Ferris Wheels

Hello! I am N. Some will recognize me as a King and a leader, but I'd prefer to be seen as an ordinary trainer. Please feel free to converse with me at any time. I won't mind at all.

[umocchi]

“Oh well.. I don’t remember. Then again, I don’t remember a lot of things because I’m always focusing on gym battles and modeling.” Laughs nervously. “That can certainly happen, although I doubt that she would just ask a random trainer to do it. She’d probably ask a Gym Leader or one of her assistants.” Doesn’t really know, since she’s never been asked to look for sighting of rare pokemon. “Ah yes, I’ve met him! He even gave me a few advice on electric pokemon once. He’s very..” pauses for a brief second or two. “Active and wise.” Didn’t really mean the active in a bad way. He was like what, in his 60’s or something, and he was really active. In a positive way of course. “Not to mention, he also writes poetry about pokemon too!”

[formerplasmaking]

"I guess you wouldn't.. It has been a while after all." Of course, N didn't expect her to remember since she had a busy lifestyle. "Oh, I see. I don't know how her research works, but it seems like that would be a better idea than sending a stranger."

"Ah, that was nice of him!" Maybe Professors aren't so bad after all? There was still some uncertainty though. But, that could possibly be changed. How was the only problem. "...He writes.. Poetry? I love poetry!" N was a little too excited after hearing that. Poetry about Pokémon? Perfect for his interests. "Do you know where I could find them?"

[umocchi]

“Castle?” Never knew he lived in a castle. “Ah well, I don’t believe in such rumors until the professor says it’s true.” Plays around with her headphone wires. “Oh, yes! Emmet and Ingo are definitely friendly, that’s for sure. However, Ingo frowns a lot, while Emmet is the complete opposite!” That was quite surprising, if she could say so. “I see! I’ve only met professor Oak once and he mentioned something about his grandson being in the Unova region, but I never thought that Gary was his grandson.”

[formerplasmaking]

"Yes! I believe you visited once.. With the other gym leaders? Unless I was misinformed.." Hmm. Being lied to wasn't an impossibility for N since it happened before. He was unsure whether he wanted it to be true or false. "Well, she may be too busy to look into it at the moment. Is it possible that she could have sent trainers to search for her?" Tilting his head, he thought about it for a moment before shaking his head. "Why would he frown? Smiles are a wonderful thing, and I've heard they're also quite contagious!"

She met him? "You have? ...He seems to be very well known. Many people speak of him, but I don't know who he is. I may have met him and not realized it.." Is that a good thing or a bad thing? After all, Professor Oak is just like the Professor here. Asking trainers to collect Pokémon data.. Confining them in Poké Balls for that simple reason.

[salangley-deactivated20131215]

“Of course you won’t! I don’t think you’d want me coming into your room when your sick, so shoving food through a crack is definitely a better option, right?”

“Ah, I see. Can I ask how you know him? And I guess we’ll just have to look all over the place! Maybe you know someone who has one, and we can ask where they found theirs? It has to be in this region though, right? And Pokéballs are pretty good for catching Pokémon, but setting them free after I’ve gathered information on them is what I do.”

[formerplasmaking]

"...Not.. Really. You could ask someone else to bring it in for you? Maybe Cheren or Touya? I don't think they'd mind. At least, I hope not. I know Touya wouldn't because he's used to me. I'm not sure about Cheren though.."

"Ah, well.. Let's just say I met him a few times during my travels through Unova. He didn't approve of me at all.. Probably thought I was crazy, actually." N smiled, suddenly feeling slightly uncomfortable about the topic. "Um, I'm not sure if.. Anyone else has one. That's how rare they are! They're definitely from this region though. Yes, they are. I still don't like them though. I'm sure most of Unova knows that by now, if they haven't forgotten. It doesn't bother me as much as it used to though."

