CHAPTER 1 - A New Day

The stadium roared with living thunder and fire, sounds of battle and cheers loud enough to shake bones. Heat rolled across the battlefield as a Typhlosion stood between broken rubble and scorched stone, his flames dim, form ragged from exhaustion. His sides heaved as he fought to catch his breath. One eye was nearly swollen shut, but he was still standing, even if it was on his last leg.
Across from him, the Dragonite staggered in no better condition than he was, the great dragon’s wings trembled as it fought to stay upright, orange scales cracked and blackened where fire had bitten deep and left its mark. Its trainer shouted something from the far end of the field, desperation sharp in their voice, but Emily barely heard it. Her entire world had narrowed to the space between her and her partner and their opponent.


“Ty!” she called, her voice hoarse but steady. “Win or lose we’re gonna make everyone here remember our names!!”


The Typhlosion turned his head just enough to look at her from the corner of his good eye, giving a shaky nod as he focused back on his opponent. Even now, even like this, there was no doubt in his eyes. No fear, and no hesitation, only a blazing determination that burned passionately in his half conscious eyes.

Flames ignited along his back, weak at first, surging brighter and brighter as he dug down deep, pulling from a place beyond his exhaustion with a loud fearsome roar. The heat distorted the air as the vents along his shoulders erupted with every ounce of strength that he had left to give.


The Dragonite roared in return, gathering the last of its strength as it charged them under its trainers orders, their words lost in a haze of crackling electricity that encased the dragon type’s form.

“Blast Burn! Give Them Everything We’ve Got Left!" Emily cried out with every ounce of her soul, watching as the the balls of fire erupted from her partners mouth and back, casting fast moving pillars of flame that scorched through the ground at such a high speed and intensity it turned the stone to hot molten rock as it launched at the charging Dragonite, bolts of lighting erupting from its mouth as it charged at them with everything it had left.


As the flames struck the dragons form her world vanished with white hot light as electricity collide with fire in a heavy explosion. A crackling bolt of lightning ripped past her and struck the far wall of the stadium with a thunderous boom that shook the ground and caused the spotlights to flicker, casting them all in a cloud of smoke from the attacks.


When the smoke had cleared enough to see, the battlefield was still and silent.
Dragonite lay unconscious, its massive body finally haven given out under the strain of battle. Typhlosion had partially collapsed, barely catching itself on its front paws, gasping for air from the straight and exhaustion.


Emily was already running before the referee’s flag waved in her favor “Dragonite is unable to battle!” the announcer’s voice boomed, shaking with disbelief. “The winner is Typhlosion! The winner of the match goes to Emily of Johto!”


The stadium exploded, Cheers and stomping erupted from the stands so loud that it vibrated through the ground as Emily dropped to her knees beside Typhlosion, hands shaking as she pulled his heavy head up and into her lap as smoke rolled from the vents on his back. “Ty! Say Something! Are you ok? Can you hear me!?” She cried out petting over his head as her partner shifted. He rumbled softly, barely able to move, but he fixed her with a weak and pained smile and exhausted eyes.


Tears filled her eyes as she tightly hugged her pokemon's head. “Thank you, thank you so much, you did it… we did it.” She laughed, breathless and tearfully, the sound almost lost beneath the roar of the crowd that grew louder and louder. The cheers of the crowd softened to a dull chanting as Emily tried to help her partner up, though as she did he tensed, grimacing and hissing out in terrible pain. “Ty? Ty are you ok? H-Here lets get you back in your ball, you’ve earned a good long rest, and a trip to the pokemon center.” she says, pulling her hand back to reach for his ball. Her hand and arm was completely covered with blood, rolling down to her elbow before dripping to the ground.


Emily’s eyes narrowed in horror as she tried to catch her breath, her ears ringing loudly as her hand began to shake, watching her partner curl and shake with pain as a small pool of blood began to form under him. The ringing in her ears grew louder and louder as she let out a blood curdling scream.


BEEP. BEEP. BEEP. BEEP. BEEP. BEEP.


Emily jolted awake with a sharp yell, heart pounding out of her chest as she flailed blindly for the nightstand only to topple out of bed and face first into the cold hardwood of her bedroom floor.


Setting up with a groan she reached up to rub her face only to flinch as the alarm clock clattered against the back of her head and onto the floor, finally stopping its infernal beeping. “Fucking… Ow…” Emily groaned, clutching the back of her head.


Hissing and blinking the tears of pain and sleep out of her eyes she looked around the quiet room as her heart began to settle from the nightmare, the brain fog fading as she took in the room.


