Child of Thorns - A Pokemon Sinnoh Reimagining

Hideout – 9 p.m.

Percy sat beneath a veritable oak tree not too far from the hideout, doing the only thing it seemed he was good at recently. Waiting.

Starly flew about the dark sky, coming in and out, delivering little nuggets of information. Not much they could gather at this point in the game. Still, every point of data was valuable when it came to tonight's mission, one which –his anxious pacing and accelerated heart rate betrayed– would be executed tonight.

He only hoped that was the only thing that would.

"You know…"

His voice came out brittle, the incessant cold wind swallowing the valley having gotten inside his throat a while ago. At the sound of it, his Poketch turned on.

"…You haven't told us much about you."

Hao stared back at him from behind the Poketch screen, expression hard to discern.

"Is this really the time?" he asked, an electronic hum at the base of his voice.

"No, I guess not. I'm just nervous." He swallowed. "We might die tonight."

"Ah… I see. I think I have a piece of advice for you, so you're a bit calmer about all this."

Percy raised an eyebrow. "Go on."

"Well… maybe you should die." His animated sprite raised his hands and shoulders at his side, smiling. "It's done wonders for me! Now I don't fear anything."

Whatever reaction Hao was looking for, it wasn't the once Percy had. He tilted his head to the side, pursed his lips in consideration and let out an Eh, shrugging.

"Turning into a ghost would be pretty convenient," he said. "But I'd like to hang on to this body of mine for a little longer, as much trouble and grief it's caused me over the years."

"Well… don't say I didn't give you advice."

A shiver ran down his spine. Percy immediately looked up, and though he couldn't yet see her, he felt the unmistakable pressure Cynthia exuded every time she wanted to make herself known. She was on her way. The wind itself seemed to still for a moment.

Percy drew his lips into a line. Hao chose that moment to speak.

"Tell you what…" His voice was low, hesitant. "If we get through this, I'll tell you all about me. It'll be super sad and tragic. You'll surely get through an entire roll of napkins because you'll cry so much."

"That sounds…"

"But in exchange," Hao interrupted. "You'll have to finally answer your father's calls."

Another chill hit him, though one of a different kind.

"…I'm getting tired of having to block his calls every hour or so.

Percy closed his eyes, spitting out a thin stream of mist. Of course.

"Sorry," he said. "I'll… deal with that when we come back."

"Troubles in paradise?"

He opened his mouth to reply, then closed it. But… no. Hao deserved this, at least, for putting up with them so much. And Percy was nothing if not fair.

"Reiko once told me… that I didn't need to bring glory to the Morow name. She said we could make a new family name… together." A pale blush formed on his cheeks, one that had nothing to do with the cold. "A family name that would surpass my father's in every conceivable way. A lineage that could last a thousand years."

"A bit ambitious, if you ask me."

"And I've never been one for risks," he agreed, frowning. "Even all the way here in Sinnoh, I can still feel my old man's shadow over me."

A few seconds passed in silence. The atmosphere around them became thinner and thinner until, finally, a gleam of light appeared in the horizon, its approaching shape that of Sinnoh's Champion standing atop her trusted Togekiss.

"You know…" said Hao, clearly imitating him. "You asked for my backstory, but I don't remember asking for yours."

He couldn't help but laugh at that. A welcome thing, considering what they were about to face.

"I guess the proximity of death makes me more open than usual," he said, starting to head toward the house. "It's time. You know what to do. If I fall, immediately jump into Reiko's Poketch and assist her."

"Got it," whispered Hao, giving him a salute. "Life before death, partner."

"Life before death."

A few feet from reaching the ground, Cynthia jumped from atop her Pokemon and landed in front of the door with rehearsed familiarity, returning Togekiss to its ball almost absentmindedly. Percy stopped walking a few feet from her. There was a strange grimness to her face, one that almost obscured the storm behind her eyes.

"Took your fucking time."

Reiko slammed the door open, frowning at Cynthia, as she tended to do. Palmer stood behind her, hands in his coat. Their faces were devoid of the nervousness swallowing Percy like a lake of frozen water.