[umocchi]

“Oh! Recently, there was a rumor about a rare pokemon up at the mountains and I suppose the trainers went to look for it?” Shrugs and sighs. Doesn’t really believe in it anyways. “Right! Even Emmet and Ingo decided to take a vacation! There’s even a couple of gym leaders here as well.” Wow, you’ve been lied to Elesa.”Eh..? Was his name Gary?” Gary… where have she heard that name before… “Wait.. when you said Gary.. did you mean Gary Oak as in Professor Oak’s grandson?”

[formerplasmaking]

"Hm? I haven't heard about it.. I guess I spend too much time at my castle. I'm curious to know what kind it is. I may have a look at some point." N brought his hand up to his chin. "I've seen both of them around, but I haven't really made conversation with them. They seem friendly though! But, still, everyone needs time away from their daily routines once in a while."

"Yes! I didn't know it right away when I met him, but he told me a bit later." He tilted his head to the side slightly as if he questioned her words. "...? Oh! I guess so..? Some trainers were talking about the Professor when I visited another region. I didn't know they were related."

[salangley-deactivated20131215]

“M-maybe I can slide it under the door! Don’t question how!”

“Huh, really? Cheren? He doesn’t seem the type, I didn’t know if he had Pokémon to be honest. And yes! There are some terrible people who don’t deserve Pokémon, but…” Hikari sighed. “A forest? You’ll have to take me to one, I don’t know where any are here. Hmm? Why not?”

[formerplasmaking]

"I don't think the gap at the bottom of the door is big enough for that! I'll.. I'll starve!"

"Yes.. He was only doing what he thought was best though. It's perfectly okay. He may still have his old Pokémon.. I don't know for certain because I haven't battled him, but I'm sure other people that know him might. Well, there are quite a few. More than a few, actually.." N trailed off before he allowed himself to say too much on the subject and simply shook his head. "There may be a slight problem.. I don't remember which forest I found mine. I guess we could look around both if you have time? Oh, I just.. Don't like Poké Balls. That's all."

[umocchi]

“Now that’s what I like to hear from a trainer such as yourself.” Her face brightened and she began smiling once more. Wow, she really smiles a lot. Observing the boy, she realized that he was curious about something. “Oh! You must wonder why a gym leader like myself is here, yes? There weren’t as many trainers coming to the gym, besides I thought I could really use a break, and I needed to get away from modeling for a while. Being a gym leader and a model can be very tiring! Know what I’m sayin’?” Doesn’t really remember how he looked like exactly, but was pretty sure he had brown hair and green eyes. “Ah yes. Some boy I met a few days ago called himself that, I believe. I think he had brown hair and green eyes.”

[formerplasmaking]

Well, she seems a lot livelier than she used to be. Not that she wasn't when N first challenged her. Perhaps something big happened while he was away? It's possible. All this thinking.. Less of it was needed. He thought things through too much, but he was soon brought out of it. Not as many trainers? Was that because of.. No, it can't be. "I see. That sounds unusual though.. I thought there would be plenty of trainers around. It's nice that you can take a short vacation though. Working too much wouldn't be good for you."

"Hmm. Brown hair and green eyes.." Who is she- Wait a second. Could it be..? "You don't mean.. Gary? I've already met him. He can be a little.. Confusing. But, he seems okay."

[umocchi]

“Nonsense! The way I see it, you’re lively enough!” Will probably just stick around the hotel for a few months, wander off again, and come back later on. She’s just using the ‘vacation’ excuse to get out of the gym for a while, because honestly, it’s boring in there. Then again, as long as she’s here she wouldn’t have to model. Doesn’t really call this a break, since she’s still battling trainers, even at the hotel, and especially at the Training Tower. “You’ll make an, electrifying opponent for sure!” Is already getting excited to battle again. “Oh, right! have you seen Rick Astley or whatever his name was? He seemed pretty strong.”

