@battletowered commented "What's your favorite pastry?"
⊱⊱ Developmental Qs ⊰⊰
A hidden eyebrow quirks slightly, suspicious of the purpose of this question, “. . .” He stares at Leon with a skeptical expression before huffing, “’m more of a guy for coffee cakes or tarts.”
“Why, what are ya plannin’. . .?”
Tumbled and screaming as he did, descending deeper and deeper into the Tangle. Tai had slipped and fallen down the path, getting dangerously close to spots that he couldn’t climb back up. Each branch, root, and rock he hit going down, it caused more and more bruises and cuts, and his Pokemon companion couldn’t stop it. How could Pixel do so? He was such a tiny Pokemon and he couldn’t pull or carry his trainer up. When the boy finally hit rock bottom, he fell from a great height, only to hit the ground with a loud thunk.
The boy barely could move or even keep consciousness, clouded eyes almost unable to stay open. He was in such a bad state, and crying for help would do no good. Not here in the Tangle...
“G...ge...get...h..elp...” He whispered, just enough for his Vulpix to hear with his large ears. The fire fox Pokemon whined and didn’t want to leave Tai alone, only for the boy to yell what little his lungs would let him. “GO! F-Find help!” Pixel couldn’t ignore his trainer’s pleas while whining and running from his spot, weaving through the forest to find anyone.
Pixel had to find someone, before he feared the worst for his companion...
Hop suddenly felt a bit concerned. Had Leon been crying? His eyes were red like he had been. It was a bit strange seeing him like that, honestly he didn’t think his brother did cry. Watching as his brother made his way over to him, Hop’s eye widened a bit confused as he was pulled into a hug.
Him hugging his brother was a normal thing, mind you, but this type of hug was only one when something bad happened. Did something bad happen?
Hearing Leon explain what today was, it took Hop a moment for the memories of that day to flash into his mind. Honestly it wasn’t many memories. The only thing he really remembered was battling at the power plant that day.
“Darkest Day.... Raihan....” He repeated those words almost as if he didn’t believe it had happened. Placing a hand to his head he suddenly felt an increase of grief.
Oh right. He remembered the funeral a bit now. It had been a year already? Hadn’t it all just happened last month? Had he really been living with Wyndon that long with Leon.
Looking up at Leon, Hop gave him a mixed face. Mixed with pain and confusion, almost as if he was trying to piece it all together. “It really happened.... didn’t it?” He finally spoke, covering his face with his hands. He... maybe this was why he had been feeling depressed since that day? He really didn’t want to feel sad.... He didn’t want to cry.... He didn’t want to cry in front of his brother.
I know that on a day like today, I must be the last person you ever wanted to hear from. I won’t waste too much of your time with pleasantries, then.
I know that no one in the League has suffered from Raihan’s passing more than you. I won’t pretend that I know how you’re feeling in these difficult times. But I do miss him, too. He was an astoundingly bright lad, positively oozing with charm, charisma, and confidence. I always admired him for his drive and optimism. The fact that he kept going against you time and time again and rearranging his team to give him just the slightest edge...
In a way, he reminded me of myself, though he was clearly better in many ways. When I suffered my crushing defeat at the hands of the champion at the time, I was so crestfallen that I never tried it again. He was the sort of person who could pick himself up and try again, no matter how hard the fall. A lot like you, in fact. No wonder you two were drawn to each other.
It has been. A difficult year for me. For a great many reasons; some of which are obvious. But nothing has weighed on my mind quite as heavily as the knowledge that I have his blood on my hands. In such a situation, I understand that an “I’m sorry” isn’t enough. Will never be enough.
But it still must be said. I am sorry, Leon. I’m sorry that my mistakes cost the life of that talented young man, beloved by many and your best friend. I’m sorry for all the pain I cause you, his parents, his Pokemon and the region as a whole. I’m sorry that, for all my models, projections, and analytic statistics, I still couldn’t see the future. Even one life would have been a price too steep.
I can’t undo what’s already done. But I can offer, if you want it, my condolences and my sincere wish that one day you find peace. That the whole region does. And that Raihan, wherever he might be, is happy as well.
They said it would be impossible for them to get along. They made sure of it. They couldn’t have the dragon and the knight getting along, now could they? No, that would screw things up. Too bad they didn’t expect the secrets to be discovered.
You and me, we’re gonna make them regret their decisions.
Such words he thought he’d never say to Leon, the one he was so pissed off at; the one who was his rival and not in the secretive way of him being his best friend. They were both deceived and manipulated--they knew some of what was going on, but not everything. Now, the skitties are out of the bag.
Footsteps carry him to the spot, the edge of the water nearby Wyndon. Raihan settles down, feet barely inches away from the water, “It’s odd. Never thought this day would come.”
He glances over, giving a small hum, “Not sure how long we have here before the authorities are gonna come for us.”
The woman looked up with such joy at the sights of the huge city, along with her shiny Vulpix on her shoulder. Syphoria had heard such wondrous things about Hammerlocke, that she had to get here as soon as she could. Of course, showing she was a tourist and not part of the Gym Challenge. That, was a trial in itself. But now, she was taking in all the sights and photos as well, planning to show her Uncle whenever she could.
“It’s beautiful here, isn’t it Pixie?” She spoke and turned her head, looking towards the little Vulpix, who trilled in delight. “Vull vulpix!” “Maybe we can go see the stadium next! I heard that theres some challengers coming through. I’d love to see some of this Dynamaxing I’ve been hearing about!”