Morning light filtered through the curtains of her childhood bedroom, warm and soft, with dust motes drifting lazily in the air as birds sang outside. No stadium. No roaring crowd. No battlefield scorched and torn to pieces. Just home.


Lay back on the floor on top of the scattered blankets, she stared up at the ceiling as she collected herself. Two months after her Pokemon League Championship battle, and her mind was still clinging onto the accident like it had only happened yesterday.


A low, familiar rumble sounded beside the bed making her turn her head just enough to see her Typhlosion laying sprawled across the floor in his oversized pet bed, his once fierce flames reduced to the occasional lazy ember as he watched her from across the room. A long scar crossed from his collar bone and over his shoulder, ending in one of the vents on his back, the aftermath of that bittersweet day.


Pressing himself up with a body shaking stretch the Typhlosion lazily made his way over to her, sitting on his haunches as he leaned in to sniff over her face, giving her blind affectionate licks wherever he could.


“Pfft Uuuhg… Oh my god… of course your breath smells like a wet campfire.” she grunts, bringing a hand up to shield her face as he continues his assault. “Pfft Ok stop… Stop it with the trying to kissy-kiss of my face!” She sputters trying to turn her head and escape him.


Seeing that she was trying to avoid his licks he decided to simply flop his head into her gut with his full weight, making her groan out as he nearly knocked the breath out of her.


Laying back out on the floor Emily gazed up at the ceiling, trying to wipe away her partners affection. “Oh my god Ty… you’re getting fat… we’ve only been home for a couple months.” she says, reaching down to pet over the soft fur of his head. “You need to cut back on moms cooking some, either that or take you out for morning runs again like we used to… think that shoulder is healed up enough?”


Typhlosion snorted, a sound halfway between amusement and approval. Sitting herself up she shifted his head into her lap to give him head scratches, her attention was drawn to the jagged scar that ran along his shoulder and into the vent. It was pale and uneven, a stark contrast to his normally unblemished fur. Her gaze lingered there longer than she meant for it to, her soft smile fading as she reached a hand out to gently feel over the scar. A brief mental image of her hand soaked in blood made her yank her hand back, trembling as the intrusive reminder of what happened invaded her thoughts.


Lifting his head Ty gave her a knowing look, whining his concerns for her as he gave her shaking hand a comforting lick and a nuzzle. _I can still see it… so much blood…_ Sighing Emily shook the thought from her head. Pressing herself up she shifted to sit on the edge of the bed, straightening out her pajamas before pulling the covers scattered on the floor back up and onto the bed. “Sorry… I had that stupid dream again, our Championship match… I keep seeing the aftermath of it and I can’t keep from shaking.”


Grumbling Ty sat upright on his haunches, still easily tall enough to be at eye level with her. Leaning in he nuzzled her cheek with a gentle trill. “Yeah… I know buddy, it was just an accident.” she says, looking at her hand as it continues to tremble.


“Bakooo” Ty crooned, shuffling closer, reaching out to take her hand, lifting it to press against his chest giving her a reassuring smile.


Smiling Emily rubbed over his chest fur before giving him a pat. “You’re right, nothing to do about it now, just gotta keep on going strong yeah?” she asks, reaching up to give one of his little ears a tug, making him grunt aloud. “Heheh, come on, let's see if mom’s here, get us some breakfast made and go out for a morning jog to get the blood pumping.”


Getting up and moving around, Emily headed downstairs to the kitchen to get breakfast started, nothing fancy, just some eggs, toast, and few bacon for herself and for her partner a big healthy bowl of pokemon food.


As she cooked at the stove Emily paused “Mom? You home?” she calls out, leaning back enough out of the kitchen to look down the hallway at her mothers open bedroom door. “Mom! I’m making breakfast!”


A jingle of a collar and the padding of paws could be heard as her mothers Umbreon lazily poked its head around the corner with a drawn out “Breooooon” as if telling her to shut up. “Heheh, well good morning to you too Sebastian. I’m guessing mom’s already left for work?”


The umbreon only grumbled sourly having been woken up from his sleep, lazily making his way over to rub up against her hip before flopping down into the floor at her feet with a big sleepy yawn. “Did someone have a late night outside frolicking in the forest again into the wee hours of the morning?” she asks, getting an unamused look from the dark type. “Heheh well don’t worry about it, it’s not like you have a job or anything to go to or chores to do, no you get to sit around the house all day, be lazy, get fat, and not have to worry about paying any bills… cute little freeloader.”