[formerplasmaking]

"If you insist.. I won't attempt to convince you otherwise." With a loud sigh, N pushed his hands into his pockets and began to rock back and forth on his feet. He was almost tempted to ask her reason for being here.. Then again, he didn't want it to seem like he's just being nosy. However, his curiosity might get the better of him eventually. All he can do is hold the thought for now.

"...Rick.. Astley? I'm.. Sorry. I have no idea who you're talking about.." Who is this Rick, anyway? He had no clue at all. Unless.. She's talking about another trainer? N knew a few of them though so he couldn't be sure which she was referring to.

[umocchi]

“That’s good to know that I didn’t mistaken you for someone else.” Laughs sheepishly and shrugs. There were just way toomany trainer that she battled with and she couldn’t always remember all of them, unless they stood out from others. Or maybe she was just getting old and losing her memory, which probably wasn’t possible, since she was pretty young. Well at least she though of herself as young. A large grin stretched across her face and she pointed a finger at him. “Dazzling! Now that, is what I would like to see in every trainer. Always lively and up for challenges! I’m sure you’ve gotten far much stronger than the last time we fought!”

[formerplasmaking]

"Ah, yes, I guess so!" N rubbed the back of his head, smiling at the woman. It had been a long time since he last saw her and this is the last place he expected them to meet again. What exactly is she here for? Surely she should be at her Gym.. Then again, even Gym Leaders probably needed to have a break sometime.

"...!" As she pointed towards him, N's eyes grew wider, but only slightly. He almost forgot that was a thing she seemed to like doing since he heard other trainers talking about it. "W-Well, I wouldn't say I'm that lively, really. I always accept a challenge though!" He let out a quiet huff before continuing. "I'd like to think I have. I've been training a bit since I returned."

[formerplasmaking]

"You battled me and won if I remember correctly. Your name was N, yes? It would certainly be a pleasure if we could battle again sometime."

"Hm? ..Oh! You remember correctly! Yes, that is my name. I think another battle would be interesting.. I look forward to it!"

[salangley-deactivated20131215]

“I’ll give them to you silly! I’ll put food through the crack in the door and same for drinks!”

“Of course he won’t! He may be smart but I don’t think he knows much about cornering and ganging up on someone, besides it’s not like we’re going to hurt him! And I thought everyone saw them as that, well most people anyways. And I hope so! I don’t know where to find them though, or what they look like really. But thanks! Good luck on catching whatever Pokémon too!”

[formerplasmaking]

"Through.. A crack? How do you plan to fit them through something as small as that!?"

"I think you'll be quite surprised, actually! He has kind of cornered a group of people before and battled them! I guess they were asking for it though, hiding in a storage container with only one way out. I know we're not, but..! I still don't want to! Well, no, not everyone. I've met a few Pokémon that were poorly treated. It was upsetting. You could probably find one in a forest! That's where I met mine! I don't think I'll be catching any Pokémon though."

[salangley-deactivated20131215]

“Maybe you’re getting ill! If you are then you’re not to leave your room, okay?”

“Pink, hmm.. I suppose it is. But it’s really cute too! But c’mon, what’s wrong with cornering him nicely? It’s not like we’re going to beat him up or anything, just simply ask about his pants and why he wears them so tightly. He might think what? And I’ll always believe in my Pokémon, they’re like family, and I’m sure they’re family to many others too! Zorua, wow I want to see one now! And why wouldn’t I be, it’s such a rare Pokémon, and you’ve gotten to touch it and be friends with it!”

[formerplasmaking]

"W-What? Ill? I don't want to shut myself away.. How will I get food or drinks!?"

"I guess it is! Um, well, I just don't think it's right, that's all! He might get the wrong idea..? I don't know! It's not a good idea at all. He might think I'm doing something bad again and I don't want that! ..Family? That's really nice. I'm glad you see them as family. Hopefully, I'll meet other people that do too. If you're lucky, you might see a wild one when you decide to explore. It's not certain though! No one knows where their habitat is, so it'll be really difficult. But, I wish you luck all the same!"