"Is it time?" he asked, voice strained. "Do we…?"

Cynthia nodded, slowly turning her head and looking at each one of them in the face. Her expression was unreadable.

"They're in the dock, as expected. Argenta is already there waiting for us, and I've set all the necessary precautions," she said. "There's no point in waiting."

Percy swallowed, but it felt as though there was something stuck in his throat. The heavy atmosphere lingered.

"Then… we move," he forced himself to say, making everyone turn toward him. "The more we delay the mission, the more danger we'll be putting ourselves in."

Cynthia raised an eyebrow, clearly surprised that he'd been the first to say it. Palmer gave him one of his characteristic smiles. Reiko let out a chuckle and patted him on the shoulder, the touch of her hand momentarily dispelling the cold lump blocking his throat and stomach.

"We move," confirmed Cynthia. She raised a hand and made a strange gesture above her chest, forming a half-circle with her thumb and index finger. "May the moon guide us all."

Canalave City – 7:30 p.m.

Learning that you got seasick with ease, Metchi discovered, was the kind of information she really wished she knew before stepping inside a fucking cruise ship.

She took another bite of the Nanab berry, which some guy had told her would help ease her nausea but all it was doing at the moment was giving her something to do. Only a few minutes of the boat moving, and she already felt like shit.

The room shook and tilted. Rapports of wind and water splattered against the windows with a lot more force she would've expected, putting her on edge. The chatter in the room didn't help either. She sat slumped against the wall in one of the ship's lower floors (did you call it a floor when it was inside a ship? She knew jack-shit about boats), looking all around, trying to find some entertainment in the passengers stuck there with her. About five dozen people were scattered about the room, some sitting in groups, others –like her– choosing solitude in one of the dark corners near the walls and support beams, trying to wait the trip out.

Not one of them looked happy. Or well-off, for that matter. This wasn't exactly what one would call a first-class boat, and even then they were the ones who only had enough money to be thrown all into a single room until the trip was done. Her people.

Except not really. Unlike them, she did have enough money to have been able to buy a much nicer mode of transportation, but that kind of luxury had always made her uncomfortable. A wall to sit against was enough for her, thank you very much.

She supposed Rattata stuck together for a reason.

"Fucking 'ell…" She put her free hand against her stomach, wincing. "It's like the conductor is trying to hit as many waves as he can. Prick."

For a single moment, she actually expected a voice to answer from inside her head, but of course none came. She spat out some air, shaking her head. Stupid. It'd been weeks since she'd had Azelf taken from her, it was about time she started to accept it. She wasn't a hero anymore. If the fact that she was scurrying back to her home, away from the conflict, wasn't enough evidence then she'd truly gone one-hundred percent stupid.

As she knew would happen someday.

She finished eating the Nanab berry and threw the peels inside a plastic bag inside her backpack. Later she could find a bin to throw them there. As disgraceful a woman as she was, at least she had enough manners not to litter. That was one of the very few things she could still be proud of.

"…God dammit."

She was so tired. Closing her eyes, she leaned her head against the wall, breathing in deep. The newly-bought shades felt uncomfortable on her face. Then again, it was either wear them or keep having people come to her and ask why her eyes were all golden and glow-y.

If only I fucking knew.

She could almost feel the diary's weight in her backpack. She'd closed the damn thing and threw it in there as soon as she got past the first page. No more of that. No more stupid riddles or mystical bullshit. No more of what had landed her on this shitty spot in the first place, no matter how much part of her wanted to go back to that.

But… no, it was fine now. Absolutely, one-hundred and ten percent Pecha berry and roses. She had tried her best to care. To act like she was something she wasn't, and that had gone about as well as one would expect with her involved. The world hadn't cared about her good intentions. It never did, she'd learned a long time ago.

But it was fine. Now it was the government's problem. And if they couldn't stop Team Galactic… well, at least there wouldn't be anyone around who cared after they accomplished their goal. It was all good.