Giving a sarcastic ‘Umbre’ the mon looked up at her expectantly. “What… Oh that’s how it is? So you’re just gonna give me a bunch of sass now cause I woke you up from your nap and called you out?” Emily asks, getting nothing but a stare from the dark type. “You’re doing this… really? Trying to bum food off of me? You’ve got plenty of pokemon food in your bowl, fresh and healthy just for you to eat.” she retorts, nodding over to his full bowl.


Sebastian stared her down with an unwavering look, glancing between her and the plate of fresh bacon on the counter. Sighing she plucked a piece of bacon off her plate and gave it to him reluctantly. “Fine, you dramatic little fur ball, but only as an apology for waking you up.”


Watching Sebastian happily eating his spoils she pet over his head a few times, sitting down at the kitchen table to enjoy her own breakfast. Scrolling through her phone she read up on the news while lazily stuffing eggs in her mouth, her scrolling was interrupted as a message popped up for her followed quickly by another and another in quick succession, before she could even open the messages to see what they said the phone began to buzz and ring in her hand.


“Of course you’d be calling me at 8 in the morning, cause why not?” she mutters, setting her fork aside as she answers the phone. “You know people usually give someone a call right away instead of messaging them a bunch beforehand.”


“Emily!!!” A shrill cheerful voice shouted through the phone loud enough to make her wince and pull it away from her ear. “How You Doin Girl? Just callin to check in with my number one champion bad bitch best friend and see if you’re still alive!”


“Redgie… it’s really early for you to be yelling into the phone like that, can we take it down a couple of notches? I can hear your gay all the way from here.” Emily says, picking at her plate.


“Ooo someone’s a little spicy this mornin, don’t be mad at me cause you can’t handle all of this excitement my girl.” he retorts followed by a chuckle. “How are you today? No mental breakdowns?”


“Naah… had that dream again last night but other than that I’m doing alright… just surviving Sebastian trying to steal my breakfast.” she says looking off to the side at the Umbreon as he gives her a little sneer. “Anyways, why are you calling me so early in the morning? Thought you were a night owl.”


“Girl it aint early, already about time for lunch, you’re just being lazy as hell.” he retorts. “I was calling cause I’m getting ready to hit up that new big ass mall they opened up in the downtown Goldenrod over by the waterfront. I wanted my main gal to be there with me for a little shopping trip. Between the interviews and the paparazzi you’ve been ducking, It’s been a while since we’ve gotten to hang out Ms Champion”


Rubbing a hand over her face Emily rolled her eyes in thought. “First of all it’s only 8 in the morning so yeah it is still really early, and secondly I don’t know Redgie… I’m still trying to get around the camera crews and not be hassled about the whole accident thing.”


“Emily, sweetheart, it’s been almost two months now, you’ve gotta come out of your sulking little hole and get some sunshine. Come on it will be a lot of fun, I’ll even feed you and fuzzball afterwards, my treat… I’m not gonna stop pestering you until you get out of yo moma’s house with me girl!” he said in a sing-song voice.


If he was anything Redgie was persistent when he wanted to hang out, but she couldn’t deny the thought of getting out of the house was rather appealing. “Guuuh… fine, give me some time to finish eating and get a shower or somethin… I really don’t want to go, please don’t make meee.” she whined into the phone.


“Great, see you in a little bit girly, better hurry up or I’ll call the news station and tell them where we’ll be byeeee.” Redgie chimes before the phone call ends with a click.


Looking at the phone in disgust Emily sat it down on the table, giving it a little nudge away from her as she mocked him. “Ooo I’ll tell them where we are nyaa… Gayest best friend ever… he better not call the damn news station I swear I will beat his ass.”


Finishing her breakfast Emily reluctantly got herself upstairs and in the shower to get cleaned up, if she was going out in public she at least wanted to be somewhat presentable, indistinguishable from the average everyday mall goer of course so she didn’t get hassled for autographs, but clean and tidy just in case she had absolutely had to deal with anyone.


Pulling on a simple plain shirt and pair of skinny jeans she looked over herself in the mirror, turning from one side to the other with an unimpressed look. “I mean… I don’t think anyone would recognise me in this outfit… guuh I’ve gotta buy normi clothes… prefer my trainer gear, so more room, deeper pockets, and a hell of a lot more durable” she mutters “Ty! Get in here and look at this terrible outfit I’m wearing!”


The soft thumping of her partner's footsteps came down the hall leaving him to lean into the bathroom, eyes widening and jaw dropping a little as he looked over her. “What do you think? Good enough to blend in?” she asks, reaching a hand up to scratch under his chin.


