The Pink Spinda

The Pink Spinda
Chapter Four


The morning light shone happily through the small, dirty window of the dismal apartment as the two occupants sat on either side of a counter in what could pass as a kitchen. They continued to ignore the cheerful sunlight straining to break through the grimy glass in favour of their breakfast.

Will slouched in his seat even further as he tried to imagine a more vibrant taste to his otherwise bland cereal. Looking over at the man sat opposite him he whined; “why did you have to get this stuff? It’s foul.”

The redhead glanced over to his friend, “it was the most boring stuff I could find,” he mumbled between mouthfuls of his own colourful cereal. “You remember what happened last time you ate this stuff?” he motioned to his bowl.

“No…” the sickly man said quietly, quite obviously lying.

Lance snorted as he sat up straight. “Yes, you do. What happened?” he asked as if lecturing a small child.

A silent moment of resistance met the question before Will answered, “ah, I kicked you.”

“And?”

“Karen too.”

“That’s right!” Lance admonished. “You had some sort of seizure; rolling and flapping about like that…”

“It wasn’t a seizure!” Will blurted.

The purple-haired man was loath to admit he’d had any sort of episode on the floor of his best friend’s flat. Although he wouldn’t admit to anything he’d been told by numerous people it had indeed happened to him before, and was happening more and more frequently. He, however, could never remember such a things happening and refused any medical help.

How could he accept any of the financial help the ‘Spinda offered him knowing full well he’d be taking it away from Erika and her mother.

Eventually he’d accepted the offer to live with Lance; someone who could safely look over him. But… speaking of Erika… why hadn’t she been to work lately?

“Honestly, I don’t think the sugar is good for you, Will,” Lance’s statement snapped him from his thoughts. “Hence why I didn’t get you any Rainbow Drops!” the redhead continued smugly, stabbing at his multicoloured cereal again.

Will sighed. “But this Oat Bran… it’s like eating cardboard, “ he complained breathlessly.

“Ah, you’ll get over it,” Lance smirked.

The two friends continued with their breakfast in comfortable silence. Every other bite of the boring cereal Will would hold the spoon to his shoulder allowing the small green Pokemon sat there to eat.

The Natu chirped happily as it ate it’s full before flitting from it’s Master and across the room to perch harmfully on the battered fireplace in the studio flat. Once settled the small psychic bird’s eyes slowly slid shut as it supposedly looked towards the future.

The flat both men lived in consisted of only two rooms - one big floor separated into areas including the kitchen, bedroom and general space for living. The only other small room was the bathroom. Studio flats were popular and fashionable in Slateport but the flat Lance owned was grimy and generally dark and unkempt - and not all of it the occupant’s fault. It was old fashioned and much of the wood finishing which was once healthy and strong was rotting and falling apart.

But despite both men’s attempts (and other occupants on other levels) to clean, the whole building was beyond help. Had the tower of flats been visible to the tourism centre of the seaside city then it would have been levelled years ago, so it was fortunate they lived in the boondocks.

But despite the building’s many flaws and dangerous living conditions, Lance owned his flat; it wasn’t rented like Will’s own flat was. There was no danger of being thrown onto the streets with the redhead.

And everyone resented to live in the club.

While watching the brown bran flakes in his bowl merge into a large disgusting clump Will looked over to his friend. “D-do you… where do you suppose Erika has gone?”

Lance shook his head. He replied without taking his eyes off his sugary breakfast; “I wish I knew. She’s just disappeared.”

“Do you really think she drugged Wallace?”

“It’s only been two days,” Lance said quietly, deliberately avoiding the second question. “Maybe something has happened to her mother and she’s sleeping at the hospital…”

Although it was obvious neither Lance nor Wallace mixed well with each other they were both in the top Four at the club. Will himself was just another average worker and as such, was never told all the information. He hated to pry, but Erika had gone to great lengths to help him and he wanted to help her however possible.

“Lance…” he solemnly pleaded with the redhead.

“Will, I honestly don’t know,” Lance replied. “It’s not the sort of thing she’d do, but Wallace isn’t exactly a liar either. Glacia’s in such a state too. But it’s only been two days and Steven’s still at the hospital.”

“Guess we’ll have to wait until he comes back,” Will summarised.

Lane nodded as he threw back his bowl, draining the milk. “Hey, maybe Steven does know but he’s too busy fussing around his little pet to tell the rest of us,” he said putting the bowl back down.

The sickly man shook his head slowly, deciding not to point out the flaws in his friend’s thoughts. Surely, if that was the case, Steven would have told Glacia. She was his closest contact and he placed a great deal of trust in the woman.

He decided to change the subject, trusting his friend to keep him updated should anything else occur. “What time does the club open tonight?”

