especially when they said her name. Their light accent had a certain charm to it she could barely resist. She was especially fond of their little petname for her, and had absolutely encouraged them to call her that as much as they pleased.

"...Rika, what do you think?" They finally said, pausing in their tracks. She stopped beside them, rubbing her chin in mock thought.

"Hmmm... Gelato sounds good on a warm day like this." She stuck her hands back in her pockets. They were positively beaming, hooking their arm through hers once more. Having a point of contact was so delightful, even such a simple touch.

The couple made their way through the crowds of the Mesagoza fair, the former champion passing the stuffed Dudunsparce over to Rika when they spotted the little stall selling gelato.

The time they spent apart felt much longer than it actually was, Rika waiting patiently to the side as they chatted amiably with the young woman behind the stall. Her attention turned back to the crowds once more, watching the citizens of Paldea enjoy their time together. She swore she saw Nemona and Florian walking together, pulling two other students along with them.

It showed off the essence of Paldea quite nicely - everybody was happy, indulging in the variety of things the region had to offer. It made Rika proud to live there, proud to be part of the league.

"Rika!" They called, grabbing her hand and snapping her out of her little daze. "Let's go find someplace to sit."

"Mhmm, just one thing first." Rika said casually, setting a hand on the small of their back before scooping them up. They yelped in surprise, wrapping an arm around her to support themselves. It was lucky they hadn't dropped the gelato. "Hah, I've always wanted to see if I could do this."

"A warning would be appreciated next time." They snorted.

"No promises."

Rika walked off with her beloved in her arms, and a comically large plush around her shoulders. And, to be frank, she couldn't have been any happier.

~

Wow this took a long time to write I'm so sorry!! Ending is a little bleh but I was stuck on how to finish this

Hope you enjoy either way!!!

#fanfic #x reader #writers on tumblr #x nonbinary reader #pokemon rika #pokemon rika x reader #trainer rika x reader #pokemon scarlet and violet #pokemon x reader #x nb reader

[your-dearest-sunshine]

Emmet's Child Gets Sent to Hisui Alone

it is time for more angst hehehe >:) if you haven’t seen the ingo version of this, it can be found here! sorry this took so long, but this is super long and it’s worth the wait i promise

cw: Mentioned death by illness, grief, unhealthy coping mechanisms

wc: ~7.4k

//

Emmet ▽

Your father was a regular challenger on the double line. He was an experienced trainer who collected all eight gym badges in the Hoenn region as a teenager, but never ended up challenging the Elite Four. So, when he moved to Nimbasa as soon as he was a legal adult, he found himself battling regularly on the Battle Subway.

His skills and knowledgeable team of Pokémon allowed him to battle Emmet almost on the daily. They were incredibly even battlers. The winner depended on luck. 

Your father and Emmet became great friends. They would have long conversations after every battle, just talking about whatever came to mind.

Emmet remembers your father coming down the line one day, blabbing about this date he went on with this girl the night prior.

“Emmet, I know you probably won’t believe me, but she’s the one. I just feel it in my gut, man, I’m gonna spend the rest of my life with her.”

“I am Emmet, and you are right! I don’t believe you. Now, let us battle!”

Well, Emmet was wrong. That girl your father went on that date with? That was your mother.

Nearly every day, Emmet heard from your father about his relationship with your mother. He was so excited for your father–who seemed to be in the happiest state of his life. 

Emmet recalls how giddy your father came into the car one day, around two years after that first date, and said that he had proposed to your mother and that she had said yes.

The Subway Boss didn’t cry at that, he didn’t cry when your father asked that he be a groomsman, but he may have shed a tear or two at the actual wedding…he didn’t tell your father that, however.

Even after marriage, your father would challenge the line. It was part of his routine now and it’s when he saw Emmet, how could he not? 

Sometimes your mother would come in and watch the battles, cheering on her husband. Emmet thought she was an incredible woman, perfectly suited for your father. He could not be more happy that his good friend had found someone so lovely.

Well, actually, Emmet was happier when your father announced that your mother was pregnant.

Emmet couldn’t believe it. He was going to be an uncle! Not a biological one, but still an uncle!

Would your father bring you to the station? Would he bring you to battles in a baby bjorn? How long would it take you to start battling yourself? What is going to be your first Pokémon?

Your father said all those questions would be answered eventually, but they would just have to wait and see.

“I mean, Emmet, what if they don’t even like Pokémon?”

“That is a non-issue. I am Emmet, and will make my future nibling loves Pokémon!”

Safe to say that Emmet was very excited to meet you.

Emmet was sad, however, when your father announced that he would be starting paternity leave around a month before you were due and three-to-four months after you were born. How was he to survive without his favorite challenger?

Luckily, the Subway Boss still got calls and updates about how you and your mother were doing.

Every once and awhile, Emmet would stop by and pick up your father’s Pokémon for some training. They loved Emmet as much as your parents did.

And then you were born.

Emmet was sent some pictures of when you were only a few days old.

How could a person be so tiny? How could you be so cute?

But then, around two months later, the calls and messages stopped.

Emmet could only wait so long for a response. He wasn’t a patient man.

His questions were answered after a week of silence when he received a phone call from Castelia City West-Central Hospital.

Sometimes Emmet wishes he was never curious at all, because maybe then he wouldn’t have to come to the agonizing realization of what had happened.

It was Swinub-Flu season, and this year’s strain was particularly strong. Both your mother and father had contracted the illness.

Turns out your father had a condition that caused him to be immunocompromised, and your mother’s immune system was still very weak after having a baby.

They had to be transported to Castelia City due to how fast the flu was deteriorating their bodies, but even the best of medicine couldn’t save your parents. They had died mere hours apart.

And then there was you.

Emmet knows that your mother was estranged from her family, and he knows that your father left his family in Hoenn for a good reason. So, you had nowhere to go.

How is Emmet supposed to stand by and watch the child he thought he would be an uncle to be sent into foster care? How could he watch the child of two of his, now deceased, closest friends be sent away?

And so, instead of becoming an uncle, Emmet became a father.

You’re barely two months old, still just an infant. He doesn’t know what he is getting into, he doesn't know how to take care of a child so young.

It’s hard at first. Emmet is in love with his job. It brought him so much joy and he spends so much time at Gear Station that he doesn’t know how he’s going to give you enough attention.

Luckily enough, Ingo, who is taking his responsibilities as a new uncle very seriously, covers for Emmet while he goes on paternity leave. He is forced to leave his post, but every glance he steals of your small face reminds him he is doing this for you, not for him, and Emmet would never shirk his duties as your father.

At first, Emmet wants to bring you into the station, but Ingo advises him that you are much too young to do that. Even while he’s on leave, Emmet does a lot of paperwork from home. He wants to be helpful in some way, and this is all he could do at the moment.

But you have to know that the second you are old enough, Emmet starts to sling you in a baby bjorn all around the station.

The people of Nimbasa are surprised to see that Emmet suddenly has a child, but Emmet dismisses all the commotion in the name of your privacy. The world isn’t entitled to know the circumstances behind your existence, they don’t have to know the tragedy that brought you into Emmet’s care.

But Emmet learns very quickly how your birth parents’ presence remains in your lives.

Obviously, Emmet grieves. He grieves your birth parents with a sadness he didn’t know was possible. He cares for them both. They were two of his closest friends who had so much love for each other and now they were gone.

You were born into their overwhelming love, and it still walked beside you every moment.

Emmet took in your birth father’s team of Pokémon after his passing. They are incredibly strong, full of years of training and adventures. But now, instead of choosing to continue down the path of battling, their only goal now is to watch over you.

The Pokémon start to linger around you very early on in your life. Emmet doesn’t instruct them to do that. And, frankly, Emmet doesn’t instruct them to do anything. They don’t listen to him like that because he isn’t their trainer. They aren’t his Pokémon.

They are yours.

Breloom is full of gentle kindness, despite her fighting type. Breloom holds your hand when walking to and from school, swinging her tail back and forth in time with your steps. She is like an older sister, keeping you safe and pointing you in the right direction of things. Her no-nonsense outlook towards you means that she got along great with Emmet, but obviously she loves you more than she loves the Subway Boss.

Crawdaunt is a little demon. As a species, Crawdaunt are difficult to raise and train. They are rebellious, violent, and extremely territorial. Your birth father’s Crawdaunt never abides by what Emmet wants, instead acting like a misbehaved Herdier. He doesn’t like anyone other than the fellow Pokémon in the house, no human is good enough for his good-graces. Except you, of course. Crawdaunt is putty in your palms. He yearns for your attention like a whining toddler, begging to be scratched and soothed by you and you alone.

Ninjask is a clingy bug Pokémon. He likes to snag himself on your back like a backpack or simply rest on your head like an oversized hat. Despite his immense speed, Ninjask has a tendency to laze on you or near you. If you ever leave his sight for so long, Ninjask puts his speed to use and darts around to find you. He’s a spoiled mess, crying loudly until you hold him like a swaddled baby. He is also a very jealous Pokémon, refusing to share your attention when he’s in need of it. The steady buzz of his wings and soft hum of his voice indicate how happy he is to be in your presence.

And finally Dusclops, your birth father’s partner, is your guardian. It is an eerily silent companion, stalking around the world beside you like a warden. Dusclops is a very kind Pokémon, helping those near you who need it, but Dusclops is always yours first and foremost. It never wavers in its task of watching over you, never needing to sleep, never needing to eat, never needing to leave. Your Dusclops is the shadow in every room, the passing flash on every street corner, the dreary echo in the night. Dusclops will watch over you until its spirit drifts from its hollow body. It already lost your parents, it will not lose you.

It is nearly impossible to live in an apartment with Emmet, his Pokémon, Ingo, his Pokémon, you, and all of your birth father’s Pokémon, so Emmet moves into a tall townhouse in a good neighborhood in the center of the city to have more room for you and your team to grow up.

Ingo doesn’t move out of the apartment, and Emmet’s new home is only a short walk away. Emmet isn’t completely separated from his brother, which is a terrifying concept to him, but he now has enough space for you–the newest and most important addition to his life.

Once you are old enough, it’s hard for Emmet to think about tackling the issue of you being adopted. Emmet honestly wants Ingo to tell you, but Ingo smacks Emmet on the back of the head and tells him to suck it up. Emmet is your dad, not Ingo, and it’s his prerogative to have the conversation.

“Little Buddy, we need to talk.”

At the call of your father, you pause mid-swing. You rock Ninjask in your arms, the Pokémon buzzing softly after noticing that you halt your movements.

Emmet’s smile turns into a straight line, an unexpected seriousness splays across his features.

Full of worry, you listen carefully with wide eyes. Those words never mean anything good.

“I’m sorry I did not tell you this before. I truly regret it. I am not your real father.”

You laugh in his face and go back to swinging Ninjask in circles. Emmet blinks heavily at your response.

“What’re you talking about, Papa? Of course you’re my real father!”

Emmet sighs wistfully, not knowing where to take the conversation from here.

“I did not create you. You are not biologically my own. You are adopted.”

Never one to dance around the subject, Emmet rips the bandaid off with the grace of a Tauros in a porcelain shop.

“Well yeah, obviously. I knew that a long time ago.”

How could you know? Nobody’s had this conversation with you, and Emmet never gave any hints to you about your true genetic heritage.

“How did you know? When did you learn? Ingo did not tell you, did he?”

You shake your head. Okay, you must’ve figured it out on your own then, right?

You don’t look like him or Ingo, you look like your dad, you look like you. You are fundamentally different from Emmet in the way children usually aren’t from their biological parents.

“I’ve known since pretty much forever. Dusclops told me a while ago.”

Ninjask tries to reach up his little claws and wipe his teary eyes. With the conversation now on the topic of his original trainer, the bug type Pokémon flies off to hide—gone in the blink of an eye.

You don’t elaborate on your statement, and Emmet is too surprised to ask, but it’s true that Dusclops has conversations with you.

It talks to you a lot about the past. It tells you stories about your birth parents, stories about its travels across Hoenn with your birth father, stories about meeting the other Pokémon and becoming family with them, stories about your birth father moving to Unova and meeting your birth mother, stories about how they treated you and how much they loved you, stories about their passing and how much it destroyed the other Pokémon emotionally, and stories about how amazing Emmet is and how happy the Pokémon are to have him come into your life.

Emmet is your father, and you are his kid. Through and through.

“But I don’t know why that means you’re not my dad. You’re very much my real dad, Papa.”

Emmet ignores the tears in his eyes as he scoops you up in his arms and squeezes you with a strength he didn’t know he had.

His smile beams throughout your home, salty water pouring down his cheeks.

“Yes! Yes, you are right! I’m sorry! I’ve always been your real dad, even if I didn’t make you. Yes yes! I am Emmet and I am your Papa and you are my child!”

So, if you are truly his child, then why couldn’t he expect this to happen?

If he was truly your father, why couldn’t he tell something was wrong faster? 

Emmet chases you through the house with a dusty mop, laughing loudly. In your attempt to escape his attack, you sprint out the front door and down the steps.

Your giggles echo through the downpour of the rain outside. Emmet runs onto the porch, soles stopped on the welcome mat to avoid getting wet.

A shadow that isn’t yours follows your steps along the concrete.

Emmet’s eyes watch you take off down the sidewalk, spinning water droplets off your back. It's a little dark outside, the street lights are on but it isn't late at night yet, but he can still see you a bit before the canopy of water hides you completely.

Your father calls out your name, staying under the awning to avoid getting wet (Ingo would be mad if his brother ruined another pair of socks). The mop dangles from Emmet’s hands, chest heaving from the exercise of having chased you.

The rain is loud, and the sky seems to open up wider to pour down a stronger storm.

A minute or so passes before Emmet realizes he can no longer hear your familiar laugh through the rain.

His arms sag down while his smile wavers. He feels puzzled, looking out to the abandoned streets of Nimbasa.

Suddenly, Emmet has an incredibly strong stomach ache. It feels like getting punched in the gut while paralyzed, unable to prepare for the hit.

His voice feels unsure in his throat.

“Hey! This is verrrry unfunny, kiddo! We still have cleaning to do!”

Emmet calls out again when you don't respond. He’s overwhelmed by an emotion he can’t name. He doesn’t know why he feels this way.

You should be right there. Why aren’t you saying anything?

This time, all he says is your name.

You don’t reply.

Emmet takes a deep, shuddering breath. His lungs ache like he is drowning in the rain, full of suffering and fear.

This time, when Emmet speaks, it comes out softer than a whisper. It is barely a breath off his lips.

“...Dusclops?”

And the ghost type responds with a bellowing, agonizing, haunting sob that reverberates through the storm.