“Bakoo…” He grumbles, looking over her with a thumbs up. Nuzzling her head he just stared at her for a few minutes as she began brushing out her amber hair.


“What? What is it? Wait, do you think I look pretty in this?” she asks, looking back at him as she begins brushing out her hair, smirking as she sees him try to hide his blush as he mocked her. “Hehehe daww, I just picked out the most boring clothes I could find, didn’t know you had a thing for average city girls Ty.”


Huffing the barger looked off to the side with a blush, shaking his head at his trainer's teasing. “Koo…” he grunts in embarrassment.


“Well if that’s the case I better not tease you too much, don’t need your kickstand poppin out in public anywhere.” she chuckles as he whined aloud, covering his eyes with both his paws. “Hehehe relax buddy, I’m only teasing you, you’re a very good boy who behaves himself.” she says, pausing to give his head a few pets.


Returning her attention to her hair she brushed it out thoroughly, glancing at Ty on occasion as her mon just sort of watched her. She wasn’t really all that shy around him all things considered, he had been with her since she started her journey so most of the embarrassment factors had already faded over the many years of their travels. If anything he was probably her most trusted friend.


“Keep staring like that and I might start to get embarrassed.” she teased, looking at him as he poked his fingers together. “Bakooo?”


“What is it buddy? You just excited to get out of the house for a while? Or were you hoping to go somewhere else while we’re in Goldenrod?”


Ty’s eyes shifted a little as he nods his head, looking a little bashful as he fidgeted with the thought. “B-Bakoo?”


Emily’s eyes slowly squinted as she looked him up and down. “You’re not about to ask me to take you to the daycare are you?”


Blushing lightly Ty held his paws together fluttering his eyes as he put on the cutest look he could muster. “Brotha ew, no I’m not taking you there so you can try and woo some random floozie into a 5 minute quickie behind the fences.”


Whining out Ty hung his head in defeat, giving a long drawn out whine in protest, motioning around the bathroom before pointing out towards the front door. “Oh my god you freakin pervert, That’s exactly what you were wanting! Boy take your nasty self in there and let me get finished getting ready. You can handle your tensions like any other fella, that’s why Arcius gave you two paws and a mouth just for that purpose, and don’t you go giving me no sass like you can’t reach it. I've seen you clean your beans before I know you can reach them!”


In an act of defiance Ty grabbed her by her shoulders and pulled her back against him with a whine, resting his head on top of hers, giving her as pouty a look as he could. Emily sighs as she looks at him. “Don’t you pout at me mister, it’s not like I don’t want you to get some affection, by all means that sounds like a fantastic idea for you and me both… but right now the daycare isn’t the safest place to be scorin some poon, not with the beauty contests going on and show pokemon being taken care of there.”


Ty only grumbled out deeply, nodding his head frantically at what she had said. “Wait so you know there’s going to be fancy pokemon there, like thoroughbreds and stuff, and you want to go… to test your luck with one of them?” She asks, looking a little put off by how excited her pokemon seemed. “Ok yeah, heheh then we’re absolutely not going. Those rich fancy pricks would sue me into the dirt if you knocked up one of their girls at the beginning of the contest season! The answer is no!”


Whining out in frustration Ty made a show of sticking out his long drooling tongue a as far as he could, pulled her back by her shoulders and promptly flopped it over her face, slobbering and drooling over her as much as he possibly could.


Sputtering and shouting she fought and wrenched her way out of his grasp, wiping the slobber from her face. “Oh My God I’m Gonna Beat Your Ass, Eww! Fucking EWWWWWWWW!!”
Outside Redgie was just touching down on the back of his Flygon, patting her neck as she fluttered her wings once they touched down. “That’s my girl, thank you milady for the speedy flight over here.”


A loud thump and clatter came from inside Emily’s house followed by a frantic yell from Ty, followed by more muffled yelling and thumping around, to anyone else it would probably sound like a big fight as going on, but to Redgie he was used to this sort of roughhousing between the two


“Hehehe uh’oh, sounds like Ty wen’t and done somethin to get flogged eh Daisy?” he asks, slipping from the flygons back allowing her to stand back up at her full height. The flygon looked towards the house nervously fidgeting her claws together as more frantic wailing from Ty could be heard from inside.


Walking up to the door Redgie held one arm behind his back, reaching up to knock a little jingle on the door before he stepping out of the way as it promptly burst open a second later, leaving Ty stumbling out through the door with a bucket shoved down over his head and Emily clinging to his back like a savage animal, smacking and swatting at the badger as he blindly tried to get away from her.