“Ten o’clock,” Lance replied robotically. “It’s Tuesday so it should be quieter today. At least I don’t have any reservations tonight anyway.”

“That’s good,” Will said to himself.

“It’s not good,” Lance frowned, overhearing the comment. “We’ve only got a week of oil left,” the redhead continued as he span around on his stool at the sound of footsteps climbing the fire escape. “I’ve not made enough to pay for another month so I wouldn’t be expecting any hot water for a bit.”

Will laughed, also peering towards the large window leading to the fire escape. “It’s summer! We can leave it on the balcony during the day. That’ll do the trick.”

Though he did feel incredibly guilty about being unable to help bring in money to help with their living costs; Lance had taken a more masculine role and forbid him from doing anything too stressful while he provided for them both.

“Naaauu!” Natu chirped with alarm from across the room as a blonde woman climbed in from the fire escape.

“Your Natu didn’t see me coming, Will?” Karen sneered playfully. “Umbreon’s a far better guard dog. “

Deciding to forfeit his breakfast Will shook his head. “She’s just a baby,” he justified.

“Anyway, you guys! You’ve gotta come down to the harbour right now!”

“Has a new fishing ship come in?” Lance asked hopefully. He and Karen would often visit the harbour when a long distance fishing trip returned to port. His Dragonair had proved a pro at stealing fish and staying hidden simultaneously. Fresh fish was a welcome treat to their diet.

The blonde shook her head. “Better!” She waited a dramatic moment.

“Well, what is it!?” Lance barked, angry his hopes had been dashed so easily.

Karen brushed her friend off smoothly, “it’s Silph! He’s getting grilled by the press,” she jeered.

Will looked around, “what’s so good about that?”

“Augh, just come on!” she beckoned them to follow as she clambered out of the window again. “This is something we’ll have to report to Steven!” The two men glanced at each other before, too, climbing for the fire escape. Natu swiftly flew across the room again to perch on her Master’s head.

“I don’t see why we have to report to Steven,” Lance grumbled as he carefully followed his blonde friend down the side of the dank building.

“If we don’t keep a track of things then we can’t taunt the police,” Karen smirked as she continued her decent knowing full well Lance would be smirking at that too. “Besides, we don’t want Silph over here anyway.”

Quickly the trio dropped the small distance from the broken ladder to the dumpster and finally to the floor. Karen patted off her black and violet dress thoroughly before leading the way to the harbour.

^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^

An impressive crowd had gathered around a single man, they saw as they approached. Flashes of cameras blinked relentlessly and people from numerous media backgrounds shoved their microphones in the man’s direction. The noise the rambunctious crowd was making had scared off even the bravest of Wingull.

Non too quietly the trio came up behind two unfortunate media persons who were stuck at the back of the loud group. Nonetheless, despite being at the back the man taking refuge from the pushy men and women demanding his attention was clearly visible.

His shocking violet hair curled carefully around his face in a smart haircut. An expensive black suit and tie adorned his body with matching trousers, yet he wore a long, tatty overcoat (which had seen better days) over his dark outfit. The perfect shine of his shoes and the gentlemanly hat clutched in his hands drew yet more contrast to his surroundings - the dock.

The man held his hands up and yelled with a loud voice; “hold back! Hold back!”

Karen snorted, crossing her arms. “Does he seriously think that’ll shut everyone up?” she said to the back of the head of the man in front of her, but addressing her friends.

“Everyone’s really angry,” Will observed.

“No surprise,” the man stood in front of Karen spoke as he turned to them. His navy hat sat at a jaunty angle and dark hair shadowing half of his face.“ This is all the Hoenn media,“ he informed them.

The shorter man stood next to him with thick rimmed glasses looked up at them from under his red hat. “No one’s happy he’s here,” he added.

“I’ll say,” Lance commented as Silph started talking again.

The Kanto man held his hands up to indicate silence but the opposite happened; the crowd grew louder and more rough. “Ladies, gentlemen!” he started. “I understand your anxiety towards my company, but I can assure you we do not intend a hostile takeover!” The crowd thundered their hate of him louder as he continued. “We are merely extending our services to other countries. We are on good terms with Devon Corp, I assure you!”

“And we all know what “services” they’re extending,” Karen quipped drawing a chuckle from both her male companions.

“What services?” the young bespectacled paparazzi asked curiously.

“Nothing, kid,” Karen replied shortly.

“To say he’s the head of Silph Co he’s not very commanding is he?” Will said. “Not what I expected from Steven’s comments.”

“He’s a thoroughly ruthless businessman though,” the navy clad paparazzi commented sternly. “Maybe even more so than any other tycoon.”