Goosebumps rise on Emmet's skin at the noise, and your father drops the mop and sprints down the street.

When he finds Dusclops, Emmet observes the Pokémon’s catatonic state. The rain shimmers an inch or two off of Dusclops’ bandages, as if an invisible cloak of the afterlife coats the ghost type’s surface.

You are still nowhere to be seen.

Dusclops stands unnervingly still, its sole red eye staring into someplace far away from these rain-soaked streets of Nimbasa.

From the way it’s acting, Emmet doesn’t need to say a word to figure out what happened.

If Dusclops doesn’t know where you were, nobody would.

You're gone.

The preliminary investigation is unsuccessful; so is every subsequent investigation after that.

The Nimbasa Police sweep the area far more times than is necessary. Nearly 24 hours later, as Emmet watches detectives investigate the home, Ingo comes bursting in through the front door.

Ingo is frantic. His voice booms across the living room as he rushes over to his younger brother. Ingo came the second he could, but he had to wait until the station slowed down after rush-hour to come see his brother.

Emmet was no-call-no-show at the station this morning and hadn’t answered a single call or text. Ingo tried to call you as backup, but your phone came up with “caller does not exist” and the texts immediately went to “undelivered.” Full of worry, Ingo ran towards the townhouse as fast as he could.

Can you imagine what he felt when he saw the countless police cars outside?

“Emmet! Where have you been? Why haven’t you been answering your phone? Why are the police—”

Ingo’s hands shoot out and grip Emmet’s shoulders tightly, his voice loud and bleeding with concern. 

“Do not worry, brother! They just went out for a bit. They will be back later.”

“What are you talking about? Who went out? Why are there so many police officers? Who’s coming back?”

Before Ingo can ask another question, he looks and takes in his younger twin’s condition.

Emmet’s eyes are bloodshot and his mouth wobbles in a phony smile. His legs shake where he stood, exhaustion creeping up on him. Dark circles dance under his eyes as his fingers grab at Ingo’s black coat like a lifeline.

Your father answers your uncle’s questions with nothing but the simple statement of your name. Ingo, bewildered, still doesn’t yet understand.

“...are they not here…?”

Emmet suddenly collapses, knees unlocking and grasp sealing on his twin in front of him. Ingo catches Emmet and forces his younger brother’s head into the crook of his neck to hold him.

Ingo silently cries hearing Emmet’s raucous sobs, unable to hold it together seeing his own brother fall apart in his arms. He’s never seen Emmet this distraught.

Things don’t improve from there.

There is no progress on the investigation. Despite the pleads of your father and uncle, there’s nothing anyone can do. The police try all that they can, but it just doesn’t feel like enough.

The brothers enlist Elesa and other friends of theirs to help spread the word and images of you; but, it's no surprise that nothing comes from that either.

Your father then hires a private investigator or four. They’re good, sharp-witted, and renowned in their field. 

None of them find anything. You vanished into thin air, it seems. Despite all of their years of work and experience, your missing persons case is an anomaly.

After a few weeks of no progress, Emmet seems to just…return to normal.

Emmet goes back to the subway like clockwork, helping around the station and following his tasks without wavering. He wears his usual smile all the same, not a bump nor waver in his lips.

Those of Nimbasa who know or care about your disappearance are incredibly perplexed by Emmet’s behavior. After throwing everything that he is into the search for you, Emmet seemingly moves on.

It’s almost unsettling how Emmet acts as if nothing is wrong.

“They just needed some time away. Everyone does. They’re coming back eventually. Am I worried? I am Emmet. I am not worried. They are fine.”

His visage gives no hints towards continuous long nights, no signs of puffy eyes from crying, no remnants of exhaustion or sadness. There’s no clues that point to these things happening because they’re not.

The lack of emotional instability is concerning, but the actions Emmet takes are even more so.

He removes the pictures of you from the wall in his office and hides the trinkets you’ve given him from his desk. His lockscreen becomes a picture of him and Ingo rather than the three of you. Your Pokémon aren’t seen by his side at the station anymore, and Emmet stops talking about you.

It’s as if Emmet is trying to scrub your existence from his life, like he’s trying to detangle your being from his.

When other people bring you up, Emmet simply acts semi-aloof. He pretends to not pick up on the subtle cues they throw, trying to get him to speak about you and the situation.

Anyone who has any sort of perception or basic understanding of trauma responses knows that this is Emmet’s way of coping.

Four of the stages of grief—anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance—are all preceded by denial.

In an odd twist of fate, alongside denying the incident that took you away from him, your father denies your life as a whole.

Ingo, understandably, is enraged at his younger twin for the way he acts.

“How dare you, Emmet.”

“I am Emmet, and you are Ingo. I do not know why you are so mad at me.”

“Just look at what you’re doing!”

Ingo gestures to the box of things Emmet is in the middle of packing. He’s taking out some of the things you left in their shared office.

Books you read, half annotated and covered in sticky notes, are buried under hoodies you forgot and topped by a pair of earbuds you used. There’s a loose art class sculpture in there as well, stuck beside a reusable water bottle covered in stickers.

“I do not see a problem in this.”

Ingo’s face flushes red, hands twisted into trembling fists at his sides.

“How could you do this to your own child?!”

At that, Emmet stands up straight and tall, as if his spine is replaced by a metal rod. With the feeling of all his muscles going taught, Emmet faces his older brother.

“Ingo–”

“You’re abandoning them, Emmet! How dare you abandon someone you said you loved so much!”

Emmet simply shakes his head.

“Brother, you are wrong. I love them. I haven’t stopped. I will love them until they come back.”

As soon as Emmet finishes his sentence, Ingo lunges forth and grips Emmet by the lapels of his white jacket.

“They aren’t here for you to love, Emmet! They’re gone! Missing! And here you are trying to erase everything that they left behind!”

Ingo is screaming, voice bellowing out from the depths of his lungs.

“They’re just away–”

Ingo yells in frustration, gripping Emmet tighter and gritting his teeth.

“Why don’t you get it, Emmet?! They’re not here! And now it seems like you’re trying to get rid of the rest of them too. How can you do this? How can you abandon the memory of your child? What kind of father are you–”

Emmet’s hands lock onto Ingo’s wrists like iron, throwing his brother off with all of his strength. The older twin is sent tumbling back, but remains on his feet.

Both of the Subway Bosses are heaving for air, staring at each other with a foreign animosity.

A beat or two passes, and neither brother makes a move to apologize or reconcile.

The silence is suffocating.

“I…I am—I am-!”

Emmet can’t finish his sentence before landing harshly on his knees, head in his palms as his forehead presses to the linoleum tile.

He screams in frustration, voice tearing with the emotion filling his soul.

Grief is a monster. It is love with no vessel to pour into. 

It consumes him, filling his chest like water, like rain. Emmet is drowning in his love for you, but it has nowhere to go. It chokes him. 

You’re not here. You’re not here. You’re not here.

Despite the concerns from his brother, Emmet doesn’t change.

Emmet finds it easier to not acknowledge your disappearance at all. It’s easier to not keep track of the days, weeks, months you’ve been missing and instead live life by the minute.

Then, he can pretend like he hasn’t read every fact that tells him that you’re statistically dead.

If he doesn’t have to think about you, doesn’t have to accept the fact you’re going to be gone forever, then he can still hold onto that dim flicker of hope buried deep in his heart.

A year passes, and despite his efforts, Emmet still can’t break the habits and routines that he embedded in himself as a father.

Every Saturday he still makes pancakes with that fruity cereal you and your team loved. Though, this time, he makes servings for one less than normal.

Sometimes on his afternoon break, when he’s disassociating more than usual, Emmet wanders out of the station and along the path he took to get to your school. You’re never there, never walking besides the other hundreds of children when they’re let out for the day.

On the 15th of every month, Emmet still walks into your room and replaces the air freshener he had set up next to your nightstand.

There’s a lot of things that have changed since you’ve been gone.

Your Pokémon don’t interact with Emmet very much anymore.

And, in all honesty, Emmet doesn’t really mind. All he can think about when he looks at them is you, and he rather not think about that.

Ninjask screeches at Emmet any time he enters a room. The bug type refuses to be in your father’s presence. He skitters outside more often than not, escaping through an open window and not returning for days at a time. Emmet wonders if the Pokémon is looking for you. Sometimes Emmet can hear Ninjask solemnly singing in the night. The haunting tune keeps him up for hours on end.

Breloom practically lives in the backyard. She cultivates the small strip of land Emmet owns behind the townhouse. What was once a barren flat section of green is now a wild garden, overflowing with plants, mushrooms, and your favorite flowers. Breloom’s happy disposition is now replaced by seriousness and sadness. Every once and awhile, the Pokémon approaches someone on Emmet’s team for a hug. Usually Eelektross is the one who provides comfort. Breloom never asks Emmet for anything. Emmet doesn’t know if he has it within himself to give the Pokémon the happiness it deserves.

Crawdaunt all but monopolizes your room from Emmet. As a species, Crawdaunt are extremely territorial. The water Pokémon refuses to allow anyone into your space except the other Pokémon that were in your care. He snaps his claws if Emmet so much as touches the doorknob. The only exception is the 15th of every month; but, even then, the Pokémon doesn’t let your father linger. Emmet never wants to, anyway.

Dusclops confines itself to the four walls of your bedroom. The ghost Pokémon never leaves, never wavers, never moves. It tries to linger in the place overflowing with your influence, as if trying to grasp onto the last remaining wisps of you. Emmet swears he can feel Dusclops watching him from the shadows around the house, but the Pokémon has made it quite clear that it does not care about Emmet’s condition in the slightest. At this point in its long, incessant, never-ending life, Dusclops feels nothing. It lost you. What’s the point of continuing this second life if you’re not here?

Despite all that Emmet does to ignore you, he can’t seem to move from the townhouse. He’s done so much to try and keep your memory from tormenting him, but he thinks moving homes would sever the tie from him to you forever.

Emmet’s mental state doesn’t improve from the constant denial of your absence.

Sure, in the first few months, not thinking about you allowed him to suppress the initial pain. It was his body’s immediate defense mechanism to protect itself from harm.

But, after a long time, the denial doesn’t work anymore.

A year and a half later, the sanity in Emmet's continued denial starts to slip. While the public’s forgotten about you, they catch on to the decay of your father’s wellbeing.

Emmet throws himself into work like never before.

His overtime hours pile up, flying through the roof. Despite earning salary pay, he gets awarded a bonus he didn’t know existed for his extra work.

He works through breaks, battles more trainers, directs more passengers, comes in early, stays in late, picks up extra paperwork, and pulls the slack left behind by some depot workers. Emmet does everything and more.

Ingo knows what’s happening to Emmet more than anyone else.

He can see his younger brother’s pallid skin and sunken cheeks, eyes catching on the looser fit of his clothes. Ingo watches from across his desk as his brother’s head sways and how his eyelids droop.

Ingo can see that Emmet isn’t sleeping right, that Emmet isn’t eating right. Ingo knows that Emmet is overworking himself.

The more time he spends thinking about work, the less time Emmet spends thinking about you. The less he sleeps, the fewer nightmares he has. The less he eats, the less he imagines you sitting across from him eating the same thing.

Ingo knows Emmet is a stubborn man. No amount of petty arguments will change Emmet’s views.

But, when Emmet’s legs give in and he nearly passes out onto the tracks mid-shift, Ingo knows enough is enough.

A week or so after passing out, Emmet goes to work like any other. But, even in a diminished mental state, Emmet can tell something’s going on.

Depot agents that usually didn’t approach him greet him as he walks by. Some of them go out of their way to give him a smile and wave before going back to work diligently.

Despite their kindness, Emmet feels odd about it.

He eventually reaches his and Ingo’s private office. It’s in one of the best locations in the subway. Here it’s quiet, secluded, and safe.

Opening the door, Emmet makes eye contact with both Elesa and Ingo. While he doesn’t expect Ingo to be smiling, Elesa’s lack of a grin rubs Emmet the wrong way.

“I am Emmet, and you are Elesa. What are you doing here? I am surprised you are not busy.”

Emmet’s question sounds happy. He has a grin on his face seeing that one of his good friends has made time for a surprise visit, but they’re not smiling back at him.

“I just really wanted to talk with you, Emmet. Can you shut the office door and come sit down over here?”

From that, Emmet goes on edge.

He obliges, but it’s obvious to see that Emmet is tense. He moves to sit in front of his brother and Elesa, but he moves far too stiffly to be feeling comfortable.

Emmet takes a seat in his desk chair that’s been pushed back from his actual desk. Ingo and Elesa are leaning against it, not sitting and staring downwards at Emmet.

Ingo clears his throat, but can’t seem to speak. He glances at Elesa for help. She nods and speaks plainly.

“We need to talk about them, Emmet.”

The air seemingly fills with static, your father’s hair standing on end. He can feel his heart jumpstart and speed up.

“Who are you talking about? Who’s them?”

Ingo feels like Emmet knows the answer already, but responds with your name anyway.

Emmet doesn’t react at all. Not shifting, not moving, not speaking, just…nothing.

“We’re really, really concerned about the way you’re processing their…absence.”

Elesa speaks gently, dancing around the subject. This conversation is uncomfortable for both sides, but it is necessary.

“You’re unhealthy, Emmet. You aren’t taking care of yourself and your body is reaping the consequences of your lack of self-care.”

“I am Emmet and I am fine.”

Emmet’s voice is tight and sharp. He doesn’t like where this conversation is going.

“You’re going to get yourself hurt if you keep acting like this. You haven’t truly grieved them, Emmet, and look what that’s doing to you.”

“Who am I supposed to grieve? Nobody I know is dead.”

Elesa’s face twists into something mournful, a few rogue tears prickling in her eyes.

“Emmet…you can’t keep doing this…”

Ingo’s voice cuts in where Elesa fails.

“It’s been two years. Acting this way does no good for anyone, and you know they would be incredibly unhappy if they knew you were acting this way.”

Emmet forcefully shoves himself up and out of the chair, brows furrowed and fists shaking at his sides.

“You are both being verrrrry mean right now.”

“It’s because we care, Emmet! We care about you so much and we want to see you happy again.”

Elesa moves to grab Emmet’s sleeve, but he yanks his arm away from her grasp before she can touch him.

“I am leaving now.”

As Emmet turns to the door, he sees Ingo’s Haxorus standing there blocking the exit.

The Pokémon is physically imposing, but it looks down at Emmet with overwhelming sadness, shaking its head as Emmet attempts to maneuver around it.

“You can’t keep running away from this, Emmet. You can’t keep denying what happened.”

“Be quiet, Ingo!”