Reaching his hands out, Redgie plucked Emily from Ty’s back, picking her up underneath her arms, holding her in the air she vibrated with frustration like a little wild gremlin. “Good morning to you little Ms Champion, I can see that you and your boy’s having a good time.” He says easing her down onto the porch, watching Ty clatter down the steps head over ass, landing splayed out on the ground unmoving. “Mostly a good time.”


“I Will Beat You Too Redgie.” She growls pointing a finger at him, reaching up to rub the excess slobber from her face with a disgusted shout. “Ty I swear to Arcius if I’ve got any of your slobber in my hair I’m taking you to get neutered! Both Nuts Cut Off!” she shouts, growling out as she wiped her face as she stormed off back into the house, muttering and cursing to herself the entire way.


Chuckling lightly, Redgie made his way down the steps, crouching to pat Ty on the back. “Bro you alive? Did she kill you dead?” he chuckles as Ty gave a little groan. Pulling the bucket off of his head he helped the badger sit himself upright. “Brotha what in the world did you do to her? She was mad as hell and riding you like a monkey my guy.”


Ty grumbled, rubbing over his face while motioning after Emily with a huff. “Oh yeah? She was getting ready? I’m guessing she was talking to you about our little mall excursion today?” he asks, watching Ty nod, pantomiming his paws around. “Let me guess, you heard we are going to Goldenrod and you wanted to go to the Daycare right? It’s the start of the pageant season and all the pretty thoroughbreds are in town using the groomers at the daycare to get ready and gossied up” Whining Ty nodded more frantically, motioning around dramatically before he reluctantly poked his tongue out all the way. “Oooh I’m guessing she said no… then you licked her face… like a lot, it was dripping off her chin when she came out here dude.”
Grumbling Ty motioned back into the house with a whine and then an even higher pitched whine. “I… that is a good question, I don’t know why anyone would just have a bucket sitting around within gabbing distance, like that’s something really weird just to have on hand I guess? Even worse she used it on you, that’s just fucked my guy.” Giving a smoky snort the badger finished with a pout as he folds his arms. “Bitch denied you some fancy muff, beat the hell out of you, put a bucket on your damn head, and flogged you out the front door… damn my guy, she’s cold as ice… come here buddy, bring it in.”


Giving the Typhlosion a hug Redgie pets over his head as the mon whines and holds onto him. “Shh I know, Daisy darlin, will you keep this fellah company while I go and help get little miss Ice Queen finish getting ready? Smooth things over so she doesn’t end up choppin this guy's boys off? Thank you darling.”


The Flygon gave a nervous and embarrassed smile, waddling over to sit with Ty, blushing terribly as the badger rested his head against her chest with a cry face.


Back inside the house Emily was washing her face with water and a wash cloth, grunting as she finished wiping down. Hearing the door close in the other room she grunted in frustration. “Wipe your feet Redgie, You know how mom is about her floors!”


“Oh trust me I know, I still feel the bristles of an angry broom against my ass cheek.” he chuckles, making his way over to lean against the door frame. “You know some people would call that animal abuse.”


“Yeah well those people haven’t seen that guy get rolled down the side of a whole ass mountain and come out of it with nothing but a scratch and a couple of bruises. Those people are idiots.” she retorts, sighing as she unfastened her ponytail, grabbing the brush to smooth back the stray hairs that came out from the rough housing.


“He wanted to go to the daycare again didn’t he?” Redgie asks with a chuckle, shaking his head. “You know it could be good for him to actually find himself a lady friend for the evening.”


“Yeah I know… I also know there's a lot of rich pricks that have their thoroughbred pokemon there getting pampered, rich pricks more than willing to slam me with fines and a lawsuit if my little horndog goes bumping around and ends up giving them any unwanted eggs.” She says pulling her hair back again. “They are seriously not ok with anything messing up their pokemons figure this time of the year… Otherwise I wouldn’t mind it one bit, as gross as that is. I don’t like thinking of my little Tyty hunching up on some random female.”


“Ok that’s fair, but girl you know a fella’s got needs, specially since you took him out the game he doesn't have a way to really… you know, get out that excess energy, ‘unload’ on someone if you will.” he says, chuckling as she swatted his arm with her brush


“First of all eww, I don’t want to think of him unloading in any kinda way… also Yeah I know he’s been cooped up here while he’s recovering… I also know that he has two paws and a mouth perfectly able to tickle his pickle just like I told him… before he slobbered all over my face with that stupid tongue of his and messed my hair up.”