Natu chirped with surprise as her Master shook his head, “I don’t believe it,” he said.

Suddenly their conversation was cut short as the media crowd lulled into almost silence. Everyone looked over to Silph as a beautiful young woman with hair a shade between red and violet stood beside him. Her suit matched that of Silph’s albeit with a knee-length skirt.

“Oh, wow,” Lance stuttered. Karen scowled at her friend before surveying the crowd; with being a male dominated group she found most of them simply staring.

“That’s Lorelei Silph,” the man in blue whispered to her, “Silph’s eldest daughter.”

The young woman stood next to her father, adjusted her glasses but otherwise remained silent. Silph spoke into the quiet with a rich voice, “I am aware many of you were present at the latest meeting between myself and Mr Stone. Matters regarding our “takeover” of Devon and Hoenn have been grossly over exaggerated. We intend nothing less than some healthy competition.”

The gathering mumbled and shuffled but nonetheless seemed to accept his words, though how they would report them was still up in the air. With much grace Lorelei Silph hopped down from the elevated ledge her and her father had been stood upon and held out a hand to help her father down. Together, they closely left the docking area.

Not long after then did a fair amount of paparazzi chase after them, but the couple stood near Karen, Lance and Will remained with a small fraction of others all chattering to each other quickly. Both Lance and Karen found it difficult to listen in on their parroting but Will closely took note of anything important.

“Why do you think they were alone on the docks? No bodyguard or anything,” the bespectacled brunette asked his partner in blue.

“I don’t know,” the taller man breathed. “Why did Miss Silph only come when Silph couldn’t control the crowd any longer? Where was she hiding? Silph is such a cunning dog, feigning incompetence like that. There‘s no question he couldn’t have handled the situation.”

“And what’s with that gross old coat?” the younger bog laughed.

His partner laughed along with him, though almost nervously. “Either way, we were too late to get a good position. We were too far back for me to get any good pictures and you can’t have recorded anything decent. Your father will be furious with us,” he noted while tapping a small notepad with a pen. “The League is always the forerunner; he‘s not used to failure.”

“Oh no… I forgot about dad,” the brunette moaned, obviously distressed. “M-maybe if we could get the scoop on a better story he‘d forgive us?”

“A better story?” the man in navy asked incredulously. “An event with more importance than Silph Co launching a hostile takeover of Hoenn? There is no such thing. Nothing short of a manhunt would sell during this.”

“It was just a thought,” the younger man mumbled.

Will turned back to his friends as the pair of reporters started to converse about their fear of their boss and futile efforts in finding a better story. He held up a finger for Natu to perch on as Karen and Lance stared at him with expectant faces.

“Those two are from The League,” he started quietly.

“Oh, I love that paper,” Karen said.

Lance nodded, “yeah. It’s great for stuffing under the door to stop a draft coming in.” He laughed as Karen barked at him.

“Aaanyway,” the sickly man continued to try and avoid an oncoming argument between the blonde and the redhead. “They’re questioning Silph’s motive for being down on the docks here.”

“This place is a dump,” Karen agreed. “It’s not like he’d want to build an office here or anything.

“Maybe he wants to buy the harbour,” Lance suggested. “He’s probably rich enough. But what about that girl, Will!” he asked with too much enthusiasm.

Petting Natu on the head with a steady finger Will sighed. ”She’s Silph’s daughter - just like that man told us.”

“Wait! Is… she this Lorelei Steven’s always mumbling about?” Karen asked. “He seems more worried about her than he does about Silph himself…”

Will shrugged in reply; he didn’t speak with Steven that often and thus knew even less than his friend. “Silph is huge trouble for us. Just think; he could very well take over Devon and be our new head.”

“And you can be sure he’ll fire Steven for sure,” Karen added.

“That or he’d just report us to the police and we’ll be in jail for the rest of our lives,” Lance muttered.

The three stood together in silence for a long moment before Karen spoke up; “maybe it’s for the best that Erika’s disappeared. At least she won’t be on the front line like us,” she motioned to herself and Lance.

“She’s only been gone for two days,” Lance stated for the umpteenth time that morning, quite annoyed by now.

Will continued his nervous petting of his Pokemon. “I’m worried for her,” he said sadly.

“It’s okay Will,” Karen placed a hand on his shoulder lightly, “she’s probably just with her mother. No need to worry,” she said with a reassuring smile.

The purple-haired man nodded, “Lance said the same thing…”

“There you see!” Karen clapped her hands, “when has Lance ever lied to you? Everything’s fine.”

Nodding again, Will looked over to the redhead who was staring at the spot both Silph’s had previously been.