The light behind her eyes burned hotter, sending an uncomfortable warmth throughout her body. She did her best to ignore it.

It was fine. She didn't care about any of this anymore. Why would she? Hell, she could probably use these gold eyes to impress some cute girl at a bar; it'd been a while since she'd gotten some. And besides, it'd be nice to see Hoeen ag–

"Excuse me, do you have fire?"

Metchi jumped in place so abruptly that the shades went flying from her face, bouncing on her knee before falling to the ground.

"Oh, I'm sorry. Didn't mean to surprise you."

Metchi looked up with a frown, ready to tell whoever this person was where they could stick their apologies, but her anger froze as soon as she saw the woman's face. A pair of bright, calm violet eyes met her golden ones.

"I…"

To be entirely honest, Metchi had always had a thing for goth chicks, but that wasn't exactly the reason she stared slack-jawed, words failing her. The woman standing in front of her was… odd as hell, to put it bluntly. For someone boarding the shittiest cruise ship in all of Canalave, her outfit was very nice and clearly expensive. Sturdy leather boots, a black and purple dress with puffed shoulders and skirt, spider-web patterned stockings and the palest face she'd seen on someone who wasn't… well, dead. Not to mention those eyes that shone like actual amethysts. What the hell was this girl's deal?

"Er… fire?" she asked, finally coming to herself. "Yeah, I have a lighter here, lemme just…"

"What curious eyes you have."

Metchi froze halfway through searching her backpack. She looked up slowly, finding the woman tilting her head to the side, a curious look on her face.

"I feel like I've seen that shade of gold before."

"I…" Metchi swallowed, feeling her lips dry. "I don't know what…"

"Ah… sorry again." The girl flashed her an apologetic smile, wrinkles forming on the corners of her eyes. "I just… say thing sometimes. I haven't even introduced myself, have I?"

"You don't have to…"

"My name is Sanbica," she said, stretching an open palm toward her. "A pleasure."

Galactic HQ – 9:15 p.m

Hundreds of Galactic grunts met Saturn's gaze as he looked down at them from the lobby's main platform, with Cyrus at his side. The boss raised his hand, and all chatter ceased at once. All attention in the room fell squarely on him, a burden which he seemed… well, not happy, but certainly willing to bear.

Saturn only wished he could share that sentiment. As he studied the crowded room, gaze going from the members of his team to that of the other commanders, he couldn't find it in him to appear as excited as they were. The only one looking as down and doubtful as him was Pyxis. But then again, that was understandable given her last failure.

"Today, my companions, we make history"

A wave of applause and cheers exploded at that declaration alone. Saturn joined them, clapping slowly but politely, which worked wonders at hiding just how much said hands were shaking.

"I will not dawdle in pointless embellishment," Cyrus declared once the crowd hushed. "Each of us knows what role we are to play tonight. Thanks to our hard work and the sacrifices of those that came before us, we are in a most advantageous position." He took a deep breath, then continued. "Ursa. Mars. Asta. Auriga. Antares. All those who fell at Solaceon. Remember them, but at least for tonight, do not mourn them. For I am certain they would not want unnecessary emotions to ruin the chance they have given us."

Another wave, stretching from the center of the room outwards like an explosion, the sound of their frenzied voices shaking Saturn to his bones. And yet, the power of those voices did not reach his core. He stood as still as a statue, eyes empty and distant.

Would they have really wanted this? he thought bitterly. I think they would've rather stay alive, surrounded by the people they cared about.

He shook his head, trying to bring himself back. He was being an idiot. Letting his emotions get the better of him, like the boss always warned him about. This was their chance. Tonight, finally, the battle against the Association… no, against the entire world, would turn in their favor. It was the opportunity they'd been working so hard toward.

Would he really give that away for a single person?

You betrayed him, he thought. You owe him.

Well, the world owed him a lot more than that, and it had yet to pay up. Maybe not everyone got what they deserved.

But isn't that what we're trying to change?

Of course, but for that change to come, sacrifices needed to be made. Cyrus had always been adamant about that.