“Ahh girl that’s cold, you know it always feels better when someone else does it for you… then again he is a lucky flexible bastard, pretty sure every guy I’d ever known would have loved to be that flexible.” he says, grinning as she rolled her eyes at him. “How about you? Are you looking to find a lucky fellow of the evening?”


“Pshh please, I’ve barely got my nightmares under control, I don't need a romantic relationship in my life making things more complicated than they already are, I’m content with how I am right now thank you.”


“Talkin about a fling honey, not a relationship, I doubt there’s a man alive that can handle the kind of fight you’ve got in ya.”


“Eww no, I’m not gonna bend over for some rando off the street, having a hole is a lot different than having a pole, Redgie, I’ve gotta be careful how I use it or I’ll be the one popping out something unwanted.” Pulling her hair back into another ponytail she sighs. “No anyone I’d be willing to pump is over in Hoenn right now for the contests over there.”


“I’m hearing a lot of excuses from a bitch who just can’t get no man, that or who's afraid to have her coochie tended too by something other than a buz wand.” he chuckles, getting another swat from her. “Heheh owe, easy there.”


“You’re one to talk.” she says finishing with her hair. “Who was the last guy you had? Desmond? Damian?”


“Dillan.”


“Right, right Dillan, and umm whatever happened to him? I thought you two were going strong until just out of nowhere you called me and vented about the break up for like 4 hours. Can you remind me of why?”


Sighing Redgie rubbed the back of his neck. “Guy was actually married, apparently I was his little side piece… you’d have known that if you were actually paying attention to me when I was telling you about it.”


“I was paying attention… for like the first 20 minutes, after that I got really bored and started watching T.V.” she says as they share a chuckle. Rubbing her neck she sighs, shaking her head. “Its really good to see you again, Redgie. You know after everything that happened I kinda just disappeared, barely spoke to you about anything, I’m sorry about that by the way, my mind's been a mess since the accident… too messed up to really even do much at all besides walks through the woods and helping mom around the house.”


“Girl you know I’ll always have your back, even if I gotta kick you around a little bit and drag your skinny white girl ass out of the house for your own good.” he says patting her shoulder. “We started on this long ass adventure together when we left home, not gonna let you finish it without putting up a fight.”


Rubbing her arm Emily nods reluctantly. “Yeah. you’re a good friend... I wish you weren't gay or I’d be asking you for a roll in the sheets.”


“Girl uh-uh eww, you keep those nasty ass meat curtains away from me.” he chuckles, getting swatted a few times as they laughed together.
“They are not nasty! I am very clean, thank you very much!” Emily huffs, chuckling as she shakes her head. “I’m good to go whenever you are… pretty sure I need to get some more food for Ty, a few new toys to make up for the thrashing I gave him.”


“Yeah what the fuck was with the bucket by the way? You just stuffed it on his head and were slapping the shit out of him all the way out of the house!”


He slobbered all over my face! It got in my freakin mouth Redgie!”


“Girl I thought you would have liked that, in any case don't forget your wallet, the mall apparently has an entire section dedicated to just toys and stuff for big pokemon, perfect place to buy an apology present.”
“Slobber is gross Redgie, also what happened to you treating us at the mall? Thought you were gonna be a super cool gentleman and take me out this evening.”


“Bitch you better go get your damn wallet, I said I was gonna feed you and my guy Ty, not pamper you like a pretty little princess, that’s what boyfriends are for. Just come on outside when you're done getting ready, and don’t take too long either, remember that place is gonna be super packed with trainers and annoying ass kids once school lets out.”


“Yeah, yeah I got it, just gonna grab my bag and I’ll be right back down.”


With a quick trip back up to her room Emily grabbed her worn backpack, a heavy weight settling in her chest as she pulled it on and tightened the straps. “Damn… Been a while hasn’t it?” she mutters, shifting around to make sure she had it on properly. “Ok… just a quick trip to the mall… you’ve got this.”


Making her way out of the house Emily gave Ty hug as he pouted. “I was kidding about cutting off your balls, would never hurt you like that buddy, but don’t slobber on my face again or I won’t hold back next time.”


Ty gave a gruff in response, resting his head on top of hers as he hugged her back. Just for good measure he gave the top of her head a nuzzle as he pulled away.


“We’ll have a nice long walk through the mall, we’ll get some nice hot food and a soda, and I’ll even let you pick out some toys from the store, how's that as an apology?”