^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^

Professionally ignoring the trailing paparazzi on their tail Silph and his daughter continued to leave the harbour in a smart and orderly fashion.

“The car is waiting by the warehouse,” Lorelei informed her father.

“Good,” the tall man replied curtly.

They continued to walk, the silence only punctured by the scuffing of those behind them.

“The weather today is exquisite,” the young woman mentioned knowing full well only idle chat would garner them less attention from the vultures following them.

Her father nodded his handsome purple head in response, “indeed.”

“Slateport is a lovely tourist city,” she continued blandly.

“It is,” her father answered briskly.

“It would certainly be a nice place to live. Mother would enjoy it very much, I’m sure.”

“Quite.”

Turning the corner of another warehouse a shiny limo came into view, it’s driver stood stiffly by it’s side. The black-clad man saluted Silph and his daughter and opened the door for both before stepping back into the driver’s side. With a coarse rumble the car came to life and pushed mercilessly through the people gathered around snapping photos.

The two occupants of the vehicle remained sitting in silence until the driver pulled clear away from the docks. Shortly, Silph turned to his eldest daughter, “that was very good work, Lorelei.”

The young woman took the praise with a small smile. “You were excellent, father. They didn’t suspect a thing.”

“You’re too kind, cookie. But as you know; the media is brainless yet cunning. They can spin anything you say or do against you and bring one down in front of the public. You must be constantly on guard,” he motioned to the large man sat opposite them in the cabin. “You only need to be caught by one and they swarm.”

“I understand, father.”

“Furthermore, if you can outwit them at their own game you have them in the palm of your hand for the rest of their lives. Use them well and there is no end to your influences.”

“Yes, father,” Lorelei nodded.

“When we return to the hotel we shall revise our speech for the next meeting with the Stones. I have no doubt you will crush the young Stone but that does not excuse skipping any revisions.”

“Of course, father.”

“After all, cookie, this company will be all yours. Silph will be the biggest business in any and all countries. The Stones are far too timid; Hoenn shall be ours by the coming year.”

“I look forward to it, father.”

^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^

The flickering lights worried him as he sat beside his lover. Hospitals had always unnerved him and although the practice his lover had been taken to wasn’t busy, it still set his nerves on end.

It was an irrational fear, he knew. He couldn’t justify his fear but he guessed it stemmed down the childhood experience he’d had; his father had suffered a mild heart attack brought on by his high cholesterol levels. Though he was freed the very next day such an episode on a young child could be scarring.

Still, despite his dislike for hospitals he sat diligently by Wallace awaiting him to wake.

Jasmine had been in to check on both himself and her patient, and stated that everything was perfectly fine and that the thin man should awaken any time. She brought him another cup of water before leaving again.

The thought of being in a mafia centred hospital hadn’t occurred to him all night, and neither had Erika’s suspicious disappearance nor the wellbeing of the Pink Spinda under Glacia‘s command. The only thing running through his mind was willing his lover to be okay. Sleep had eluded him as he sat with the fair-haired man’s hand encased in his own.

The deafening silence in the room was suddenly punctured by a feeble groan. He jumped as the hand in his twitched and whipped his head around to look down on the form in the bed.

The man slowly raised his free arm to throw over his eyes - the bright white room clearly paining his sight.

Wallace made no other movements as Steven leaned over him carefully, still clutching his hand. “Wallace,” he whispered, “are you… awake?”

Another tired groan answered him as Wallace slightly inclined his head to that of the younger Stone. “St-Steven? … where… am I?”

“You’re in hospital,” the grey haired man answered quickly but clearly. “They pumped your stomach.”

Wallace tried to focus his eyes on his boss while answering; “w-why…?” he mumbled tiredly.

Steven shook his head sadly. “You took an overdose,” he finally admitted to himself.

The statement seemed to shock his lover as the man’s eyes suddenly came in to focus and he tried to sit up. After failing to right himself he looked over to Steven, “no, I didn’t.”

“What?“

“I took an aspirin,” he firmly said. “From the pharmacy. I had a headache.”

“But… you came to my office mentioning something about Erika,” Steven replied with uncertainty. Had he misheard? “Oh, never mind, the main thing is you’re okay,” he said softly before touching his lips against the back of the man’s hands. “I was so-”

“You thought I’d taken an overdose?” Wallace cut across him, trying to take his hand back. “Why would you think that? When have I ever expressed such a feeling to do so?”

Steven frowned at the curt tone as he freed the man’s hand. He watched as his lover sat up stiffly, hands folded in his lap and not making eye contact.

“I’m sorry, Wallace.” he said with dejected eyes. Desperately he wanted to hold the man’s hand, kiss him, love him, hold him… “but when you came into my office in a stupor, and collapsed… I-I didn’t know what to think.”