And yet neither him nor you are the ones making those sacrifices. Funny, how all that works.

Lucas' own words came back to him. Unless you're ready to sacrifice yourself and your own happiness for your cause, you have no right to sacrifice anyone else's either, no matter what. But then again, what did the kid know about sacrifice?

Well, what do you?

He bit his lower lip strongly enough for the pain to bring him back to reality. Cyrus continued to talk. He'd missed some of his speech.

"…as such, I ask you to be as pragmatic as them, and follow their example." The man closed his eyes and sighed. A practiced gesture. "As you all know, only a select group will be able to accompany us toward the next step of our plan. But that does not mean you cannot continue to support our cause. There is still much to do in the region itself. In the cities and streets. In the dark corners where those like us lay, those who are waiting for a cause to drive them toward greatness.

"A chain is only as sturdy as its weakest link, and I am proud to say that each and every one of you is made of the toughest material this world has to offer. Now, do not mistake my words. We are not strong. On our own, we cannot make reality bend to our will as can those at the top, those who have used said power to oppress us for so long. But that is precisely the reason they will fall at our hands. They might think themselves an unstoppable spear, but we are an unmovable wall!" He raised his fist into the air, perfectly mimicking the passion he couldn't feel. "Those who are born strong are rarely challenged, and thus grow brittle. We, on the other hand, have been battered by the cruelty of the world for so long that we will not break, no matter how much force is applied to us! We who have been born with nothing, will now inherit everything in this world!"

Saturn looked past him, to his right, where Jupiter stood. The woman looked about as interested in his speech as she did in anything that wasn't drugs or alcohol or sweets. She parted her mouth and let out a big yawn, clearly not caring if anyone saw. Saturn felt his blood come to a boil.

This was the kind of person that was meant to represent their cause? He knew she'd been picked entirely because of her skill set, but still… how could you entrust your ideals to someone who did not share them?

What is wrong with her? he thought. What… what is wrong with me? Why now? I've held out this long…

"…so please, all of you begin to head toward your specified locations. Charon, on the other hand, will be waiting for the main group at the meeting point inside M.T. Coronet." Cyrus took a moment to study the room, his cold gaze moving from one group to another. "I am aware that I ask much of you. But at the same time, I know it is not more than you can handle. My belief, my plan... the fate of Sinnoh itself rests in each of your hands."

Saturn glanced at the man he respected so much as he addressed his subjects for the last time and found –to his horror– that no respect bloomed in him. All that was left was a cold, uncomfortable sense of realization.

What… What am I doing?

"Now… let us go. Tonight, Team Galactic shall usher forth the beginning of the end."

Snowpoint City – 5:10 p.m.

Candice let herself momentarily fall against Maylene's arms, who'd come from behind to give her a surprise hug. As soon as she closed her eyes, she wanted to let herself go. The touch of the girl's skin against her own, the wonderful smell of her hair, the sound of a smile in her voice… why couldn't she just lay down against her and rest for a little bit?

Candice…

She forced her eyes to open, swallowing a grunt of exhaustion.

"We should get going," she whispered. "The fight starts in less than ten minutes."

But Maylene refused to let her go, and who was she to argue with such strong, kind arms holding her?

"Babe…" She pronounced that word in a way that made Candice positively melt, which wasn't easy considering what she was made of. "Are you sure about this? We still have time to ask Audino to give you some help."

"It… will be fine." She struggled to get the words out, tone hoarse and tired. "She will be needed to heal our Pokemon after the fight. It is crucial that they are in fighting condition."

Despite not being able to see her, she could feel Maylene frowning at that.

"Then… we're really doing this?" she asked. "We're really fighting that bastard?"

"Yes. I'm afraid there is no alternative," she sighed into Maylene's arms. "As soon as the fight ends, regardless of the result, we will escort Inyssa and Barry someplace safe and ask the Association for aid. I will not let Shadi have her… or my town."