Ingo’s taking a more direct approach while Elesa treads the unstable waters carefully. She doesn’t want to upset Emmet even more, but Ingo is desperate for his brother to get better to the point he will say whatever Emmet needs to hear, even if he doesn’t want to hear it.

“We’re just trying to help you. We all wish they were here right now, you’re not alone in that.”

“I don’t need your help! There is nothing wrong with me!”

 Elesa takes a step back, rubbing her teary eyes. She misses you greatly, and watching one of her closest friends self-destruct hurts her even more.

“We all miss them, Emmet, it’s okay.”

Emmet scrubs at his eyes, voice growing rocky and legs feeling unsteady.

He pulls down his hands and looks straight at his brother and friend, smiling pulling unnaturally wide in an attempt to feign indifference.

“There is nobody for me to miss, Elesa—”

“They’re gone, Emmet! They’re gone and they’re not coming back!

Emmet gasps at Ingo’s words as if his brother had punched him in the gut.

He can feel it, the rain filling his lungs and the world closing around him.

“Don’t say that! They will! I know they will!”

Seeing Emmet acknowledge you, Elesa steps forward with Ingo.

“They’re gone, Emmet.”

She repeats Ingo’s words in a calmer voice, but Emmet seems to become all the more erratic.

“No…no t-they can’t be…they can’t…”

Emmet’s heaving for air, fist gripping the clothes right above his heart with all of his strength. He’s now staring at the floor, not being able to look Ingo or Elesa in the eyes.

“Emmet–”

“STOP IT! STOP IT STOP IT STOP IT!”

Emmet bursts into sobs, and Ingo is close enough to lunge forward and catch his younger brother before he hits the floor.

Ingo and Emmet curl into each other’s hold on the ground of their office, Emmet’s emotions leaving him unable to stand.

Elesa joins them, wrapping her arms around both of the brothers and slowly rubbing her hands up and down their backs to calm them.

This time, Ingo doesn’t cry. This isn’t about him. It’s about Emmet. It’s about you.

Eventually, Emmet’s cries turn into whispers, then whimpers, and then into nothing.

He feels the comfort of Ingo’s hand rubbing over his head, keeping him safely held against his older brother’s shoulder.

The silence is broken by Emmet’s shuddering inhale.

“I am Emmet and my child is dead.”

And so, after two years without you, Emmet finally starts the grieving process.

The years of denying your absence had torn him apart. Multiple of Emmet’s relationships soured and he didn’t care. But now, he was in a better place to try and fix them.

Slowly, but surely, Emmet starts to follow the stages of grief with his friends and family at his side.

After denial comes anger.

Emmet’s angry at himself. He’s angry that he wasn’t able to stop you from disappearing dying, he’s angry he wasn’t able to find you, and he’s angry that he tried to remove your memory from his.

But most of all, he’s angry that something took you away from him.

Emmet doesn’t understand why he hasn’t realized this sooner, how he didn’t hyperfixate on this fact earlier.

Something or someone had stolen you from his life, ripped you out of his grasp to take for themselves. How dare they.

Emmet is irate. His rage fuels him like coal in an engine, heart and mind barreling down the tracks to a destination unknown. What’s at the end of it? Closure? Revenge? You?

There are never enough answers.

However angry Emmet becomes, Ingo and Elesa are there to pull him away from an all-consuming frenzy. They calm him down, help him process his emotions, help him understand that this anger is helpful to no one.

Two and a half years after you went missing died, Emmet finds himself in the bargaining stage of grief.

This is when Emmet notices that he has so much left to do, so much left to learn.

He’s trying to get his act straight, as if that would somehow make up for all the time he spent being awful after your disappearance death.

Regret is something he feels on the daily now. The shame and anxiety of it all leaves your father struggling to get out of bed some days, but he rises all the same.

And suddenly, while simultaneously begging to Arceus to acknowledge your life, Emmet becomes stronger.

He uses the negative emotions as fuel, feeling the bad and turning it into something positive.

Emmet is alert, on top of his game, on top of his life after what’s been a long, long, two and half years.

In a refreshed state of mind, Emmet is quick to realize that something is off about the storm going on outside.

It’s more than simple thunder and lighting, it’s spiraling, all-consuming, and alive.

Standing inside the station above ground, even through the torrential rain, Emmet can hear something in the atmosphere rip and tear in two. 

The clouds turn from their murky grays and become something violet, indigo, and aegean.

Citizens of Nimbasa flood past the doors of Gear Station like the tide, drenched, screaming, and scared. Emmet stands in the middle of it all, the coastline withstanding the waves.

“Something came out of the sky!”

“It’s coming for us!”

“This is Arceus punishing us for all our sins!”

In the midst of everything, a middle-aged woman grips Emmet by his arm.

He can feel her shaking through his coat, quivering in fear. Her hair is soaked and sticking to her face.

“Subway Boss Emmet! Please, you have to protect us, you’re one of the strongest trainers in Nimbasa and this thing, whatever it is, is going to hurt us! I’ve heard about the beasts in Alola, please don’t let this be the same!”

The lady runs off before Emmet can reply.

From the outside streets, people come rushing past Emmet and flee into the tunnels underground and away from the downpour.

Suddenly, Emmet is the only one in Gear Station.

Like a statue or a talisman of strength and protection, Emmet stands tall with his partner’s Pokéball in hand. Eelektross’ capsule almost hums with energy in his palm.

The tearing noise of the odd distortion stirs again, and then all the misplaced color is gone from the sky and the sound is no more. However, the weather still rages.

A figure walks forward through the open doors of Gear Station.

“Hello there, passenger! Everyone entering must follow the safety checks. You are scaring the other passengers. Everyone must feel safe before the train can depart!”

And there it is, the thing the people said came from the sky. It walks with heavy, strong strides, a silhouette shrouded in mystery.

By now, Emmet can tell that it's the shape of a person.

The lightning outside strikes fervently, without remorse, as if trying to light the city on fire. Thunder booms across the open and empty lobby, blending in with Emmet’s voice.

Then, the mask of darkness is finally lifted.

Drenched in rain, backlit by the storm, you walk into the mouth of Gear Station two and a half years later.

Your clothing clings to your skin. It looks as if it was made for you, the garbs of blue and white. A sole red scarf dangles from your neck, torn and battered by a land that is far away in distance and time from here.

From rain you left and in rain you did return.

Eelektross’ ball hits the tile because Emmet is already running straight for you, body unfaltering and determined.

Emmet’s voice is stolen from his throat. He tries to call your name, tries to say anything, but it all comes out in a pathetic croak. After all this time, what is there to say?

Had his praises to Arceus been heard? Had the creator of all things decided that he had suffered enough? Whatever the reason is, Emmet would kneel and express his thanks for centuries.

If you recognize him, you shake the doubtful thoughts from your head, dislodging a few tears in the process, and start running.

“Papa…!”

When you finally collide, centuries of distance are forgotten in an instant. All that remains is longing, runion, and love.

Emmet all but tackles you to the ground, grasping you in his arms and holding you so very tightly. It’s as if he’s trying to absorb your very being into his, trying to make up for all the lost time and filling the nothingness that you left.

You allow yourself to be held, wrapping your arms around your father just as fervently. You can’t imagine ever wanting to let go again, ever wanting to remain out of his sight.

He pushes his face into your hair and weeps. Emmet never thought he’d hear your voice again, never thought he'd see you again, never thought he’d hold you again.

You’re alive, and that is more than Emmet ever thought could be possible.

“I am Emmet and I am your Papa and I have missed you!”

If you don’t recognize him, you steal yourself and take a deep breath, staring ahead as Emmet runs towards you.

Just like Beni taught you, you use Emmet’s momentum against him, twisting his grasp off of you and throwing him to the ground.

Emmet rolls across the tile roughly, breath getting knocked out of his lungs in the process. He scrambles to get up, but you’re already backing away from him.

“I wouldn’t think about trying that again, stranger.”

You threaten him, voice cold and impersonal. There is nothing warm about you, nothing happy, nothing loving.

Emmet watches as you slowly shuffle away, and at the sight, he can’t even bring his legs to stand.

Your eyes are soulless and your words like poison. You stare at him like an abused Pokémon trapped in a corner, not a trusting nor forgiving ounce left in your body.

Emmet scrambles in your direction, hand reaching out desperately to any part of you that might still remember him.

“What? I don’t understand! I am Emmet and I am not a stranger—wait…! No! Please don’t leave me again!”

//

ty for 100+ follower btw!! not deserved but whatevs i'll take what i can get hehe reposts, likes, and comments all appreciated, i rlly do love hearing all of your guys' thoughts!!

#pokemon x reader #pokémon #dad emmet #ingo #x reader #submas #pokemon imagines #subway boss emmet #pokemon ingo #pokemon emmet #angst #dad ingo #uncle ingo #pla #legends arceus #pokemon legends arceus #emmet #emmet x reader

[youllallriseintheink]

One For All, chapter four

In an AU where the protagonist never fell from the sky, the Survey Corps will have to pull together and make use of every resource at their disposal to face the challenges present in Pokemon: Legends Arceus. There will be surveyshipping.

Sorry for the long wait between chapters- the next one should be up in about a week.

---

The Survey Corps members moved aside for Laventon as he approached the pastures, each understanding that the quest of the lake guardians would take precedence. Laventon didn't have many Pokémon that were trained as anything but research subjects, but he gathered his typhlosion and beautifly nonetheless, along with some particularly mysterious specimens he hoped would come in handy. He then stuffed his backpack with healing items, food, and crafting materials and met the others at the gate. It wasn't long before the six were gathered.

"According to Cogita, the materials we need to forge the red chain can be obtained from beings in the three lakes," Cyllene reiterated once everyone was present. "Splitting up seems inadvisable until we know what exactly the trials will entail. We'll start at Lake Acuity, as it's the furthest from any route Kamado is likely to be taking. I've gathered enough flying Pokémon from the pastures to transport those of you who do not have your own. My staraptor is fit to carry two. Laventon?"

"Alright, you'll ride with me. Let us be off." Cyllene took out the staraptor and mounted it. Laventon got on behind her as the other four got onto various flying creatures themselves.

With that, the staraptor took off into the air, the other four following. Afraid of falling, Laventon grabbed onto Cyllene's waist. If she minded, there was no sign of it. Everything looked so small from the sky, and the air rushed past them as though they were going a thousand miles an hour.

In less dire circumstances, this might be very pleasant, Laventon thought. Then he took a closer look at the world below.

From the up high, the disarray caused by the bleeding sky was already apparent. Grasses were beginning to wilt and turn brown, and normally docile Pokémon were running about, agitated and confused. Worse was that in the distance, Kamado's army could be seen marching up the trails of the Coronet Highlands. Laventon looked up at the hole in the sky, two massive shining creatures seeming to peer through it, and it dawned on him that he might not live to take a recreational flight.

The group landed on the island in Lake Acuity, returned their birds, and entered the small cavern without much thought, only to be faced with a ghostly maned fox that was larger than an ursaluna.

"Is that- the vengeful fox?" Irida exclaimed, terrified. It was so much bigger than the legends had said.

Whatever it was, it charged towards the group, teeth bared.

Volo ran to the front of the group and threw out a Pokémon- a strange, ghostly thing Laventon didn't recognize. "Dark pulse," Volo ordered. The second the dark beam caught up to the charging zoroark, it went down. That was another disturbing thing about Volo- he always seemed to have just enough power to handle any given task, and no one quite knew how he'd acquired it.

In a flash of light, a small, blue figure appeared in the center of the cave. Though the creature was small, power could be felt emanating off of it in waves. Cogita had described the being with a yellow hood as being the representation of knowledge. Was this it?

R e i came a voice. It was like a horrible vibration in Laventon's skull, but somehow he could tell that it had come from the lake guardian. S t e p  f o r w a r d.  M y  t r i a l  i s  y o u r s.

Rei stepped forward.

S h o w  m e  h o w  y o u  h a v e  u s e d  y o u r  c a p a c i t y  t o  l e a r n.  I  w i l l  j u d g e  i t s  w o r t h i n e s s.

Rei hesitated, trying to work out what exactly he'd learned that might impress the being. It wasn't though he was terribly intellectual- wouldn't Laventon be a better choice for this? But he had to try.

"Well... I learned how to make a pokéball," Rei said. "I guess I could show you."

Rei knelt down and took out his crafting kit. "Basically, you just have to make something hollow. The nuts are already hollow, and I take the ores to a smith to make the top half. You just put the two parts into the seal belt, and that’s all they need to be functional,” Rei explained as he cobbled together a basic ball. “There's other stuff you can add, though. One thing that’s a really good idea is the spark release on top, so you know when a catch has been successful. Without that, you might think you’ve caught something only to have it burst out in your face when you go to pick up the ball. Aside from that, there’s different types of ore for different weights, and iron for better quality. And that's pretty much all I know."

The strange pixie twirled in the air and then lowered itself down to Rei's level, presenting him with something in its tiny hands: what looked like a fragment of claw.

T a k e  t h i s  p i e c e  o f  t h e  s p i r i t  a n d  b i n d  t h e  s k y  o n c e  m o r e.

"Is this... for the chain?" Rei asked. But before he even finished speaking, the Pokémon was lifting into the air and was already fading away- perhaps teleporting, or simply destroying what had always been a mere representation of itself controlled from elsewhere.

"Wait! I have so much to ask you! We need your knowledge to fix the sky!" Rei called out, chasing after the form. A few steps into the chase, the creature had faded entirely, and Rei stopped.

"You did well, Rei," Cyllene assured him.

"Indeed you did," Laventon added. "I'm sure it has its reasons for not granting us its knowledge."

The trip to Lake Valor was uneventful, and this time the group had a better idea of what to expect. Cyllene led the group in, on alert for a Pokémon standing guard. No sooner did she poke her head into Valor Cavern then were a barrage of poisoned quills shot at her. She scrambled out and took out her alakazam, which put up a forcefield.

"Laventon, can you identify what Pokémon these barbs are from? I didn't get a good look at the Pokémon that shot them."

Careful not to exit the safety of alakazam's forcefield, Laventon picked up a barb from the ground. He squinted as he looked at the quill, trying to place where he'd seen anything similar.

"Those are definitely from an overqwil," Adaman cut in. "Looks like a big one, too. Their only weakness is ground."

"Then I know something that might help," Irida said, taking out her Celestica flute. With a few notes, an ursaluna came running over the hill. It swam through the lake and shook itself off once it washed up on the island, soaking the six humans.

"Hey, big guy," Irida said, giving the bear a stroke on the cheek and ignoring the grime she was now coated with. "I know you're usually a finder, but would you mind fighting something for us today?"