“An aspirin,” Wallace repeated. “That’s all I took.”

“Th-then… why?” Steven muttered quietly. He dropped his head into his hands, rubbing his temples. He trusted Wallace; no question. But if he’d only taken something for his headache in a sensible dose then why… why had he been acting as he had that night? It didn’t make sense.

Wallace saw Steven slump from the corner of his eye. The man looked tired and beaten as if he’d not slept in days. In fact he was still wearing the same clothes he had been two days ago - ones he’d personally picked out. His red eyes tightly shut his shoulders shaking as if he were crying…

“You mentioned something about Erika?” he asked in an altogether gentler tone.

Steven’s head jerked up, “oh, yes. You, uh, you mentioned her when you came in that night.”

Wallace bowed his head in confusion, “I did?”

“Yes,” Steven looked more hopeful as he continued. “You said she was a genius before… you passed out.”

“What?”

“You went to see her that day, remember? You were worried about missing her.”

Rubbing his face Wallace sighed, “I remember going to the pharmacy and taking an aspirin for my headache, then…” he held his hands out, staring at his palms as his lover hung on his every word, “I went to meet Erika behind the post office. We went to the fields outside the City to look for berries for Will… we found some…”

Steven clung to the edge of the bed, careful to keep his distance. “Then what?”

Wallace turned to look at him, “I don’t remember anything after that. Just… waking up here.”

“Really?” the grey haired man breathed. Wallace nodded.

“Erika should know, right?” Wallace smiled. “Haven’t you asked her yet?” he queried, rather shocked his lover hadn’t already.

Steven stalled momentarily. “Wallace… Erika never came back that night. No one’s seen her for days.”

“What?” the lithe man replied in shock. “But, she was with me and… where is she, Steven?”

Quickly the young Stone grabbed his lover’s hands again to steady the panicking man. “Wallace, you’re tired. You should rest. We can sort this out at a later time. I’m sure Erika is perfectly fine - she’s a strong woman. You need to look after yourself first, okay?”

“Are you staying?” the pale man asked uncertainly.

Steven merely nodded firmly in response.

^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^

“So, we’re agreed? We redouble in our efforts to follow Silph while he’s in Hoenn,” the man in navy spoke to his partner. “What’s out motto, Roark?”

“The League’s in a league of it’s own!” the young brunette shouted, thrusting his fist in the air.

“Yes, quite,” the taller man agreed, slightly embarrassed at the show the boy made. “The League’s in a league of it’s own.”

“But, Riley, have you been listening to those three there?” Roark asked excitedly, pointing towards the people who’d been stood behind them earlier. “They’re talking about a ‘missing person’! That could be our big break!”

Riley slouched in response, “have you listened to a word I’ve been saying?” he asked his partner tiredly. “We agreed to continue on with Silph.”

Roark stomped his foot, “but everyone’s doing that!”

“Exactly! It’s big news!”

“But we’ve already screwed up,” the brunette reasoned.

“Correction: you screwed up,” Riley said stiffly, exasperated. “I worked a lot better alone,” he mumbled.

“So don’t you think people’d like to read something different by now?” Roark continued oblivious to his partner’s statement. “It’s been “Silph, Silph, Silph” for weeks on end now!”

“Why couldn’t your father have taken pity on me?” Riley asked the sky as his partner continued.

“These guys’ missing person could be our big break. C’mon, Riley!”

Riley shook his head, clamping a hand down on his hat as a gust of wind blew up. “People go missing all the time, Roark. What’s so special about their person?”

“That’s what we find out!” Roark exclaimed with a wide grin. “We’re reporters, right? Let‘s do it!”

Rubbing his eyes, Riley reluctantly nodded in agreement. “Let it be on your head,” he rattled. “I don’t think I could take another tongue-lashing from your father.”

Their boss might be his new partner’s father but he was a big, rowdy and unkempt man which Riley found thoroughly unattractive in anything. However, despite his appearance the man had propelled their city newspaper into a nationwide success. A skilful mix of both world news and Pokemon seemed to be the winning concoction, and though others had copied the formula none had done so to such a successful extent as The League. He admired the man’s skills.

“Alright, you battle them,” Roark said bluntly and in doing so dropped the world back on Riley’s shoulders.

“What!?” he exclaimed, scandalised.

The brunette pointed at the man with purple hair. “He’s got a Pokemon, look. They must be trainers.”

“Not everyone who has a Pokemon is a trainer,” Riley lamented.

“Doesn’t hurt to ask,” Roark smiled. “Plus, if we battle them and they are a trainer then we’ve got their number and can look them up no matter where they are from the office.”