"Right… I'm still having trouble wrapping my head around all this, to be honest." There was a nervous smile in her voice. "But… I think it's for the better. I'm glad you told me now and not before."

She let go of her, and as Candice turned around to meet her girlfriend's eyes she found that a furious flame burn behind them. The darkness of the room cast a gloom shadow on her face.

"It means this rage I feel is nice and fresh," she said, punching one of her palms. "I'll make sure to let that bastard feel every ounce of it."

Candice shot her a kind, tired smile. Exactly what she expected her to say.

"Remember; Inyssa and the town's safety is our top priority," she said. "Besides, I'm… unsure of how she will react if she learns that her sister..."

"There'll be plenty of time to tell her once she's safe," argued Maylene.

"…I suppose. I do feel bad for the girl, though. For this to have to happen on her birthday of all days…"

Maylene let out a laugh. "You always had a soft spot for troublesome kids."

"Is that why I fell in love with you?"

Her girlfriend's response was to grab her by the hand and pull her into a kiss, holding her by the back of her waist as to not let her fall. Candice couldn't find it in her to protest.

"I hope that was enough of an answer," Maylene said, once the kiss had been broken.

"It was certainly… illuminating."

It wasn't easy to separate themselves from the other, but somehow they found the willpower in them to push them to do it. They still had a job to do, after all. One which Candice, in all honesty, wasn't terribly excited about, considering the circumstances.

"…We really should get going."

"Yeah…"

Candice breathed in, then looked around the inside of her house, taking in every inch of the place. This really might be the last time she stood under this roof. The thought did something she thought impossible; it send a cold shiver down her spine.

"Strength, my partner," a voice said inside her head. "Strength before weakness."

"Strength before weakness," she repeated in a whisper, nodding to herself. "Come on. At the very least, let us give Inyssa a proper battle. It's not much of a birthday gift, but…" She closed her eyes, pursing her lips into a line. Exhaustion clung to every inch of her body. "…it's as much as we can give her, before Night falls."

Snowpoint City – 6:30 p.m.

Mars walked down the stairs toward the first floor of the Pokemon center, feeling as refreshed as… well, as she ever thought she would after her fight with Asta, to be entirely honest.

She wore a different face. That of a young, black-haired woman she'd seen a few weeks ago on her way to Snowpoint, one that looked somewhat similar to her. Unfortunately, with most of Ditto being extracted from her, she only had enough of its essence left to transform one of her limbs at a time, and that included her head. As such, she decided to go with as simple a transformation as possible, while still masquerading as someone else.

It had worked, of course. The woman who found her passed out at the edge of town didn't recognize her in the slightest. And neither had the town's Gym leader, once she'd passed by to have her Audino heal her wounds.

"Ah, there you are!"

The nurse's soft voice welcomed her as she reached the first floor, waving at her from behind her desk. Mars faked a courteous smile and approached.

"Thank you for having me, even though I don't have a license," she said. "Er… May I ask how long was I out."

"It's really no problem; there's no way we could deny hospitality to someone so hurt!" exclaimed the nurse, almost offended. "Oh… hmm… I believe you slept for a day or so. Today is…"

"Sunday," whispered Mars, unable to keep the emotion from her voice. "Today begins the waxing crescent."

The nurse blinked at that, tilting her head.

"Ah… you're one of those who measures time by the moon phases. Are you by chance from Celestic?"

Another polite smile. Mars found that she didn't have to fake it too much against someone like this woman.

"Ah, no, it's just… a habit I picked from someone." The corners of her lips waved slightly as she said that. "I was just… looking forward to today, is all."

The nurse nodded. "A special day, eh? I'll make sure to order you a nice breakfast so you can start it well."

She looked past the woman, toward the T.V. monitor hanging off the wall. The audio was off. Still, she could perfectly read the news headline.

Inyssa Dawn and Barry Paladino against Maylene and Candice: brought to you by Sword&Pen Channel!

An almost hungry smile spread across Mars' face.

"Yeah, you could say that," she whispered. "I get the feeling this is going to be a fantastic day."