[tou-ya-blog]

That made Touya’s heart twinge guiltily.

“…Don’t.”

Taking a deep, steadying breath, Touya slowly turned to face N.  He wasn’t ready for the sight that met him, though.  N rubbing at tear-soaked eyes, still trembling noticeably— that small voice he had spoken in moments before ran though Touya’s head again.  It hurt.  He knew he cared about N, but it hurt so much more than he thought it would to see the other boy in such a state.  To Touya, N was something extraordinary, someone who had the will to stand up against the entire world and its long-established views, even if Touya himself didn’t wholly agree with it.  Someone who cared about every Pokemon in the world.  Someone who even had people revere him as a king…

“I really…” Touya faltered, scratching the back of his head uneasily.  ”I’m not… good at this sort of thing.  I’m really bad at handling so much emotion, and I’m sorry I’ve snapped at you.  It’s not how I wanted to reunite at all.  You’re…” Nervousness made him hesitate again, but he quickly shook it off and looked directly up at N.  ”You’re really important to me.  N.  I really…”

Touya stepped forward, closing the distance between them to rest his forehead against the other’s chest, not caring that his hat got bumped off to the floor.

[formerplasmaking]

Taking that single word as a hint, N didn't say anything else. It's not the first time he had been silenced. Probably wouldn't be the last either. Unable to look at the other anymore, his eyes fixed towards the wall beside him.

N had almost had enough and he wanted to go back to his own room. As soon as possible. Touya was preventing that by standing right in front of the door which made N feel a little uncomfortable, but it might be best for him. He didn't have the energy to move from the current spot he was standing in anyway. Why did all of this go so wrong? ..Right. Because of that day. All of it was his fault. If it could be redone, would anything change? Perhaps neither of them would be in this mess right now.

He turned his head a fraction and stared from the corner of his eyes, listening to what Touya had to say. Surely he hated N after that scene. And yet.. There was no sign of hate at all. Not even a little bit. Looking at Touya properly now, he wiped away the remaining tears, attempting to figure out what the boy was trying to say. Human emotions were so draining. He tried his best to stay upright.. How long would that last though. A few of the words grabbed his full attention. He was important. To the only person he wanted to be to. A sudden pause. Was that a struggle for the next words? N frowned. "...Touya?" He watched as the distance between them closed. And then.. Contact.

"I.. Are you.. Feeling okay?" At this point, he would have picked the hat up, but.. Closeness. Other feelings came with it too. More intense than before. It was a mixture of several and he still didn't understand them.

[salangley-deactivated20131215]

“How did you get the two of them confused?? And yeah, I guess it kinda is.. I haven’t really looked around so I’m not quite sure, but the maps sure look big.”

“Well I think he likes me! We went to the café together, it was fun! He paid too! I’m sure he wouldn’t mind, I mean we’re only going to talk about his pants. And how could he hate you? You’re so cute!” Hikari was tempted to see how stretchy his cheeks were just to prove her statement, but she held back. “Of course I believe in my piplup! But my Pokémon do a lot of the work to be honest, I’m just.. there. Hmm… Really? Aww, that’s such a shame, I’d love to have registered in my Pokédex, maybe we’ll find it again, hmm? And a Zoroark, wow! You have such cool Pokémon, I’m jealous.”

[formerplasmaking]

"I'm not sure.. I seem to be getting confused a lot recently. Oh, It is! I've explored most of it. I haven't really had time to go anywhere else since I returned."

"Don't you think that café is rather pink? Not that it's a problem! Whether it's talking about pants or not, I'd still avoid cornering him. He might think.. Never mind. The reason he dislikes me is.. Well, it's a long story. Let's leave it at that. C-Cute..? Aheh.. Heh. Thank you.. I think?" N huffed as he scratched his cheek and smiled. "Anyway! I'm glad you believe in it! You shouldn't doubt yourself. I'm sure it believes in you too! I don't think so. Zorua are somewhat rare. J-Jealous? Why would you.. Be jealous of that?"