Riley listened as his partner laid out the plan. “You’ve thought this through, haven’t you?” the boy nodded vigorously. He sighed, “fine, but only because I don’t want your father lecturing me about “stunting your creativity”, augh… sometimes I have to wonder.”

He cleared his throat and knocked his hat more off angle before approaching the man with purple hair. Though if he were honest with himself the three looked like your average delinquents - the redheaded man and blonde woman especially, so he was glad he’d be battling the other man. As he stood beside the group his cleared his throat to gain their attention.

When his target turned to him he held his hand up in greeting. “Morning, sir. That’s a nice looking Natu you have there.”

The man looked shocked at the compliment but smiled nonetheless. “Thank you, uh…”

“The name’s Riley,” he smiled in return. “I was wondering if you’d like to battle?”

Again the man looked shocked and turned to his friends who only shrugged and nodded towards him. Turning back the man smiled an uncertain smile, “alright. One on one? I only have one Pokemon…”

“Same here,” Riley laughed, trying not to sound uncomfortable. Really, what did he let himself get into? “I’d say this area’s fine for a battle. Shall we begin?” he asked as he walked a fair distance away.

“GOOOO, RILEY!” Roark cheered loudly from what would be the sidelines on an official arena.

Will looked unsteady as he took his place. Holding out his arm Natu hopped from his hand to stand on the concrete ground chirping happily. Riley scuffed his feet as he brought a Pokeball forward and lightly tossed it to the floor.

Lance and Karen waited with apprehension as the Pokemon materialised from the ball - hoping for an easy type for their friend. They almost cringed as a blue creature stood on it’s hind legs came into view.

“A Lucario,” Lance breathed.

“C’mon, Will!,” Karen yelled. “Beat it into the ground!”

The Fighting/Steel type looked down the tiny Psychic type with distain, but readied it’s defensive stance, snorting as it bobbed back on forth on it’s heels.

Comparing the two Pokemon is was painfully obvious the Lucario had far superior experience and towered over the small bird in confidence. Despite this Will ordered the first attack;

“Natu, use Me First!”

The small green Pokemon hopped cheerfully around in a circle as it performed the attack allowing it to attack first regardless of the opponent’s speed.

“Night Shade!” Will ordered of his Pokemon.

Lucario watched helplessly as it’s opponent took to the air, hovering only a small distance as it’s eyes shone red staring directly at the blue Pokemon. Riley winced as his Lucario suddenly fell back as the space around it turned a fierce dark colour, rippling ominously.

However, the attack was weak at best and Lucario sprang back to it’s feet quickly awaiting it’s orders.

He might have felt like a cruel person for ordering it upon a baby Pokemon but Riley did so anyway; “Lucario, Dark Pulse!”

Wasting no time and what showed as complete trust the Lucario dashed from his side of the arena towards the baby Psychic type, holding his paws back before throwing them out, releasing a dark aura that smashed into the tiny Natu. Lucario hopped back a distance as the small area covered in darkness cleared.

The Fighting Pokemon snorted in irritation as the spot it’s attack had hit was vacant of any Pokemon. It looked around the arena carefully before a small bomb landed on his head pecking viciously.

Will’s face broke out into a grin he’d not smiled in months as his Natu caught the stronger Pokemon by surprise with a combined Teleport and Peck attack. The Lucario stumbled back and forth while trying to swat away the small attacking Pokemon.

With a regretful tone, Riley made his next move, “Lucario, Force Palm.”

Though Fighting attacks weren’t effective on Psychic or Flying types such as the Natu, anything hit with force from such close range would be damaged. Riley knew the battle would be over with this last attack of his.

Sure enough, his Lucario called out in irritation before forcibly striking the baby Pokemon harshly to and across the ground. The Pokemon landed with a sickening crash where it laid motionless.

The wide grin on Will face dropped immediately as he dashed over to his fallen friend. Gently picking her from the floor he stroked her with a careful finger, drawing her back to consciousness.

Riley walked over to the man slowly, “I’m sorry. That was perhaps more force than I’d intended,” he inclined his head in apology.

“It’s okay,” Will said as he stood. “It was an interesting experience, and Natu has always been more than willing to battle.”

“I’m glad,” Riley commented as the man’s two friends approached him congratulating him on his strategy.

Without warning Roark suddenly popped up in between himself and Will, smiling a bright smile. He looked to Will, “that was so cool for such a young Pokemon!” he praised. “You don’t look like trainers though. Or are you?”

Will looked back to his friends who again shrugged. “We’re not really. We each only have one Pokemon.”

“We only have one Pokemon each too,” the brunette said, motioning to himself and his partner and the Lucario. “But hey! We work for The League!”