The ursaluna grunted in acknowledgment and shuffled into the cave. After taking out a few additional psychic-types to bolster Alakazam's forcefield, the others followed in and watched as the bear charged the enormous pufferfish. The overqwil expelled its quills, but most of them bounced off the bear's thick hide as easily as they bounced off the forcefield, and those that did prick it didn't seem to bother the ursaluna in the slightest. The ursaluna roared, reared up, and took the giant fish in its mouth, shaking it around as it deflated. It threw the fish against a wall and then ran to it and slashed with its claws until it was satisfied that the job was done.

No sooner had the bear returned to Irida's side did a light begin to shine in the middle of the cave. From the light, another sprite appeared- the one Cogita had called "Azelf."

L a v e n t o n, came the spirit's voice, s t e p  f o r w a r d.  M y  t r i a l  i s  y o u r s.

Laventon glanced nervously at the others and then stepped forward.

Y o u  m u s t  c a t c h  m e, Azelf stated. A large bag of ultra balls appeared in Laventon's arms. Then, Azelf turned into a shiny zubat and flew out of the cavern.

Laventon continued to cast nervous looks at his companions. He probably seemed on the brink of panic. "This is much more suited to any of you, I mean-"

"Laventon," Cyllene said, "We will help you however we can, but Azelf wanted you. It must have its reasons. You can do this."

Rei gave a nod of agreement. "I had the same thought with my trial. If I could do mine, you can do yours." Behind Rei, the clan members were nodding as well.

“Jolly good,” Laventon said, straightening up. “Irida, I’ll need use of Ursaluna’s nose.”

"You have my blessing," Irida said.

Laventon mounted the bear. Ursaluna didn't wait for orders. As soon as Laventon was securely upon it, it took off back into the lake and began swimming across. Laventon had to pray it knew what it was doing. As the bear neared the opposite shore, Laventon looked back at his companions, following him on various flying Pokémon. Ursaluna ascended over the hills, and that's when Laventon caught sight of a glimmer of hope: to their left was a colony of zubat flying about in the shade of a forested area.

The bear took an aggressive right.

"No!" Laventon told it. "Ursaluna, you have to turn around!"

Then, Laventon saw it. A shiny stantler in the fields was looking at him with a competitive gleam in its eye.

"Oh my, Azelf has taken a new form! Ursaluna, you're a genius!"

The stantler took off at a run. It was faster than Ursaluna.

"Stop," Laventon ordered. The bear skidded to a stop. Moments later, the other five landed. "I need something swift enough to catch up to Azelf. Cyllene, may I borrow your alakazam?"

Cyllene handed him the pokéball. Wasting no time, Laventon released it and used the creature's teleportation to catch up with the stantler just as it transformed into a buizel and scurried into a thick, wooded area. The woods were too dense for a riding Pokémon, so Laventon took chase on foot. He was hardly the fastest runner, but the weasel stayed within his sights, looking back at him periodically as though to mock him. Laventon fumbled for an ultra ball, took aim at the creature as it watched him from atop a log, and then promptly tripped over a tree root.

Laventon laid in the dirt, trying to catch his breath as Azelf scampered away and his companions caught up to him, none of them half as tired as he was. He really was terrible at this, wasn't he?

G i v e  u p.  Y o u r  s t r u g g l e  i s  i n  v a i n.  R u n  f r o m  t h e  g r o u p  y o u  a r e  o n l y  a  b u r d e n  t o  s o  t h a t  a n o t h e r  m a y  s u c c e e d  i n  y o u r  p l a c e.

If it was the only way for them to pass the trial and save Hisui then perhaps that was for the best...

Cyllene offered Laventon a hand up. He took it.

"You know, individual strengths are often less important than the ability to use the strengths of others," Cyllene said. "Kamado has issued commands while injured that led the Galaxy Team to success. You are a field researcher. How have you caught slippery Pokémon in other regions?"

Laventon thought on that. "Well, there have been other species that I've had to flush out of their hidey-holes, and this isn't a big bush," Laventon mused. "If the five of you surround it with your Pokémon and move inwards, we can force Azelf out no matter what form it takes. I'll stand outside the bush, you get it to come towards me. Does that sound like a plan?"

"That sounds like an excellent plan," Cyllene said.

Laventon stood at the edge of the bush and waited as the other five and their Pokémon marched inwards. Bugs, birds, bats, rodents, and the occasional stantler were flushed out, and Laventon watched for any that showed signs of being Azelf, ultra ball at the ready. Azelf wanted to test him on willpower- on not giving up- so surely this was the correct course of action. Yes, he was sure of it.

Finally, a shiny buizel emerged from the bush, grinning at Laventon with pleased determination. Laventon hucked a ball at it. It bounced out of the way. He hucked another. It wasn't even close. Then, a number of other buizel emerged from the woods, scampering about as though Azelf had ordered them to make this trial even harder. Laventon trained his eyes on the white collar of the shiny and kept throwing.

Ten balls later, one hit. The ball shook once and then sparked.

Laventon let out a sigh of relief. Blood was coursing through him, and he felt more alive and keyed up than he could ever remember being.

The buizels dispersed, leaving behind only one- a second shiny. To Laventon's horror, the creature turned into Azelf. But then it picked up Laventon's ultra ball and handed it to him, along with a small horn.

T a k e  t h i s  p i e c e  o f  t h e  s p i r i t  a n d  b i n d  t h e  s k y  o n c e  m o r e, said the spirit before it vanished.

"That was some leadership, professor!" Rei explained.

Laventon was stunned silent. "I caught a swift and slippery little buizel all by myself," he mused. "A shiny one! My God, that was... I don't even know what that was!"

"It was a fine performance," Cyllene said.

Before long, the group was on the move again, and not long after that, they were on the island of Verity Cavern. Before heading in, the group took a moment to heal their Pokémon.

"So, if Uxie's trial was showing knowledge, and Azelf's trial was showing willpower, Mesprit's will be showing emotion? That sounds like a really lame trial," Adaman stated.

"Maybe it'll go to someone who struggles to control their emotions, and they'll have to do something frustrating," Irida suggested.

"In that case, it's definitely your trial."

"Oh, please. You're the drama queen. And anyhow, I fought overqwil, so I had my turn."

"Ursaluna isn't your Pokémon, and you didn't give it orders," Adaman countered.

"Hmph! well-"

"Now is not the time," Cyllene said, leading the group in.

Within the cave was an alpha goodra. Rei took out his decidueye, but Cyllene stepped in front of him. "Allow me," she said, taking out her staraptor. "Close-combat."

The bird struck at the armoured dragon, denting its shell, but the goodra struck back, hitting Cyllene's staraptor with its massive tail and knocking it into a nearby wall.

Cyllene gave her bird a stiff nod to let it know to continue, and took out her samourott. "Ice beam," she commanded.

Between the two attackers, the Goodra was giving out far less damage than it was receiving, but Laventon found Cyllene's choice to step in baffling nonetheless. With the amount of office work they had to do while the other members were in the fields, he and Cyllene were among the weakest of the Survey Corps when it came to their Pokémon's levels, and Rei had long surpassed them. It wasn't like Cyllene to fail to delegate when it was for the better.

Is she trying to make sure she won't have to face the trial? Laventon wondered as the Goodra finally hit the ground and Cyllene's Pokémon returned to her for healing.

Just as had happened in the previous two caves, Mesprit appeared to the six in a flash of light.

C y l l e n e, Mesprit said telepathically. M y  t r i a l  i s  y o u r s.

#thank you to standardizedbogey for teaching me how to use HTML for the dialog of the lake guardians! It was a life saver! #pokemon #professor laventon #rei #captain cyllene #volo #clan leader irida #clan leader adaman #uxie #azelf #my fanfiction

[theerurishipper]

Me back on my bullshit, just popping in to talk about this scene.

It's kind of confusing to hear Chloe say it, right? Why would she not call herself Goh's first friend? But I thought about it more, and it makes sense. It's kind of true.

So, it's been established that Goh used to be more of a loner. He's not interested in having friends. He doesn't have any friends and he doesn't want any. He's home alone a lot, and he's always studying to find Mew.

His only friend was Chloe. And what we know of their friendship is that Chloe and Goh met up when Goh came to hang out at her dad's lab. She brought him to camp. They've been friends since they were kids. That's how we're introduced to them.

I'm not going to come here and say that Goh and Chloe weren't friends. That's not true, they are childhood friends. But they weren't really close friends, or best friends. They liked each other and to hang out with each other, but it seems that that's about as far as it went.

Even during the course of their friendship, Goh said, to her face, that he doesn't want to get friends. Despite their friendship, Goh is still more of a loner who prefers to do things by himself and stay in his own shell. He often runs off to do his own thing without telling Chloe and leaves her waiting for him. He doesn't put in the effort to maintain their friendship, because it ultimately falls second to his dreams. Chloe mentions that Goh always came to play at her dad's lab, and that phrasing kind of says that Goh was always more interested in her dad's work than spending time with her. That's not to say that he didn't care about spending time with her or that he didn't care about her, but clearly it wasn't his priority. In episode 2, she brings him the handouts from school for them to do together, but even after she hands it to him, all Goh cares about is Professor Oak.

Goh's an ambitious person. He's a loner. He's got a severe case of tunnel vision. His friendship with Chloe was important to him, considering he does encourage and ask after her throughout the series, but it ultimately comes second. He's just got bigger things to do, like find Mew.

And as for Chloe, she just doesn't get him.

Chloe doesn't know what she wants to do with her life. She sees so many options and can't decide which one to choose. She doesn't have any dreams or ambitions. At the beginning of the series, she's pretty aloof and apathetic. This is in complete contrast to Goh's passion for his goal, one that he's already completely sure of. Goh loves this. Goh loves to spill Pokémon facts and talk about Mew. Goh loves to show off his knowledge. Obviously, he's mentioned to Chloe that he wants to find Mew and all that. But at the end of episode 2, again, when he excitedly tells her he met Lugia, this is her reaction.

She's pretty dismissive of him when it comes to his ambitions. I understand that being around someone like Goh can be tedious and that she's probably not very happy with him in this moment, but it speaks to her general attitude towards this side of Goh. She's just not really interested. Not to say that she doesn't care about Goh or that she won't support him, but she just... doesn't really care, I guess.

This generally just comes down to them as people. Goh is ambitious, but Chloe can't get that, because she has no ambitions or dreams of her own. Chloe wants simple things like for Goh to hang out with her, but Goh can't get that, because he's all about his dreams and destiny and fateful encounters. They're both stuck in their own shells, and they can't break out of them, and they don't get closer to each other because they don't understand each other.

Which is why Goh gets along so well with Ash. Ash is someone who understands Goh's passion and ambition, because he feels the same away about becoming a Pokémon Master. He gets Goh. He supports Goh in a way no one has before by encouraging him and supporting him. He offers Goh the affirmation Goh is looking for. His influence helps Goh break out of his lonely bubble and notice the world around him. Ash is the first person Goh actually rewards with his trust. Goh follows his dreams and Ash is there every step of the way, by his side. Goh learns from Ash. Goh does things with Ash. Ash's influence is what helps Goh grow from a rather selfish loner to someone who is empathetic to the people and Pokémon around him. To someone who decides to open up to people and not be scared that they'll abandon him. Ash is the first person Goh really accepts as a true friend.

Again, this is all not to say that Goh and Chloe aren't friends. As the series progresses, they do come to understand each other better. As they grow as people, they get closer. But the fact remains that when they were kids, they were too caught up with their issues to be able to become closer to each other. When Chloe says that Ash is Goh's first friend, she doesn't mean that she was never his friend at all. But emotionally speaking, Ash is the first person that Goh has ever cared about so much as a friend. Ash is the first person who's truly understood Goh and valued everything Goh likes about himself. The first one Goh has treated as a true friend. The first one he's put first and tried to maintain a friendship with. The first person Goh has actually supported, the first person by who's side Goh has stood. The first person he's trusted. (And the first person he's had a cru-)

So that is why that line is there. It made no sense to me the first time I watched it too, but it really does make sense. Chloe and Goh's relationship has improved through the course of the series, maybe not as overtly as I would have liked, but still. They understand each other way better now, and they're more supportive of each other as a whole. But their friendship in the past, while not non-existent, was flawed, and Chloe recognizes that. But it's not all lost. They've grown as people and their friendship has grown too, and I'm sure that in whatever future they're headed towards, Chloe and Goh will continue to be good friends.

#Pokemon #Pokeani #Anipoke #Ash #Ash Ketchum #Satoshi #Goh #Gou #Trainer Goh #Trainer Gou #Chloe #Chloe Cerise #Koharu #Koharu Sakuragi #Meta #My meta #Sorry about the poor image quality #But this is my take on the matter that no one asked for

[daegudrama]

Title: Route 613

Pairing: Reader/Namjoon, Reader/Yoongi, Reader/Vmin

Summary: Reader wants to be the very best Pokémon trainer there ever was. Her first stop in that journey is Paldea University home to a myriad of higher education. Still working to get over her ex boyfriend, Yoongi, reader forms new connections while making a few questionable decisions along the way. Each battle bringing her closer to the glory she's always dreamed of. Will she succeed in becoming champion or will outside forces stop her from achieving her goal?

Word Count: 7.5K

Disclaimer: Real life ages mean nothing in this fic. Refer here for ages and my shitty graphics

cross posted to ao3 here

2 3 4 5

Chapter 1

Professor Oak looks towards you as you are the last one to enter the room. There are three other students in his office waiting to be granted the first gift of the Oak’s Club. The blinds let the fall sunlight wash over the professor’s messy desk. Faintly you wonder why he didn’t clean up before the three of you showed up. Probably not a priority for a man that quite recently moved to this region in search of further knowledge. Everything you’ve ever heard or read about him makes you want to ask him a million questions. He’s one of the most accomplished researchers in the country. Which is why you are here before you can even unpack your things at the campus provided housing. Professor Oak chose four students he thinks show exceptional promise.

He invited you here on the recommendation of his colleague, who happens to be your ex boyfriend’s mother. The same ex boyfriend that standing to your left rolling a classic pokeball between his long fingers. Serious is the only way you can describe the look on his face. It is so unlike the normal gentle expression he used to look at you with. The one you’ve loved since childhood. Your stomach drops, sending ebbs of dread through your veins. Of course, you knew you would have to see him soon but you didn’t think it would be quite this soon. The break up wasn’t clean and when he left right afterwards you weren’t sure he was ever going to come back.

The man to your right is a stranger. He is tall with impressive muscles you can see even through his loose fitting shirt. His black hair is pushed off his forehead. He looks like a model you’d see on the billboards in Levincia. The stranger radiates a calm soft energy as he smiles towards you. Something tells you he’s not from this region.