[salangley-deactivated20131215]

“Young trainers? But you said they were an old couple! Well maybe we could find the ‘old couple’ and find out from them…”

“Why, because cornering him would be fun! We wouldn’t hurt him, he knows that.” Hikari waved him off casually with a laugh. “Hmm, you haven’t? Well you’ll see when my piplup beats you in a Pokémon battle! Er, hopefully. H-huh, you didn’t have a starter? What was your first Pokémon you caught then? Oooh, a Zorua! They sound cool! Do you still have it? I’d love to meet it! And alright!”

[formerplasmaking]

"D-Did I? I meant to say young! ..You do realize how big Unova is, right? There are quite a few new places that I haven't yet seen.."

"I know that, but..! Cornering him wouldn't be right. He doesn't really like me that much already, I don't want him to hate me!" N rubbed his head, slightly concerned that the young girl waved it off so casually. "Well, it's possible that I may remember once I see it. Hopefully? You should believe in yourself and your Piplup! No. I wasn't really a, um.. Trainer at first. I guess, technically, the first Pokémon I caught was a Purrloin. I released it after a while. Ah, yes, they are! They can change into any person or Pokémon they see! I don't have it anymore, but I do have a Zoroark, which is what Zorua evolve into."

[tou-ya-blog]

The sudden slam on the table made Touya jump, head snapping up to look at N, who was now standing.  His eyes only widened further when he noticed the other boy was crying.

That knocked his temper back a good dozen paces.  Never had he seen N so riled, upset enough to cry.

“I…”

He had to look away.  Seeing N hurt like that, knowing that he caused it, made his chest ache too much.  When his eyes met empty floor next to them, Touya realized the waitress must have been startled off by the outburst.  Coming to such a public place was probably a mistake; of course it would take more than one small talk for all of emotions two years had built up to be taken care of.  Even if it was silly, Touya had sort of been wishing it would have been.

Without a word, Touya reached out, grabbed N’s wrist, and lead him out of the cafe, tugging him hastily along back in the direction of the hotel.  He didn’t slow down or spare a glance for even a second until they made it back to his room, shutting the rest of the world out behind his door.  Unsure of where to go from there, though— where to start— Touya simply stayed with his back to N, silently staring down at the door handle.

[formerplasmaking]

That sudden outburst had probably earned N a few strange looks, perhaps even more than that. Usually, he wasn't the type of person to draw attention to himself, but did he really care right now? ..No. Too shocked to say anything else, or even move, he just stood there. Completely frozen. He certainly surprised himself with that, and obviously Touya too since he only managed to say one small thing.

Silence dragged on.. N began to worry again. His arms and shoulders started trembling quite visibly. Never before had he allowed his anger to show as much as that. Anger that could have been prevented if he hadn't let himself get so upset.

Suddenly, N felt his wrist grabbed and him being pulled along. First, he thought it might be one of the waitresses escorting him out because of the noise, until he noticed.. It was Touya. Who knows what he thought of N after that.

They arrived back at the hotel shortly after, but Touya didn't stop. Instead, he went straight to his room, and shut the door. N had a vague idea what that could have meant. Direct confrontation. No escape, no way to avoid whatever questions were asked, no changing the topic. Neither of them said anything. The silence was almost painful. However, N decided to change this. "I.." One word is all he could manage before rubbing his eyes. "P-Please.. Forgive me."

[tou-ya-blog]

Touya’s eyes flashed as his gaze swept over to glare across at the other.  Not a harsh glare, but one with emotion burning behind it.  ”I don’t know what’s best for you… I definitely don’t know something like what’s best for Unova, either…  But don’t you dare say— don’t you even think for a second— that you leaving me behind is what’s best for me!” He managed not to shout this time, but it was clearly said harder and a slight bit above normal speaking level.