“We’re sure you’ve heard of it,” Riley added, placing a hand on his Pokemon’s head.

“Oh, yes,” both Karen and Lance said simultaneously with differing heights of enthusiasm.

“Well,” Roark continued while reaching to his jacked pocket, ”we’ve been dedicated to discovering potential Pokemon trainers for over two decades now, and we’d like to present you with this!” he held out a small red machine.

“You want to give us a Pokedex?” Lance asked with disbelief.

“Yup!” Roark grinned while his partner nodded.

Karen took the pocket-sized object in her hands, turning it over and closely examining it. “But, why?”

The young paparazzi waved his finger, “don’t think we’ve not seen you battle before,” he lied. “You all have potential, and even if you don’t take the Gym challenge we’re happy to have discovered new talent.”

“Evidently we’re talent agents now,” Riley muttered to his Pokemon who looked on curiously.

“Well, okay,” Karen agreed earning herself two surprised looks from her friends.

She could understand the look both men gave her as she’d never shown any interest in entering the Gym challenges before, despite having a strong Pokemon in Umbreon. Accepting the Kanto-based invention would surely provide some insight for Steven and if not then they could simply throw it way. Either way, it wasn’t any skin off her back.

She shoved the Pokedex to Lance telling him to put it away as she lacked any pockets. “Thank you,” she said before turning to leave prompting her friends to follow.

The media pair watched the trio leave as Roark turned his smug grin on his partner. “Now we can track them any time, anywhere.”

“That was your own Pokedex you gave away, you know?” Riley stated.

“I know, I’ll just get dad to buy me another one!” Roark chimed cheerfully.

The navy clad man shook his head. “We didn’t even get their names.”

^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^

The café was busy as usual as the duo approached the counter. The hurried tourists enjoying the cool blasts of air from the air conditioning and their caffeinated ice drinks clustered around any and all the tables. Small children sat on the floor by their parent’s tables with their own soft drinks blocking the aisles with their various seaside necessities.

A young girl with vibrant red hair tied in a ponytail, parted four separate ways greeted them as they finally reached the counter to order. She brought out a small notepad.

“Hello, Winona! Brawly! Want the usual?” she asked, pen poised over her pad despite knowing what they already wanted.

“Flannery,” the fair haired police officer greeted with a warm smile. “Yes, please,” she paused to turn to her partner. “You want the same as usual, Brawly?”

The young well-built man nodded towards his superior as he lifted an arm to avoid a small child colliding with him, “Pepsi.”

“You’ll be hard pressed to find a seat,” the young waitress laughed. “Want them to go?”

Winona shook her head. “We’ve been on our feet for the better part of the day in this heat. We just want to sit down for five minutes with a cold drink.”

“I get’cha! Don’t worry, I’m sure a table’ll open up soon. Stand tight,” she grinned as she turned to the back of the café to prepare their drinks.

Brawly remained by his officer’s side as he scanned the small room for any possible seats. The various tables outside were also full; the café was pretty popular after all.

He suddenly pointed to a family leaving one of the tables outside, “there! I’ll go get it, Sarge!”

The Sergeant barely had time to turn before the blue haired officer shot from the shop making a beeline for the vacant table. She chuckled as he virtually threw the mother of the family from her seat to take her place. Looking back to the counter she too decided to take her seat. The waitress would find them.

“Oh! Can we have a bowl of water for our Pokemon too, please?” she called to the back of the shop. When the waitress answered in the positive she gracefully made her way through the crowded room to her partner.

The Constable released a heavy sigh as he sunk into the plastic chair, taking out a Pokeball he released the small Pokemon contained. “I don’t think I can take this heat anymore,” he complained as his Makuhita slumped down under the table.

“Really?” Winona question curiously while too releasing her Pokemon. “But you’re a surfer, Brawly. I would have though the warm weather would be nice.” The children clustered around the packed tables all shrieked with glee as a beautiful Altaria cooed under the strain of the heat.

“Yeah, but I’m always in the sea, then,” the young man moaned. “This is just insane!” he shouted, arms in the air, and drawing irritated looks from those around him. “And we have to wear these stupid uniforms all the freakin’ time!”

Looking down at her own light blue uniform, Winona sighed. She had to agree with her partner there - even with the short sleeves they were still unbearably suffocating. Everyone else around them wore only their bathing suits or, as they’d arrested, their birthday suits. Honestly, Slateport was a family city; streakers, no matter how hot they might feel, were unwanted.

That thought drew her to the current problem of the local Devon PokeMart. She knew the building was a front for the portal to the underworld hidden within; the prostitution ring therein. She knew but couldn’t provide any proof. Her superiors wouldn’t believe a common Sergeant walking a beat could unveil such a dark side to the otherwise upstanding Devon Corp.