Next to the tall stranger is another man you haven’t met before. He’s a few inches shorter than the other man and has delicate features. His plump lips are pulled back into a smile as he looks around.

“Ah, you must be YN.” Professor Oak says letting his eyes drift over the four students in front of him. “This is Yoongi, but as you're from the same town I’m sure you already know that. This is Namjoon. He’s a second year student, originally from Kanto and this is Jimin. He’s also a second year student originally from Johto.”

The old man points to the tall man as he says Namjoon and the shorter man when he says Jimin.

“Nice to meet you.” Namjoon greets, his voice far lower than what you expected. The tone almost makes you forget about the man on your other side. “I’m studying growth and illnesses in Grass-Poison type Pokemon.”

“Nice to meet you, YN!” Jimin says his voice is soft and warm. There’s something almost angelic about him. “I’m studying growth in Grass and Fairy type Pokémon.”

“Nice to meet you.” You say without glancing at Yoongi. If you look at him you aren’t sure you will be able to hold it together. This summer was supposed to be about getting over him and you thought you succeeded. Obviously, you’re wrong if his presence is making you feel this way. Almost as if you are right back at square one. “I’m studying Battle Strategy and Training.”

“I’m also studying Battle Strategy and Training.” Yoongi says in an almost monotone voice like he would rather be anywhere else in the world.

The professor holds out a single pokeball with both hands. You take the pokeball, holding it gently as if this is the first time you’re holding one. In fact you have one on your belt right now with your Luxio, Spark, who you’ve been raising for several years.

“As a welcome gift to Paldea University and the Oak’s Club I have a Pokemon from my home region. This Charmander is ready for a new adventure and you are the perfect trainer for that task.”

“Thank you so much, Professor Oak. It’s an honor to finally meet you.”

The old man smiles at you before he continues speaking.

“Please meet me at the stargazing event by 7:30. The Dean has asked that I introduce you to the students before his welcome speech.”

He nods before turning to walk back to his desk and take a seat. Without another word the boys file out of the room and you follow closely behind. Yoongi darts away from the direction of the dorms you know he’s staying in. Cabo Poco is too far away to comfortably commute from.

Namjoon and Jimin follow beside you, not saying anything for a moment as they look at their newly acquired pokeballs. There is so much you are wondering about each of them, but blurting all your thoughts is surely not the right choice. When you reach the lobby of the main building Namjoon turns to you.

“If you ever need help Jimin and I live in the Indigo building.” He says stowing his pokeball away. “I’d offer to show you around but I’m supposed to meet my friend soon. See you later, YN.”

Namjoon walks through the large front door and you see him descend the many steps into town.

“I have to go too, but let me get your number. That way if you have a question about something I can help you out!” Jimin says holding out his phone to you.

Quickly, you type in your information and he smiles brightly. There’s no anxiety when around Jimin. It’s like he’s washing a calm aura over you.

“I’ll see you later, Jimin.” You say before starting the walk back to your dorm.

You will need to get supplies in town later, but for now you need to unpack your room. Though your hometown is one of the closest towns you’ve only been to Paldea University one time. On your phone you follow the map to find your building. You are so glad your mom made you save the map despite your protest.

You’ve been assigned to the Violet building. There are eight buildings a short walk away from where classes are held with studio style apartments for students to stay. Approximately 300 students live in each of the buildings named for different colors. Pink and Violet for first years, Indigo and Blue for second years, Green and Yellow for third years and Red and Orange for fourth years.

Many students are walking the same path as you. When you reach the large courtyard between the buildings you stop staring up at the tall buildings. As their names suggest each building is a different bright shade. In the center of the courtyard is a statue of Uxie, a legendary psychic Pokemon, surrounded by a fountain.

Before you go inside you let your new Pokemon out of their ball. The Charmander walks towards you tentatively sniffing the air. You squat down to their level holding out your hand in a non threatening gesture. They nuzzle their snout against your hand and you giggle.

“Should I give you a name buddy?” You stroke your hand across the back of your Charmander’s head and they make a positive sounding vocalization. “How about Sriracha?”

The flame on the tip of their tail wavers for a moment indicating happiness. Genuine happiness fills your heart knowing you get to raise another Pokemon. You’ve always wanted a fire Pokemon but they aren’t common in the area you were allowed to explore as a child. Your parents only allowed you to keep Spark. They wanted to make sure you really knew how to take care of a Pokemon and now you are ready for a whole team.

There isn’t a Fire type gym in this region but you’ve seen videos of the ones in other regions. For as long as you can remember your goal has been to become a champion then start a Fire type gym. Most of the battles you’ve done were with your classmates but you are determined to find more difficult competition here at Paldea University. Yoongi has been your only real competition for years. The two of you were the only ones who took battle strategy class seriously. It makes sense, in this world not everyone can be a top trainer.

Sriracha follows you closely with each step you take towards the Violet Building. When you get into the hallway you decide to call them back to the pokeball. There are a lot of people roaming around. Sriracha doesn’t protest, seeming nervous about all the people as well. You hope you can grow a strong bond with this Charmander.

When you get to the door with your name on it you take a deep breath before unlocking the door with your school ID. There is a small hallway leading into your room where you’ve put a rack for your shoes. You walk a few more steps inside. To your left is the kitchen, bathroom and your walk in closet. Kitchen is a strong word; it's mostly just a sink, a hot plate and a small refrigerator. The bathroom has a shower tub combo as well as a toilet, sink and mirror. It’s quite spacious considering.

To the right there is a six by six cube bookcase at the end of your bed. It acts as a nice separation from the other side of the room. Your parents left you a light pink couch and a TV with a stand that has extra storage space. It's the one that used to be in your room at home. You don’t imagine you will spend much time watching TV but the thought is nice. There is also a desk provided by the school.

One of your parents made your bed but left the rest of your things packed away. You are thankful for that. The last thing you need is to spend the rest of the day searching for your things. You sit on the couch unzipping your largest suitcase. It takes nearly two hours but eventually all your clothes and belongings find their new homes. Before going down into town for the rest of the items you need you rest on your bed.

Taking in your new surroundings you sigh wishing there was something to distract you. Seeing Yoongi after so long brought up a flood of emotions you thought you would have more time to process. Why would he accept an invitation to the Oak’s Club when he must’ve known his mother recommended you? You’ll have to see him at stargazing and every Oak’s Club event after that.

The stargazing event Professor Oak mentioned is when on the first night all the students gather on the lawn together to look at the stars. It's a good way for people to mingle and meet each other. Your parents met on their first night at this very school and all these years later they are still happily together. Is it foolish to hope that maybe the same will happen for you? But you don’t want to settle down. Being the top champion has always been your dream. Couldn’t a lover potentially get in the way?

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After resting for twenty minutes you make the trek down the many stairs that lead to Mesagoza. Spark joins you on the walk bringing you a sense of comfort in this new environment. Lots of students are roaming around town stocking up on essentials and exploring.

Once you’ve purchased all the items you need a delicious looking food stand comes into view. You purchase your food and round a corner to find a place to sit. It’s only after you’re seated that you see your ex sitting just a few tables away. You decide to ignore him and dig into your food happily. Spark lies at your feet like a guard as if he can feel your unease.

When you are wiping the corners of your mouth the chair in front of you scrapes across the ground and Yoongi sits down. He looks less serious than before but something is still different.

“Hi, YN.” He says, folding his hands on the table as he looks at you.

“What do you want?” You say harshly meeting his eyes.

“Can we please talk? I swear I didn’t have a—”

Spark is glowing like he’s charging himself to shock Yoongi. You hold up a hand to your ex boyfriend and recall your pokémon to his ball. The last thing you need is to have to explain to the Dean why your Pokémon is shocking people.

“I don’t want to talk to you, right now.” You sigh, closing your eyes for a moment to collect your thoughts. “You broke up with me out of the blue then left the region for months with no explanation.”

Yoongi nods his head before standing. He takes a few steps away before turning around and scanning you with his eyes. His voice is soft when he speaks.

“If you ever want to hear my explanation, come find me. Oak’s Club is going to make us be around each other and I’d rather we were on good terms.”

Yoongi walks away without a further word. Part of you really wants to know what he has to say, but the other part of you knows you should forget about him. You miss Yoongi but how could you ever trust him after what he did?

Back in your dorm room you put away your new items. You let Spark and Sriracha out of their Pokéballs. They get along well immediately much to your surprise. Usually, it takes a little while for different types to warm up to each other.

It doesn’t take you long to get ready for the stargazing event so you decide to eat a snack while watching TV. Spark curls up on your lap while Sriracha stays on the floor watching curiously. You vaguely wonder if they have ever seen a TV before.

At 7:15 someone knocks on your door right as you are getting ready to leave. Namjoon, Yoongi and Jimin are standing in front of your door. Seeing them standing side by side in front of you shows off their height difference. Namjoon is at least four inches taller than Yoongi and Jimin.

“Hi, YN!” Namjoon says cheerily. “I thought we could all walk over together since campus might still be a little confusing for you two.”

You greet them before stepping outside and closing the door behind you. Namjoon leads the way asking how you’ve been finding things so far.

“Not too bad.” You glance at Yoongi who once again looks serious. “I introduced my Pokémon to each other and it went really well.”

This captures both Yoongi and Jimin’s interest; they look at you with curious faces. Namjoon also looks towards you.

“You have another Pokémon?” Namjoon asks clearly surprised and you can tell that he’s excited to hear what you have to say.

“She has a Luxio named Spark.” Yoongi says before you can speak for yourself.

Namjoon almost looks annoyed that Yoongi answered for you, but quickly bounces back to ask questions. For the rest of the walk over Namjoon and Jimin talk to you about Pokémon. Yoongi doesn’t join the conversation despite having just as much to say. You know he does because you’ve talked to him for hours about Pokémon.

“Oak’s Club hello!” Professor Oak says when arrive. The four of you greet him, watching as he grabs something from a nearby table. He holds a stack of four jackets. You can see a small logo of a pokeball with Oak’s Club curved over the top. Below the ball is Yoongi’s name. “I had these jackets made so you can match while representing our club.”

Professor Oak hands each of you a bomber style jacket and you see that he’s personalized them with your names. On the right sleeve you see a Charmander. Each of you has the Pokémon you were given embroidered on the sleeve.

“Thank you so much!” You say running your fingers over the material.

As you wait for students to start showing up Professor Oak asks about your new Pokémon. You learn Jimin named his Cottonee Candy Floss, Yoongi named his Squirtle Crush and Namjoon named his Bulbasaur Bom. Professor Oak seems excited you decided to name your Pokémon. He believes it’s an important part of bringing a trainer closer to their Pokémon.

As more students are finding spots on the grass Professor Oak tells the four of you that he’s going to talk about his plans for the year as well as why he came here. After he speaks each of you is going to introduce yourself to the students and say a little about yourself.

The four of you slip into your matching jackets as Professor Oak steps onto the makeshift stage and speaks into the microphone.

“Hello everyone, my name is Professor Samuel Oak. I am from Pallet Town in the Kanto region. Moving here is the next step in furthering my research and helping nurture the budding researchers and trainers of this university. I’m excited to introduce you to the Oaks Club. A new club this year with individuals handpicked by me. Each of these students has shown exceptional potential in their chosen field with enthusiastic recommendations from my colleagues.” With over 2,000 students watching, Professor Oak is as calm and cool as when he was speaking to just the four of you. “During this year I will meet weekly with these students to discuss a variety of topics as well as give them hands-on experiences. We will be holding benefits throughout the year to raise money for different departments here at Paldea University. In winter we will take a trip to my home region in preparation for the spring excursion.”

A trip to Kanto? Excitement floods your body dreaming about what that trip could be. Professor Oak is one of the most well connected researchers in the world. You can only imagine what kind of knowledge and training he could arrange for you. Your eyes turn to your other club members. Namjoon doesn’t look as excited as you’d expect him to be. Shouldn’t he be excited to return home?

Professor Oak waves the four of you over. You follow them on to the stage and Jimin is the first to introduce himself. He looks confident like he’s spoken before this many people hundreds of times.

“Hello, my name is Jimin Park. I'm a second year research science student with a focus in the growth and evolution of Grass and Fairy type Pokémon. I am originally from Cherrygrove City in the Johto region. My goal is to better understand why grass and fairy types grow the way they do and what outside sources can effect that growth.”

The students clap and look genuinely interested. You are thrilled to be around people who care about Pokemon as much as you do. Most of the students look excited to be here and you can hear many of them talking as Namjoon steps up to the microphone.

“Hi, my name is Namjoon Kim. I’m a second year research science student with a focus in growth and illnesses in Grass-Poison type Pokemon. I am originally from Saffron City in the Kanto region. My goal is to find cures for common illnesses faced by Grass-Poison Pokemon.” His dimples show as he speaks into the microphone.

Yoongi steps forward when Namjoon steps back. He seems calm enough but you know he doesn’t like speaking in front of people like this. His tongue darts out to lick the corner of his mouth before he speaks.

“I’m Yoongi Min. I’m a first year battle strategy and training student. I am from Cabo Poco here in Paldea. My goal is to become the Pokémon League Champion.”

A roar of gasps sweeps through the crowd. It’s a big goal and everyone knows how hard it is to achieve. Even you are a little shocked that he's saying these words to so many people. Yoongi has told you he wants to battle the gym leaders but he never expressed interest in being champion. Contrary to popular belief those things aren’t mutually exclusive. Taking on the champion title requires more responsibility than just battling. Has something changed his mind in the time he was gone?

Yoongi steps back and you take his place smiling nervously as you look over the crowd.

“Hi, I’m YN. I’m a first year battle strategy and training student. I am also from Cabo Poco and my goal is to become the Pokémon League Champion this spring.”

More gasps and a few cheers can be heard from your position at the front. The reigning champion has been in his position for six years. Many have tried and failed to beat him. It would be good for the school’s reputation if one of their students finally beat the Kai Huening. You are confident that you will be that one.

The four of you move away from the microphone and find a spot in the front. The Dean starts his speech talking about the history of this school and all the things he hopes the students can accomplish this year. Trying to pay attention is harder than it should be. Your mind is racing with the possibilities this year will bring. If only it was already spring so you could start the real adventure.

When the dean finishes his speech Yoongi walks away and students surround your group. They all want to know how you go into this club and what they can do to make sure they get in next year. Obviously, none of you have any real advice. Still you tell them to make themselves stand out.

After about fifteen minutes of talking music begins playing over loudspeakers. This is your cue to lie on your back and gaze at the stars as the name of the event suggests. A few staraptor fly overhead as you watch the bright stars light up the night sky. Namjoon starts pointing out constellations and telling you stories relating to them. He reminds you of Yoongi in the way he seemingly knows a lot about a variety of topics.