“Yeah more like I’ll be getting the hot food.” Redgie says as he carefully climbs up onto Flygon’s back, giving her neck a few pets. “Sabastion my man, you look after the place while we’re gone, no house parties ya hear?” he called out to the Umbreon sitting on the front porch.


“Oh my god don’t say that.” Emily chuckles, recalling Ty back into his ball and fastening it to her belt as she climbed onto Dasy’s back with some help from Redgie. “We’ll be back later, I’ll bring you something back from the mall for you too.”


The umbreon hummed, laying himself out on the porch and rested his head on his front paws, smiling a little as he watched the Flygon take off, just happy to see his trainer's daughter was finally getting out of the house for a change.


The Johto region swiftly passed beneath them as Daisy bolted through the air at very high speeds, swaying with the wind currents as she angled over the various towns and forests. Emily held on with practiced ease, hugging her arms tightly around Redgie as she looked out and over the scenery as it swept by in nearly a blur.


It was a short flight, not even 20 minutes before the city of Goldenrod came into view, the city streets as busy as always as the population carried on with their daily lives.


Emily never really cared much for the city, she had grown up in the countryside before she set out on the journey. The hustle and bustle of the big city moved a little too quickly for her comfort so she really only ever visited when there were things going on that interested her, she was tagging along with someone else, or if she had to pass through to get to the next route.


Veering to the side towards the outer edges of the city, Daisy came to land in the parking lot of the rather large mall, the building still looking brand new, apparently having only just finished opening a week ago from what Redgie had told her.


“Wow… you weren't kidding, they got this place up fast. I was just here at the old department store across from the pokemon center not even a week before the Championships started and this was still just an empty lot.” Emily says as she carefully climbed off of Dasy’s back, giving her a pet on the neck and up to her head behind her antenna. “Thank you for dealing with my extra weight Daisy.”


The Flygon chimed, blushing happily as she pressed into the neck and head pets. “Heheh, ahh another hundred pounds or so isn’t going to throw her off with all the training we’ve been doing, she’s a hell of a flyer, got her second 1st place trophy for it last month actually, you know, at the races you didn’t show up too?”


“Yeah, yeah I know, but I’m here now, so congratulations Daisy.” she chuckles, earning an embarrassed whine from the bashful pokemon. Giggling she gave the dragon type a little nuzzle on the cheek getting another whine from her.


Letting Ty back out of his ball Emily looked around the parking lot, sighing as she saw how busy the place was. “How did I let you talk me into this? This place is packed!”


“It is a new mall Emily, it’s gonna be busy, even busier when school gets out in a couple of hours… You know it’s funny, I’ve seen you charge down a raging Gyarados without hesitation before, and now seeing you getting intimidated by a crowd of people is kinda funny to be honest.”


“Don’t be an ass Redgie, that was completely different, Pokemon can be calmed down and captured, people talk to you and want answers back and I’m terrible at making small talk, god I hope nobody recognises me here.”


“Relax, it’s gonna be a great time, you’ll see after it’s all said and done I bet no one is even going to recognize you at all.” He tried to reassure her, though Emily was quite certain he was just saying that to try and make her feel better.


Their trip through the mall was slow, checking out the various stores and what they had to offer. Most of the shops were geared towards pokemon stuff, some of them were for grooming supplies, a new brush and some pokemon shampoo was a must at that point.


Other stores were geared more for battle items, healing, pokeballs and that sort of thing, having a couple extra full heals and some super potions were always nice to have around the house.


Some of the stores were geared more towards homes like furniture and other appliances, nothing that she really needed, though she took note of it just in case she did end up buying her a place to live.


There was also the pokemon entertainment store, selling all sorts of toys and various books on how to keep pokemon happy and healthy based on their typing, their species, and even the environments that they lived in. She of course let Ty pick out a few things for himself, a durable chew toy he could gnaw on and one of those electric balls that rolled around on their own that he could chase around the house and play with, a laserpointer and fairy wand for the grumpy umbreon housepet. She also ended up grabbing some dental chews for Ty and Sabastian. There was one store in particular that Emily really liked was a shop that sold the latest in traveling gear and camping accessories.


Looking over the shelves with wide eyes Emily crouched to look over a pop up grill that was small enough to fasten on the side of a backpack. “Oh my god where have you been all my life? Ty… Ty look at this you can just pop it open like a briefcase! And it comes with its own percolator! Pop up tents that have everything built into it so you don’t have to mess with those stupid rods anymore… Memory foam sleeping bags… this place is so cool!”