Mr Stone was a trusted friend of the forces. Often going so far as to invent devices that would greatly help her fellow officers whether it be with a homicide or the yob element that was on a steady increase. But it was that trust that the elderly man held that had kept the law in the dark about his numerous dealings with the seedy underworld.

The only way she could prove Devon was, in reality, a sick business feeding off people’s inhibitions and desperation would be to bring someone in with a clear and honest confession. But…

“Tea up!” the cheerful voice of the waitress rang in her ears. The young redhead put a small tray down on their table, removing an ice tea and fizzy drink and a large bowl of crystal clear water for the officer’s Pokemon.

The air in her lungs escaped her as the teenage waitress plopped down on her lap happily. She sighed and adjusted her position under the weight before kissing her girlfriend quickly, noticing her partner trying not to stare. “Have you had a busy day?”

“Ohh, yeah,” Flannery moaned as she relaxed. “We had this fat, ugly guy in earlier an’ he was so rude!” she crossed her arms in a childish manner.

Winona laughed lightly as she sipped her drink.

“But I’m so glad to see you!” the redhead cooed as she threw her arms around the taller woman’s shoulders. “What have you done today?” she asked with genuine interest.

“We arrested a family of nudists,” Brawly answered proudly from over his fizzy drink.

“Oh my god, really?” Flannery giggled. “Where?”

The blue haired man laughed hysterically as he explained how him and Winona had chased one particularly resistant family member down the entire end of the beach before a high tide blocked any further escape.

Winona smiled as her girlfriend hopped from her lap to sit near Brawly as they continued to chatter hysterically about the family. Though she often came to the café to visit her lover when a window opened up, she admitted she’s been frequenting the place more often after reports had come in about a couple having a Pokemon battle.

Apparently, a blonde woman with an Umbreon had battled against a boy with a Whiscash and totally blown him away, damaging property. The boy had been taken in but his family had argued their way out of paying for the damages. Without even having to think about it she knew the blonde woman was Karen - an employee of Devon. The redheaded man was with her as usual but his name eluded her.

In the hopes of the couple dropping by the café again she’d spent any free time with Flannery for the past few days.

With trained eyes she scanned the busy pavements for that distinct bright red hair or a beautiful blonde woman as she slowly sipped at her cold drink.

^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^

The news of Erika’s mysterious disappearance had shocked Wallace into a speedy recovery; he’d be leaving the hospital the same evening he’d awoken.

The man stood at the side of his bed steadily as Jasmine gave him one last check-up. The frail brunette snapped the bulldog clip on her clipboard shut as she got to her feet.

She smiled at the tall man, “everything is in working order,” she told him. “You’re free to leave whenever you feel ready, Mr Riverer.”

“Thank you, Jasmine,” Wallace replied. “I’ll be leaving immediately.”

“Fair enough, but if you feel at all heady or unwell don’t hesitate to call,” the young doctor bowed her head before leaving the room.

Steven held the door open for the young woman before approaching his lover. “You feel well enough to be leaving so early?” he asked with honest worry.

The pale man nodded, his eyes speaking the truth. “I can’t very well lay about in bed all day when Erika could be lying in a drain down by the docks.”

Turning his back to the young Stone he finished packing the bag Glacia had brought him the night before. His worries had been growing larger and louder the longer he’d laid in bed doing nothing. Erika had been taking on clients outside of the Pink Spinda and without Steven, Glacia or Bill to approve any one of those men or women she’d been with could have… a shiver ran down his spine as mental images swarmed his vision.

And no one else knew what she’d been doing. He’d agreed to keep her secret for the sake of the woman’s mother, but what if the worst had happened to her? Surely that would justify his betrayal of her to reveal her secret? It was for her wellbeing after all. But… if she’d really had an authentic reason to have disappeared for days then she’d never forgive him and Steven would be forced to reprimand her.

He shook his head at the thought of her drugging him. Erika was a kind woman and a good friend who cherished everyone - it was impossible to think she’d do such a thing. Perhaps he’d honestly made a mistake when taking the aspirins. Perhaps someone had attacked him on his way back to the club. Someone from Silph. It would certainly make sense considering he was Water; one of the Devon Four.

But then, why would he mention Erika in his stupor? Thinking about it brought on his headache again.

Steven watched the man as he finished packing in silence. Whether his father would approve or not he couldn’t send him straight back to work after an incident that had landed him in hospital. Carefully he placed a hand on his lover’s shoulder.

“We’ll discuss this in detail at the club tonight. Everyone will be there; we may be able to shed some light on the situation.”

“Thank you, Steven.”

^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^