When you get back to your dorm you quickly get ready for bed and collapse into the soft comforter. Despite your excitement you fall asleep quickly dreaming of battling the random faces you saw today.

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On Monday morning your alarm wakes you an hour and a half before your first class. You stretch your fingers to the sky before getting off your bed. The process of getting ready only takes thirty minutes leaving you plenty of time to head to the dining hall for breakfast.

Sriracha follows closely behind you as you navigate the array of breakfast foods available. Monday, Wednesday and Friday you have three classes: Intro to Theory of Battle Strategy at 9AM, Intro to Pokemon Human Relations at 11AM and Intro to Battle Training at 2PM. This schedule gives you plenty of time so won’t have to worry about sprinting to the next class.

Peacefully, you eat breakfast alone before heading off to your first class of the day. The lecture hall is nearly half full when you arrive. You opt for a seat in the second row several seats away from anyone that is already here.

Everyone is minding their business looking at their books or phones. The second option sounds more fun to you right now. Instagram is the first app you open where you are greeted by a picture of Kai Huening. He is standing in the snow with his Avalugg, who is just as tall as he is, smiling like there is no place he’d rather be. Montenevera, Kai Huening’s hometown, is one of the places you are looking forward to visiting the most. You’ve never had a reason to travel there but it looks beautiful and you are interested to learn about the place that raised one of the greatest pokemon trainers of recent decades.

After a few moments of scrolling you look around the room. More students have taken their seat and as your eyes scan you don’t see anyone you know. Maybe, one or two of them talked to you yesterday at stargazing but you can’t remember.

“Hi, you’re YN, right?” A girl with shiny eyes and a beautiful small face says as she sits beside you. When you nod and she continues speaking. She has short black hair with bangs covering her forehead in a way that really suits her. “I didn’t get a chance to talk to you yesterday. I’m Chaewon Kim. I live down the hall from you.”

“Nice to meet you!” You reply and are about to ask her where she’s from when the professor takes her place at the front of the room.

Nothing very important is discussed during class but still you take diligent notes. If there is anything useful being said you want to make sure you have a note of it. Chaewon falls into step beside you as you walk towards the library. With little prompting she tells you she is from Alfornada, home of the Psychic gym, and is here to study battle strategy and training. There are two gym leaders in Alfornanda and the younger one is the same age as you and Chaewon. You wonder if they know each other, but decide not to ask just yet.

In the library the two of you find a table and start comparing schedules. She is in all the same classes as you. Chaewon speaks so brightly you can’t help but feel happy when speaking to her. You are happy to keep talking to her about pokemon and whatever else you can think of until it's time for Pokemon Human Relations.

When you enter your next class Yoongi is sitting in the third row on the left. You guess you knew he would be in at least one of your classes but you hoped it wouldn’t happen. Chaewon starts moving towards Yoongi and you tap her arm.

“Let’s sit over here.” You say jerking your head in the other direction. Chaewon looks confused for a moment but follows you to the other side of the classroom. Under normal circumstances you wouldn’t volunteer information about yourself but something about Chaewon makes you know she is going to be here by your side for a while. “That guy over there is my ex.”

“Isn’t he in the Oak’s Club too? That must be awkward.” She whispers eyes briefly darting towards your ex dressed in an oversized black hoodie and ripped jeans. “Sorry, maybe I shouldn’t have said that.”

“No, it’s okay. I don’t think it’s going to be easy.” You say keeping your voice low on the off chance Yoongi can hear you from the other side of the room. You pull a notebook from your bag and settle into the seat. “It's kind of complicated.”

The professor begins class as Chaewon is starting to reply. Chaewon cuts herself off and gives her full attention to the front of the room. Much like your last class the time is spent going over the key concepts you will be covering in this course. You can feel Yoongi’s eyes trained on you and a quick glance confirms that he is in fact watching you. It’s much harder to forget his existence and what he did to you when he’s in the same room as you.

“Do you want to get lunch?” You ask, trying to get out of class as quickly as possible.

“Sure!” She pulls out her phone as the two of you walk towards the dining hall. “Isn’t the food so much better than you expected?”

Chaewon and you fall into a conversation about the different foods you’ve tried so far. Once you’ve made it through the line and chosen your food you sit at a table by the window. You tuck in to your food admiring the view until a sweet voice interrupts your train of thought.

“Do you mind if I sit here?” Jimin asks with a smile pulling at the corners of his mouth. “I’m Jimin Park.”

He directs the last part towards Chaewon as he sits down next to you. Jimin includes both of you as he asks how your very first classes were. He seems pleased when you tell him it wasn’t hard and tells you how his professors just dived straight into the material. You almost wish your professors had done the same so there was less room in your brain to think about your ex boyfriend.

The three of you talk about your hometowns over lunch and what you are looking forward to. Chaewon and Jimin are following you out to one of the front lawns when Chaewon says something that surprises you. Though maybe it shouldn’t.

“I want to beat the Elite Four.” She holds her head tall and confident when she says this.

Battle Strategy and Training as a major isn’t always about being the best trainer in the region. There are a multitude of things a person can do with that degree. Nothing she’s said in the last few hours of knowing her would leave you to think she would want to battle them. Usually people are very upfront with that. In your experience it’s something people mention in the first twenty minutes of knowing someone. Trainers like you want people to know they think they are good enough to take on that challenge.

“That’s a really tough challenge.” Jimin says releasing his Cottonee from his ball. Candy Floss rests on Jimin’s lap letting out a happy noise. “The winter tournament alone is going to be tough competition.”

The winter tournament is to determine who has the honor of representing Paldea University in challenging the gym leaders. Of the sixteen best in the school there are only two winners. In order to qualify for the tournament you have to be recommended by a staff member and show above average battling capability. The top champion of the battles gets $7,000 and a basket filled with useful items for their adventure. Technically other students can still try to face the gym leaders, but they usually don’t. If they can’t even win against their peers it’s unlikely they would be able to defeat even the first gym leader.

“You think we don’t know that?” You ask leaning back onto your elbows in the grass letting the sun wash over your face. “You can’t accomplish this dream without an incredible amount of hard work.”

Chaewon smiles, being glad to have someone who understands her. Nothing about this is easy but it’s what makes your whole body feel excited. Raising, training and battling pokemon is what gives you the biggest sense of accomplishment and joy in your life. There is nothing in this world that you want to do more.

“If I don’t make the cut this year I will just train even harder for next year.” Chaewon says brushing a strand of hair out of her eyes. She pulls a pokeball from her bag and a Seel appears. Sriracha starts shaking their ball so you let them out and they immediately start playing with Chaewon’s pokemon. “This is Pearl.”

Jimin explains his whole process of naming his pokemon and you follow up by saying the name just felt right. Your method of naming is much closer to Chaewon’s from how she explains Pearl getting her name. It's nice talking to someone who isn’t Yoongi about pokemon. A whole new perspective from two people who grew up in two places very different from your own.

“Jimin, what made you come all the way over here?” You ask, realizing you never got around to asking him that on move in day.

“There’s more opportunities for me here.” Jimin says picking at the grass under his hand. You wonder how many times he’s been asked this question since he started here last year. It must be a lot. You hope he isn’t tired of answering it. “Cherrygrove is a very small town. I could have gone to the bigger cities of my region, but none of them excited me the way Paldea does. I’ve found a lot of good things here so far.”

“I always knew I would come here.” You say looking up to the sky. “My parents met here. My journey to becoming champion was always supposed to start here.”

Chaewon’s eyes widen and she vigorously nods her head like she’s had the same thought. This launches you and her into a conversation about who your parents are. Her parents own the Seabreeze Cafe in Alfornada and have been together since they attended school here. You share some information about your parents and Jimin interrupts you.

“Like the researchers?” Jimin perks up keenly when you say your parents' names.

“Yes, do you know their work?”

Both of your parents are fairly well known pokémon researchers but for different things. Your father has spent the majority of his career studying feeding habits in grass and bug pokemon while your mother studies and practices medicine on large pokemon. She has a particular fondness for fire types which she has passed onto you.

“Of course! Your fathers paper on the long term effects of PokePuffs on combee’s really got me interested in pokemon nutrition.”

You can tell Jimin wants to ask a million questions but he restrains himself. You’ll have to remember to give him your father’s email later. He would love to talk with a passionate student about his research.

════════∘◦❀◦∘════════

Intro to Battle Training is a bit longer than your other classes. When you enter the classroom you see many of the same faces from your first two classes. Notably, your ex boyfriend is absent and for that you are thankful. Kai Huening’s younger sister, Bahiyyih, is in this class. You recognize her from photos on Kai’s instagram even though it looks like she’s giving herself a hard rebrand in the last few months. It completely slipped your mind that she’s the same age as you.

This class goes much like your others with the professor explaining key concepts and his class structure. The first few weeks will be spent entirely in the classroom. After midterms you will spend half of the class time outside or in battle areas implementing the skills you’ve learned.

He gives you one homework assignment due by the next class: Battle a trainer and write a paper detailing the points that could be improved upon based on the training categories he briefly introduced. He ensures the class the required textbook will expand on each category.

It’s been a long time since you battled a trainer. Spark has mostly fought wild pokemon and you’ve yet to battle with Sriracha. Yoongi has been your only real competition for years. Finding someone that challenges you the same way he does will not be easy. Though Bahiyyih might give you a run for your money. She was raised battling the current champion after all.

You head back to your dorm alone planning on studying for a little while. As soon as the door closes behind you, tiredness overwhelms you. After removing your shoes you make a beeline for your bed and fall asleep on top of the blanket.

Light is still streaming through your window when you wake from your nap. Quickly, you check the time and decide to go for a walk. It’ll be good to familiarize yourself with the surrounding era.

On your way out you see Namjoon playfully spraying his Bulbasaur with a squirt gun. You keep on your path not disturbing the cute moment.

The large gates that surround the school automatically open when you scan your student ID. You let Spark roam free as you walk away from the school. He seems happy to be outside but checks over his shoulder every few minutes to make sure you are still there.

Tall grass adorns each side of the path where you can see small wild pokemon roaming. You walk for nearly twenty minutes finding yourself close to the edge of the river. Your eyes scan the area for a moment before one pokemon in particular catches your eye.

According to your Pokédex app Azurill is a round, blue mouse Pokémon. It has circular ears with pink insides and there are two white dots on its cheeks. Azurill has a thin, black, zigzagging tail and a large blue ball at the end about the same size as its body.

The ball is bouncy and packed with the nutrients it needs to be able to grow. The ball can also be used as a flotation device. It can be seen bouncing and playing on this rubbery tail. The tail can also be spun around like a lasso. When the tail is thrown, the body can go as far as 33 feet. Though Azurill is typically docile, it swings the big ball on its tail to smash into opponents bigger than itself when angered. It lives at the water's edge, where they gather to splash around for fun on sunny days.

You approach a lone Azurill trying to sneakily capture it without drawing attention to yourself. Reaching into your bag your fingers find a classic pokeball and grip it tightly. Spark stays close to your side patiently watching as you fling your ball towards the pokemon. The Azurill goes into the ball, shaking it aggressively before breaking free. The pokémon bounces seeming angered by your attempt.

“Spark, can you help me catch a pokemon?” You ask planting your feet onto the lush grass with determination.

He lets out a happy cry nodding his head. Spark loves to help you in any way that he can. His posture is rigid as he wants for your command. It’s perfect that you stumbled upon a type that’s weak to electric. Not that this should be a particularly difficult battle for the pokemon that you’ve been training for years.

“Spark, use thunder shock!”

Your loyal Luxio digs his claws into the ground harnessing the electrical energy running through his body. Spark jumps into the air, bright light surrounding his form, shooting a large bolt of lightning into the air. The wild pokemon bounces into the air when the bolt makes an impact. The Azurill’s muscles are frozen by the electricity and they are floating in the air until Spark backs off at your request. The Azurill falls to the ground trying to muster the energy to fight back, but they can’t even lift their head.

You throw the pokeball again, hitting your target. The ball twitches instead of shaking and you hold your breath. Your heart races while you wait to see if the Azurill will escape. The ball stills on the ground and you retrieve it. A smile spreads across your face. A new pokemon for you to nurture.

You lean down circling your arms around Spark’s neck when you are sure the electrical charge has diminished. He rubs his head on your cheek and a giggle bubbles past your lips. You reach into your bag for a treat and hold your palm out flat while you praise Spark. Your Luxio gently pulls the treat into his mouth with an appreciative hum.

One of your greatest goals for this year, besides becoming champion of the pokemon league, is to create a bond like the one you have with Spark with all of your pokemon. It was easy to bond with Spark, but you know that might not be the case for future catches. Each pokemon is unique with their own personality, likes and dislikes.

Stomach growling, you decide to head back towards campus planning on going to the dining hall. When you are nearing the gates to the school you hear someone. When you turn you see Bahiyyih Huening and a smaller girl you don’t recognize. You recall Spark and hide behind a tree just close enough so you can hear what they are saying.

“You’ll never live up to Kai’s legacy!” The small girl says as her Magikarp tries to use tackle on Bahiyyih’s Pachirisu. The Magikarp looks like it's been shocked already and the tackle doesn’t hit very hard. “You’re always going to live in his shadow and you’re not even interesting like Lea. Just a boring student who brings shame to the Huening family.”

“You shouldn’t speak to her like that.” You say popping out from behind the tree. You can’t stand to hear another ridiculous word come from that girl's mouth. “She’s literally beating you. Your Magikarp is one hit away from being unable to battle.”

Bahiyyih looks over her shoulder and you can tell these words are affecting her more than she wants to show. She takes a deep breath and turns back to the battle at hand.

“I am my own person and I am a much more skilled trainer than you.” Bahiyyih says without a waver in her tone. “Kepi, use Thunder Shock!”

Her pokemon does as she commands and you were right, the Magikarp is unable to battle when Bahiyyih tells her pokemon to back off. The other girl picks up her pokemon and runs away without another nasty word.

“Hi, you must be YN. I’m Bahiyyih Huening.” Bahiyyih says scooping her pokemon off the ground and into her arms.

Bahiyyih has bleached her long beautiful hair giving it a soft blonde color. She is wearing a black tank top with her hometown’s name written on it and black ripped jeans. Her chunky black boots give her at least another inch of height making her tower over you.

“Nice to meet you.” You say studying the many piercings decorating her ears. “Does this happen a lot?”

She lets out an unamused laugh and sighs before she replies. Her words are slightly muffled from pushing her face into her Pachirisu’s fur.

“Yeah, it's happened three times since I got her last week.” She looks up at you as she says the next sentence. “I can show them how wrong they are but it still hurts knowing that these people have preconceived ideas about me because of my siblings.”