Don’t you get it?  Don’t you understand?  Touya’s hands clenched into fists, the trembling from restraint barely noticeable, but there.

“Plasma was finally stopped.  We could finally really be friends.  And yet you…” He struggled for words, not having his emotions in such a mess in longer than he could remember.  ”I was never much of a goal setter.  Something like League Champion seemed more like a far-fetched dream to me.  But after what happened… I did set a goal.  The first goal I ever chased, what I truly wanted above anything else, was to find you again.”

I couldn’t say anything back then.  I was shocked.  I was confused.

“Don’t you get it?  To me, you’re—”

A waitress chose then to come along, giving Touya long enough pause to realize what he’d been embarrassingly about to blurt out.  Subdued, Touya lowered his head and quietly ordered a peach flavoured tea.

[formerplasmaking]

Everything went downhill within a few split seconds. Initially, Touya was the only one upset, but now.. Why did he have such a big problem with N leaving? What was so wrong about it? At this point, N's anger was rapidly rising. That added on top of the previous emotion didn't help. This isn't going to be a pretty sight. Listening to the other made it worse. Did he realize it, or was he too upset to even notice? Is this is what emotional pain caused by a friend felt like? It hurt.. More than he'd like to admit.

Despite all that, N still listened, but those words.. He couldn't stand much more. A strange feeling tugged at his heart. It almost seemed like it could burst any minute now. All the while, still staring at the table, trying his best to prevent an outburst. Looks like it's about to fail. But, what exactly was that feeling? ..So unfamiliar. Given the current discussion, it was difficult to tell. Tears were forming in the corners of his eyes. Hopefully, he'd be able to keep himself under control so Touya wouldn't see them. The problem would be wiping them away and finding an excuse for it. Better think of something quick.

As much as he disliked admitting it, Touya was right. They could be friends once Plasma were defeated. Yet, N still chose to leave. It made him question his reasons for doing so. He had to get better somehow, didn't he? If he stayed, someone could have helped him. To be more specific, Touya could have helped him, but he hadn't thought of that at the time.

Not noticing or caring that the waitress was standing right there at that moment that the other paused.. N finally cracked. He got out of his seat and slammed his hands down onto the table, the tears from before now streaming down his face. "To you, I'm what!?" He practically yelled everything at Touya from this point. His state of mind was now all over the place. "You know, I thought what I left for was a perfectly good reason! But, now.. I'm questioning everything! Don't you see I wanted you to be happy!? I wanted you and your Pokémon to be happy.. Together! Is that not good enough for you!?"

[salangley-deactivated20131215]

“Old couple trainers? I don’t think that’s right… We’ll go together! Wait, where are we going?”

“Cornering him in a calm matter, yes got it! And yeah! I’d have probably been in Sinnoh at the time so if you were there then it’d be a shame that we didn’t bump into each other! Ahh, my starter was a piplup! Though I’ve gradually learnt to appreciate fire types, water types will always have a place in my heart. What was your starter Pokémon? And yes definitely! I’d love to see your castle!” Hikari nodded her head excitedly with a grin on her face. “My parents haven’t really traveled though, but that’s okay!”

[formerplasmaking]

"Ah, no..! They were young trainers! That's what I was trying to say! Go together? Well, it might be a better idea than going alone. I don't know where it is though.."

"Yes, exactly.. No! Hold on! Why corner him? Can't we simply approach him and ask? Hah.. This is a bit embarrassing! Not knowing where I went. If had, I'm sure it would have been fun. A.. Piplup? I can't remember if I've seen one of those before. It's possible that I have. I like all types! I've never had any favourites. My.. Starter? Not to sound odd, but I don't have one. I didn't get a Pokédex either. Although," N thought back to his childhood and raised his finger. "I did have a Zorua when I was little. We grew up together. Very well.. Whenever you want to go, let me know and I'll take you! They haven't? I guess it doesn't matter too much either way."