Bahiyyih changes the subject as the two of you begin walking towards the gate. She asks you about your classes and you realize she is actually in all your classes, not just the last one. Bahiyyih talks fondly of battling and is excited to face even more of her classmates.

“The best thing about being here,” she says once the two of you enter the dining hall and are filling your plates. “is that it's warm. At home there is snow on the ground 365 days a year. I had to buy a whole new wardrobe when I moved.”

“I really like your style.” You say loading noodles onto your plate.

Bahiyyih smiles and you can tell that it means a lot to her. Maybe she was nervous about her new style, but it genuinely suits her nicely. When your plates are full you look for a table but before you can sit down you spot Jimin waving you over.

Jimin is sitting with Namjoon and a handsome man you don’t recognize. You sit next to Namjoon with Bahiyyih right across from you. The stranger quickly introduces himself as Taehyung Kim, a second year healing major with a focus in music therapy. Taehyung is from Azalea Town in the Johto region and decided to come here because the music therapy program here is far more advanced. He and Jimin became friends last year when they were in Pokemon Human Relations together. They bonded over both growing up in Johto. They lived fairly close to each other but never managed to run into each other until they came to Paldea University.

Much to her dismay the boys already know who Bahiyyih is and aren’t surprised that her major is Battle Strategy and Training. To their credit though, not a single person asks anything about her brother. Instead Taehyung starts telling everyone a story about the time he saw a wild Gyarados that almost capsized his fishing boat.

When Taehyung finishes his story it seems that Jimin has told Namjoon who your parents are. He tells you how much he loves a very specific paper of your mothers. You feel proud knowing your new friends respect and are deeply interested in the hard work your parents do. At the same time you don’t want to talk about them all the time.

“Did you catch a new Pokemon?” Namjoon asks, looking at your three pokeballs where there used to be two.

“Just before I met Bahiyyih I caught an Azurill down by the river.”

An excited roar takes over your table as they want to know every little detail. At this moment you are so content talking about your favorite thing in the world.

#route 613 #namjoon x reader #Kim namjoon x reader #bts x reader #yoongi x reader #one scene of #vmin x reader #smut #bts smut #pokemon fanfiction #pokemon cross over #pokemon #pokemon au

[keilahseverin]

Spell your URL: keilahseverin

Spell out your URL using song titles that can describe your muse, then tag as many people as there are letters in your URL!

Tagged by @humblemooncat and @bananarose yessss 2x tags means 2x effort let's goooo

My URL = one of my WOL's name because I am so very creative haha.

This was HARD, but uhhh I made it hard on myself. I approached this a little differently from the description above and built a "soundtrack" based on Keilah's story. I had several criteria for picking songs here:

Can't pick two songs from the same band or source.

The lyrics of the song, if any, have to be relevant to Keilah's personality or life somehow.

The overall vibe of the song has to fit Keilah.

No FFXIV OST, that would be too easy (but other FF titles were fair game... even though none of them made the cut, lul).

I think the criteria worked, because I was able to fish around in my library and memory for a collection of songs that I think represents Keilah well in many different ways! (Plus, new story brainworms moved in how about that??)

If you decide to do this challenge, I encourage you to find a fun way to represent your muse that makes sense for you! Song titles, songs from OSTs only, whatever :)

---

Here is the soundtrack:

K - Kid A, Radiohead - I slip away, I slipped on a little white lie

E - E. Is Stable, Menomena - Coldness sets in like fingernails raked across the door

I - I Walked, Sufjan Stevens - I would not have run off, but I couldn't bear that it's me, it's my fault

L - La cathédrale engloutie (The Sunken Cathedral), Debussy - The slow, quiet buildup conjuring images of a drowned cathedral slowly emerging from the sea... only for the waves to roll back in, engulfing the cathedral, as they ever have. I can't help but picture Keilah's big discoveries about her own past taking place during this song. Okay and maybe I cheated a little using the French version of the name "But Keilah there is also an S in your name" Yes shhh quiet it's okay shhhhh.

A - Area Zero, multiple composers/arrangers (Pokémon Scarlet & Violet OST) [potential Pokémon SV late-game spoiler!]- The mysterious feel of this track-- like you're stumbling upon knowledge you shouldn't be witness to-- fits well with Keilah's personal journey.

H - Hand in my Pocket, Alanis Morissette - I'm sad, but I'm laughing. I'm brave, but I'm chicken shit. I'm sick, but I'm pretty, baby

S - Sacrifice, The Weeknd - Every time you try to fix me, I know you'll never find that missing piece

E - Emil (Sacrifice), Keiichi Okabe (Nier Replicant 1.22... OST) - "There are as many ways to view the world as there are people in it."

V - Valley of Calm Trees, Klaxons - While passing through the clouds of diamond dust as two mock suns arise beside our one, the sun-dogs guide the way towards the east and set behind the valley of calm trees

E - Exit This Earth's Atomosphere, Camellia - keilahbossfight.mp3

R - Recover, Chvrches - And if I recover, will you be my comfort? Or it can be over. Or we can just leave it here

I - Invincible, Muse - Don't give up the fight. You will be alright, 'cause there's no one like you in the universe

N - No One Knows, Queens of the Stone Age - I drift along the ocean, dead lifeboat in the sun, and come undone

---

Tagging 13 people here we go, 0 pressure to do this especially if it's not your thing, more of an FYI hi this might be cool if you want: @archaiclumina @miqomonkly @gobbie-boom @ravendas-xiv @ishgardmuffin @umbralaether @irisopranta @emetkoto @arinaxiv @emc2beans @protection-and-pleasure @whimsyxiv @wingedasarath and of course anyone else that stumbles upon this and wants to try!

Feel free to do this with your character's name instead, whatever floats your boat really heh heh.

#thank you for the tag! #ffxiv #final fantasy xiv #ffxiv viera #ffxiv wol #keilah severin #ffxiv oc #music #playlist #oc playlist #oc soundtrack #tag game

[theblurbwitchproject]

Kiki's Delivery Service by Eiko Kadono

Published: June 1, 2021 Publisher: Sourcebooks Fire

The Author

Eiko Kadono is a Japanese author and has published nearly two hundred original works, most of which are books for children. In 1985, she published the children's novel Majo no Takkyūbin, which was later adapted into the Hayao Miyazaki animated film with the same title. Both the novel and the film are known by the English title Kiki's Delivery Service. The book was awarded the Hans Christian Andersen Award, among others, and she followed on this success with four sequels in the same series. She lives in the Kanagawa prefecture of Japan.

˗ˏˋ ´ˎ˗

The Story

Half-witch Kiki never runs from a challenge. So when her thirteenth birthday arrives, she's eager to follow a witch's tradition: choose a new town to call home for one year. Brimming with confidence, Kiki flies to the seaside village of Koriko and expects that her powers will easily bring happiness to the townspeople. But gaining the trust of the locals is trickier than she expected. With her faithful, wise-cracking black cat, Jiji, by her side, Kiki forges new friendships and builds her inner strength, ultimately realizing that magic can be found in even the most ordinary places.

˗ˏˋ ´ˎ˗

The Vibe: coming of age, whimsical, cosy, episodic adventures, wholesome, quirky, comfort read

The Style: japanese translation, children's literature, middle grade, chapter book, cute illustrations

Trigger Warnings: none

˗ˏˋ ´ˎ˗

The Review

Writing this review in 2024, I'd be surprised if you hadn't already seen, or at the very least heard of, Studio Ghibli's 1989 film Kiki's Delivery Service. As with all Ghibli movies, it is a lovingly animated piece with quirky characters and a wonderful soundtrack. Less people may be aware that, rather than being an original screenplay, the movie was based off the 1985 children’s novel of the same name.

According to Kadono, the story itself was inspired by a drawing her daughter drew of a witch flying through the sky with a radio, musical notes dancing around her. When creating Kiki, Kadono framed the character around her own daughter, who was also 12-years-old at the time. Drawing inspiration from her own daughter definitely brought life to Kiki, who experiences thoughts and feelings that all young girls go through in a considered and realistic way. I feel that this is the true heart of the story, and is why it touched so many people when it hit the big screen. The book itself is written for Middle Grade readers, and is a very simple story that adult readers could knock out in a day.

“I want everything to be brand-new - my clothes, my shoes, my broom, too. I want to be reborn. I’m sure Mom’ll say, ‘You’re from a long line of witches, so you need to value the old.” But I’m me. I’m a new witch.”

As with the film adaptation, the novel starts with Kiki preparing to leave home for her “Coming-of-Age” day, an event which kick-starts the year of mandatory independence that every 13 year-old witch is required to undertake. (It gives me a Pokémon vibe; how such young characters are encouraged to leave home to undertake some huge adventure on their own.) Kiki is confident in herself in the way only a child could be. She’s ready to start her life on her terms, but over the course of the story she begins to grow and experience cute developmental moments that show that she is moving on from childhood and becoming more knowledgeable about the world around her. These moments really show Kadono’s understanding of young girls like her daughter. Kiki begins to have doubts and questions about how things work as she settles in her new town, but still manages to make herself a little home above a shop owned by the lovely Osono, a friendly and heavily pregnant baker. If more people were like Osono, maybe kids could actually have more wholesome adventures out in the world??

How can I discuss Kiki without talking about her familiar, the black cat, Jiji? Within the lore of the book, a new-born witches’ mother searches for a black kitten born around the same time as her daughter, so that they can be raised together (super cute!). As they grow, they develop a special relationship and learn to communicate in their own language that no one else can understand. It turns out that Jiji is particularly sassy and can be a little cranky, but always comes through for Kiki when she needs help. While he can talk, Jiji is very much a cat, “Jiji shot her a reproachful glance and then made up his mind to ignore her altogether.” If you liked Jiji in the movie, you won’t be disappointed in his book counterpart; he’s just the best, and a good companion for Kiki as she sets off into the world on her Coming-of-Age day.

“Gradually, everyone’s waving hands below grew harder to see, and all the lights of the town twinkled like a starry night turned upside down. The full moon hung in the sky, watching over Kiki. Eventually even the lights of the town faded, and all she could see below were mountains shaped like the dark backs of animals.”

Kiki chooses to settle in a seaside town called Koriko, and most of the novel focuses around her living in Osono’s spare room and running “Kiki’s Delivery Service”, her own small business. She meets a whole bunch of unusual characters, some of whom would fit perfectly into a Roald Dahl story. Her slow ingratiation into the hearts of the town is well done, considering the episodic nature of each chapter and the simplistic narration. In the witchy tradition of Kadono’s universe, Kiki doesn’t accept payments for her deliveries; she takes small things in return like food or being taught a new skill. In this way, she grows as a person and becomes more self-sufficient, while still experiencing typical tween-girl issues like dealing with crushes, “Mysterious? Is that how I’m supposed to act? Maybe there’s something wrong with me?” The book walks the fine line between simple writing and slightly deeper exploration of Kiki’s character extremely well.

While the film is very faithful to the core characters, especially Kiki, Jiji and Osono, there are a number of plot differences in the book. The young painter who lives in the woods is there, although she doesn’t play as large of a role in the novel. Tombo is also a side character, and while he is still a friend of Kiki’s there are a few major differences in his storyline, although they still have a cute, innocent courtship. The novel gives more emphasis to the various jobs that Kiki completes in her career as a flying courier, and no major crisis of confidence occurs that causes Kiki to forget how to fly her broom or talk to Jiji. Like I said, this is a children’s book, and even small amounts of movie melancholy aren’t present; it’s sweet and heart-warming rather than inserting drama for the narrative’s sake.

“Kiki, make sure you come back, all right? We’re so happy to have a witch as our neighbor. Everyone says that if they go three days without seeing you flying through the sky, they feel like something is missing.”

If you’re a big fan of the Studio Ghibli film, this book is worth checking out, if only to spend a little bit more time seeing Jiji being the sass master that he is, but remember that it is very much a children’s book and therefore a super simple read. I would definitely recommend it for younger readers, particularly if they enjoy stories like The Worst Witch by Jill Murphy. Kiki’s Delivery Service is very cosy and wholesome; if you feel like reading the book equivalent of a hot chocolate on a cold day, it’s one for you.

Rating: 🌕🌕🌕🌑🌑

[Goodreads]

#Kiki's Delivery Service #Eiko Kadono #Majo no Takkyūbin #Studio Ghibli #book review #bookblr #reading #books #witch fiction #witches #witchy #witchblr #witchy books #witchcore #witchy vibes #witch #witch books #ghiblicore #ghibli aesthetic #jiji

[goldenrodserenity]

...Oh? Is this working?

Wonderful! Let's try this again.

Hello, ROTOMBLR! My name is GRACE. I'm a NURSE JOY working at the GOLDENROD CITY POKéMON CENTER in JOHTO. I signed up for this site some time ago, but it appears my account was erased...which is fine. I can simply start again here. ♡

I only have one POKéMON- a BLISSEY named SERENITY. She's a doll, haha...and she's also where my username comes from.

What else about me can I say...? I like taking walks in the NATIONAL PARK. Oh, and I simply adore the GOLDENROD RADIO. I'm friends with one of the RADIO HOSTS, actually. Haha.

I suppose that's all for now. I'm always looking forward to meeting new people, so don't be afraid to talk to me. Nights run quite long in GOLDENROD, so...the company's nice. That's all. ♡

//Pelipper "Pidgeot" Mail is On! Magic Anons and Musharna Mail/Malice are Off!

More ooc stuff under here \/

Howdy! @skrelpson here, back with another horrible financial decision. Grace here is a muse mixup madness oc that corrupted my brain so bad I made a blog just for her <3

Rules!

-No NSFW.

-Low Stakes blog!

-Anyone can interact! Just know that Grace is perpetually stuck in 1999 Gen 2, which means her knowledge is very limited. She doesn't know anything outside of what was introduced in Gen 2- so if you come to her with a question about, say, Spinda or Oran Berries, she's not gonna know about it. Whoops.

-There will be some elements of Glitch Pokemon on here! Grace is in GSC, so there'll be references to like...bad eggs and stuff on occasion. Feel free to move along if that kind of thing'll make you uncomfortable! 😎👍

-Grace will post late(r) at night for me! Starting from like 6-10. Just because that's when she's working, and I want this blog to have a late-night, relaxing kind of feel? I have no idea uh ajkdgfgladg

-Uh that's it! Gn

#pkmn irl #pokemon irl #rotomblr #pokeblogging #intro post

[prince-kallisto]

Saguaro and 1950s Femininity vs Masculinity

So, I was working on doing another clothing analysis (as I did with Larry’s suit), this time for Saguaro. However, the more I delved into Saguaro’s style, I realized how deep his insecurity lies, just through his clothes! Each piece of clothing connected more and more with the 1950s, the point I decided to make a separate post for the historical references. I will be making a post dedicated to analyzing his clothes though! ^_^

Quick disclaimer: I am not an expert in fashion or history, this is from my own personal knowledge, research, and passion on the topic. If there are any corrections or additions you’d like to make, please let me know!

Pokémon has lately been experimenting with more cultures outside of Japan, and has long history with Pokémon US. Even in the original Red and Blue, we have Lt. Surge aka the “Lightning American.” This trend continues within Saguaro, whose outfit immediately struck me as being inspired from American 1950s fashion.

The pink, yellow, and purple of his blouse is reminiscent of the 1950s color palette. These colors dominated interior design, fashion, and cars. The vertical stripes in his blouse were also a booming design trend in the 50s. French fashion was a huge inspiration to both Europe and America at the time, so it appeared in women’s clothing a lot. Now, the pink and yellow stripes give off a nearly-dated and sentimental look. But with his pants and shoes, he pulls it together in a contemporary, cute outfit (my future fashion analysis will go in-depth on this).

He wears a pink hair bow and his apron is adorned with a purple one. Again, bows were all in the rage in the 50s, especially as film stars like Audrey Hepburn influenced the fashion world. The bows were subtle and dainty, decorating the hair, waist, and neckline. It’s very significant that he wears an apron, one that even has a homemade touch. See the cute patches? The stitching on them implies he must have sewn them on himself. Anyways, the apron is practically the symbol of the 50s housewives.

When you think of the American 1950s, the image of the Housewife is probably what comes to mind. And although the role of the Housewife was, in reality, grueling, the romanticization still had a huge impact. America was in the Post War era, with men returning to their homes and families. As such, more women began to return to the household, as during the war, women took up the empty positions in the workforce. Not only did American ideals wanted people to revert back to the perfect family, the 50s was the period of the Cold War. It was basically a culture battle between America and Russia, which gave America all the more reason to spread their propaganda of the perfect, nuclear family. And as such, the feminine, submissive homemaker who kept the house tidy and had dinner ready with a smile. All while keeping up on latest fashion trends, of course. This was the made-up norm, not the reality, but the way it influenced gendered roles was irreparable.

This is not to say that Japanese culture has nothing to do with though. Quite the opposite in fact: it’s the key to understanding Saguaro’s insecurities. Post World War II, Japan started taking more influences from Western culture than ever, the boom starting around 1945. The Sengyo-shufu (専業主婦) was rising in popularity, meaning the “full-time housewife.” However, this was met with a controversial reception by Japanese women.

In 1955, an essay critiquing the housewife was submitted to a feminist magazine called Fujin Kōron (Women’s Review). The housewife, according to this essay, was a lazy consumer that only gossiped with other housewives, while her husband did all the dirty work. (I’d like to note how Saguaro says his classroom is a place where students gossip. He also considers his Home Ec classroom is be a “palace.”)

This sparked a scandalous debate (ronsō) in the magazine through essays, nicknamed the Housewife Debate, primarily between women. It went on from 1955 to 1979, through AT LEAST 33 essays. Since it was a feminist magazine, both Japanese working women and housewives were reading through this debate of what their role should be. Several essays defended housewives, while others took a neutral stance and said the home, kitchen, and work place weren’t gendered places. But as these were a product of passion, both working women and housewives were heavily insulted and criticized in these essays, pitting both sides against each other.

But what does Saguaro have to do with the 1950s and housewives??

Everything.

Saguaro symbolizes, and is a product of, the Housewife Debate and American propaganda. The pink, the apron, the bows: Definitely a subversion of what you would expect from an imposing man like him. But these aspects play into the image of the 1950s housewife. And as he’s the teacher of Home Economics, I don’t think it’s a coincidence.

But wait, (somehow) this isn’t all! Back to his outfit, let’s consider the loafers and suspenders. Generally masculine fashion that’s considered old-fashioned. Saguaro gives it a contemporary twist with the silver buckles, but it’s still very traditional, very gentlemanly. I’d like to note how the suspenders are holding up the apron.

With everything I discussed, you can see the conflicting ideals in his outfit; the mesh of traditionally masculine and feminine pieces. Saguaro is stuck in time with his perceptions of what a man is supposed to be, and his clothing reflects his beliefs. It’s why there’s references to the heavily-gendered 1950s

I know for a fact it isn’t a coincidence, because in this amazing post by @shinyhappydigistar, I learned that in Japanese, Saguaro uses an archaic pronoun: wagahai. It was used by masculine authority figures that demand respect. It’s also very arrogant. He’s trying to project his idea of masculinity as an attempt to hide his feminine interests.

Saguaro is deeply insecure about himself and the role he’s “supposed” to play as a man. It’s clear he loves what he does, but when it comes to how others see him, he’s terrified of others finding out. He even says so himself that he has some narrow-minded views. Embarrassment over liking sweets and cute things doesn’t come out of no where.

Here, he says “I’ve spent my entire life trying to maintain the image that others have of me.” It’s an insecurity stemming from his childhood, as something he must have experienced from the adults around him. Of course, we know very little of him in canon, but these lines imply incredibly important things about his character.

The history is important to consider in a multi-faceted way, because these subjects are complicated. Especially with characters like Saguaro, who seem to have grown up with a strict binary of gender expression. He is the “gruff yet homey” Mr. Saguaro, and he’s having trouble accepting both sides of himself. He’s pitting his perception of masculine and feminine ideals against each other, instead of accepting the fact he likes both.

I hope this provided some character insight, I was really shocked the more I broke down his outfit! But maybe that’s just me haha (*⁰▿⁰*) It bums me out that character design, especially clothing, is underestimated in media communication. There’s A LOT to be said in a character’s clothes- deliberately drawn. Pokémon is a shining example of this, as I’m also learning through this analysis journey. Saguaro is an incredibly complicated character built from complicated history and self-expression. A lot of love was put into all of the SV characters, each going through their own journeys in life, making them more real than ever. I hope you liked it! ^_^

#pokemon saguaro #mr saguaro #saguaro #pokemon sv #he’s in suuuuuch conflicted agony <3 #pls he’s so underrated #analysis #kallistopost #long post

[koffing-time]

[an audio file, a recording from a radio show!

GOOOOOD Afternoon Hoenn and whoever listens in! Back with battles, back with tension, this is 99.9 FM Battleradio Hoenn! We are waiting for our Reporters to come in from Fortree City where a tournament is held for the Fireleaf Festival!

That’s right! We are here waiting for the very first battle to begin for the “Battles under the Big Tree” Tournament! My name is Thomas Lorraine and Melanie Shuckle is here with me reporting LIVE from the event! The first round is about to start and we see two almost monotype-teams already on the field!

Thanks Tom! Yes, indeed a Monotype Flying Team from Camper Terrell who is here, defending the Fortree City Gyms honour against Trainer Tix, a foreign trainer coming here all the way from Unova! They even participated in the Bake of yesterday and won 2nd prize! And now they try their skill in the tournament with an ALMOST mono-poison type team! Only their Rotom is the odd one out!

Now, Mel, lets summarize the matchup before the fight begins! Since you already mentioned the Rotom, let’s complete Tix team: We have: Toxicroak, Toxtricity, Clodsire, Crobat and Scolipede! I think it’s worth mentioning that Rotom is in its Heat-Form! Maybe even possessing Tix own oven?

Tom you clown! Anyways, Terrell is bringing his well-known Taillow and Swellow into the fight who are his aces in the gym! But he’s got them well supported by Skarmory, Dodrio, Fearow and a Noivern! Tom, what do you think about this matchup?

Well, Monotype Teams are usually easier to assess, and i think that’s the case here! While Flying and Poison Type usually have a neutral matchup, i think Tix has clearly the upper hand here! TWO electric types are already a HUGE boost for them and the fact that Rotom is in its Heat-Form will give another edge, especially against Skarmory who is immune to the Poison-STAB-moves. On the other hand, i do not see many type-based advantages on Terrells side!

Tom, i think i can’t actually add a lot to this! Let’s hope Terrell won’t be shut down too hard by this unfortunate Matchup! Oh- We are not bad with our timing, they are recalling their Pokémon and the referee is counting down to begin the battle!

There we go Mel! The Lead we are seeing is certainly interesting! I’m not sure if Tix meant to send out Toxicroak first, but Skarmory was an expected lead from Terrell!

Well, if Skarmory is trying to set up Entry-Hazards, Toxicroak might become a dangerous opponent, and we have no knowledge of his moveset yet! Oh and Tix is bold and just goes for the Swords Dance! Will they be punished or is Terrell going for the obvious Spikes?

NO Mel, he is not! An offensive Brave Bird Attack immediately OHKO’s Toxicroak that is NOT a good first round for Tix! But if i’m honest i didn’t expect Toxicroak to do much in this matchup anyways! What will we see now?

An interesting move from Tix to say the least! That is Crobat! What do they hope to do against Skarmory with Crobat Tom?

I have no idea Melanie, but what will Skarmory do against Crobat either? NOTHING it would seem! Terrell switches out! That is… Dodrio! Dodrio is coming in! AND WHAT IS THIS? Crobat uses Tailwind, very clever! You see, Terrells Team is very fast while Tix has barely any fast threats! And while we see Dodrio set up a Swords Dance just like Toxicroak, Tix switches again! This time Toxtricity comes in!

Tom, i think the battle is turning quickly! Toxtricity is VERY fast now and those Electric Type Moves will do a LOT of work here!

Yes Mel, i think Terrell just lost his composure! He is Staring in disbelief, his Dodrio just got absolutely DESTROYED by that Toxtricity! That was an Overdrive and Tix just drove over Terrells plans i think!

Tom, please don’t make any more puns today. Anyways, Terrell wouldn’t be a Gym Trainer if that would be the end of the battle already! He sends in his Noivern! Yes, i think that’s the only viable play here since it is not vulnerable to the Overdrive like the others.

MELANIE did you see that? Toxtricity does not care at all! She is just standing there, MENACINGLY! Playing Music, and breaking into a solo to release another Overdrive! And it is simply too much for Noivern, Terrell is in real trouble right now! His Noivern went down so fast!

Tom, it’s not looking good for the Fortree Gym here! Terrell sends out his Fearow, but i’m not sure what his plan is!

Mel, i have to say i think he’s not sure either! Because we are seeing a real quick battle here! Fearow comes out of her ball and immediately drops down as well! Terrell has only three Pokémon left, and all three are not well equipped to deal with Toxtricity!

Yes, yes you are right! His next choice is Swellow it seems! Or is it Taillow? No! No, it is Swellow!

Yes, that is Swellow indeed, but it seems Crobats Tailwind from earlier has subsided and Toxtricity has lost a bit of her speed! At least, ouch my ears! That was a Boomburst from Swellow. I think Toxtricity felt that too, but it is NOT enough to knock her out! instead, that’s it for Swellow, fainting from one more Overdrive!

There it is! That is Taillow now! I think Terrell has accepted that he will be defeated? Maybe? I’m not sure, that Taillow has trouble a few Gym challengers in the past!

Yes Mel, and Terrell has not given up yet it seems! Taillow is quick on the move and that is a very quick move by the little bird! Is that a Brave Bird? Or was it a Façade, i can’t quite tell!

It does not matter Tom, it was not enough to take out Toxtricity, and there goes Taillow! Oh my arc, a sweep to open the Tournament like that!

Don’t say that yet Mel, Terrell still has his Skarmory and he is sending it out right- OH MY ARC MEL! NEVERMIND THAT, THIS OVERDRIVE WAS SO FAST! AND IT KNOCKED SKARMORY CLEAN OUTTA THE SKY! WE HAVE OUR FIRST WINNER!

YES! YES WE DO! IT IS TRAINER TIX FROM UNOVA! WHAT CAN BE SAID TO-

the recording stops here.]

#brandy boasting #pokeblogging #pkmn irl #pokemon irl #fortree fireleaf festival #long post

[randomwriteronline]

Do You Want Me To Write You Something? Commissions open

If you don't want to read it all go ahead and compile this, it's a more succint version of this post and you can order already from there. Do send an ask or DM after because this bastard doesnt notify me at All.

How does it work?

Contact me via ask or DM and check if I am familiar with what you would like me to write. If I am, or if I feel confident enough in my knowledge of the source to write about it, proceed with your request.

Requests must include plot, characters involved, tone*, what not to include**, and approximate length. I might ask for more specific scenes or plot points to be added if I find myself unable to come up with enough stuff to reach the word count.

If asked, I can show the work in progress; I will otherwise only share it once it's done. It can still be altered afterwards.

*silly, fluff, hurt/comfort, horror, surreal, Just Hanging Out...

**ranges from content (i.e. alcohol, smoking) to themes/tropes (i.e. reincarnation)

Do you do original works?

Yes. Requests of this kind will need to be extremely specific and to include as much information about the setting and characters as possible, since I will have no source other than you and if somebody messed up portraying my own original characters I know for a fact I would cry. Describe everything in enough detail so I cannot fuck up.

This also applies to AUs.

Do you do NSFW / suggestive?

If you're upfront about it, yes. Do not let me in on it only after I already agreed and only because I asked for clarification, especially if it's fetish content. It's happened before. I despised it.

Unless requested otherwise, sex will not be detailed and genitals will be unspecified. Kinks can be requested but I won't write something that makes me uncomfortable (i.e. anything with piss). Non-con is only allowed as a kink scene; p*do and b*stial are flat out rejected.

Can I post my commission?

If it's NSFW, I'd rather it remains unpublished. For others, if you properly credit me, sure.

How/When do I pay?

Paypal or ko-fi. I will share the necessary information once the commission is finished to proceed with the payment.

How much does it cost?

Up to 100 words - 2 euro

100 to 500 words - 5 euro

500 to 1k words - 7 euro

1k to 2.5k words - 10 euro

2.5k to 5k words - 15 euro

5k to 7k words - 20 euro

7k to 10k words - 25 euro

Above 10k words: 30 euro*

*+5 euro for each additional 5k words

What sources do you usually write about / have written about / are knowledgeable of?

Bendy and The Ink Machine, The Legend of Zelda (varied games), Pokémon Legends Arceus, Pokémon Black/White and Black 2/White 2, Dark Deception, Darkest Dungeon, Ace Attorney, Dark Souls (trilogy).

Where can I find your works to check out your writing style?

In #random writing and on my Ao3 account.

How long will it take?

Unfortunately it depends entirely on how my brain feels like making it take, but I will do my best to be quick. Longer works will of course require longer times.

OK THATS IT, thank you for reading all this! please reblog if youd like

#commissions #writing commissions #open comm #random talks