Ty watched on with a little smile as his trainer gushed looking over the different pieces of equipment, his ears lowered a little as he looked at the scar on his shoulder, up until Redgie gave him a pat on the back. “Emily, we came here for a new backpack for you remember? Something to replace that old one you’re wearing. Not to feed into your hiking and traveling addiction.”


Pausing Emily rubs the back of her head as she chuckles. “Right, right. Sorry about that, just wishing we had this sort of stuff sooner, can’t tell you how much better this would have made a lot of our trips.” Pressing herself up she stretched her legs, making her way over to the traveling bags, browsing around before she picked out one that really caught her eye.


As the day passed and they finished looking through the mall, they all sat down in the food court for a nice hot meal and to relax from all the walking around. Leaning back in her seat Emily rests a hand on her stomach, looking rather pleased. “I really like this place, close to moms place assuming I get Salamace back from the professor…”


“Yeah it’s not too long of a flight out here, beautiful trip too, lots to see and a nice wind current so it’s not too hard on the flier, isn’t that right girl?” Redgie asks petting Daisy as she ate her food, only getting a little grunt of affirmation from her. “Sayin that I thought you were going to be buying that bit of land down the river a little ways from your moms place? You know the one that had the old barn in the back that caught on fire? Said it would be close to nature and a familiar place since that’s where we used to train all the time.”


“I mean yeah I plan on it when I’m…” Emily paused as she spoke, looking up at the ceiling of the food court. Sitting back upright in her chair she sighs, looking down at the table. “When I’m ready to put the money out for it… just got a lot going on right now.”


Reaching out Redgie pats her shoulder. “Take your time with it, but if you are for sure out of the game, you’ll need to find a place to actually settle down, and even if you decide to start traveling again I’m pretty sure the professor or your mom wouldn’t mind helping you keep an eye on the place, not that you’d need it of course, the countryside out there has always be very safe”


“Heheh yeah, you’re right.” Emily says trying to play it off with a smile, though the weight of it seemed to grow unsettling in her chest. The thought of settling down with her own house was daunting, not that she couldn’t afford it, she made sure that she saved a big portion of all her winnings over the many years of her travels just for this moment, but now that the time had arrived where it was a possibility there were a lot of doubts weighing on her mind, and the thought of actually retiring and not traveling anymore really made the decision incredibly daunting.


“It’s just a lot to think about, actually getting a house of my own… the place has plenty of property for my pokemon to be happy and healthy, acres of woods to run around in and stuff.” Emily trails off.


Would having a house keep her from traveling again? Not that there was anything wrong with having her own place to look after, it would be a good place of her own to store all the nice things she had found in her travels and not just sit in boxes in her mothers guest bedroom, but would that be it? No more incredible adventures? Nights under the stars? That was silly though, of course she could still go exploring and on adventures, nothing was tying her down or holding her back… right? The thoughts rolled through her mind making her groan aloud.


Ty’s paw came to rest on her shoulder, pulling her from her thoughts enough for her to see him give a happy smile and an affectionate lick to the cheek. “Bakoo.” A simple happy chime, as if to say it would all be ok.


“A house all to ourselves huh? It is a three bedroom if you’d maybe wanna be roommates?” she asks, looking at Redgie who was taking a bite of his food. “I mean having someone else there would be really nice, make it a lot less daunting, and it would also give you a place too, I won’t even charge you that much rent to live there.”


“Oh yeah? You know, typically someone has to go looking online and stuff to find a place to live, they don’t have landlords coming to them offering them a place out of the blue like that.” he says, smiling until he saw her expression changing. “I’d like that, like all jokes aside I don’t mind staying with you for a while, at least until I can find a spot of my own… that being said I think you’ve got a little bit more on your mind than just the housing market, Tell me what’s rattling around up there, looks like your stressed out.”


Rubbing her neck Emily shook her head. “I… wasn’t expecting retirement to come so soon, like I knew it was gonna happen eventually, I’ve been preparing for it, a little overprepared for it to be honest… but now that it’s getting close to that time it’s… I don’t know Redgie… there’s still so much out there to see and do I…” sighing she shook her head. “I don’t really want to talk about it.”


“Emily… you do know that just because Ty can’t battle anymore doesn’t mean you have to retire. All of your pokemon were incredibly strong, and you’re still a fantastic trainer. Honey you’re a champion, you challenged the Elite four and won… you beat Lance the leader of the elite four and now you’re in the hall of fame, not many people can say that you know. I don’t think there’s anything that’s keeping you here but yourself.”


Rubbing her head Emily nods, looking stressed “I-II know I’m a good trainer, that my pokemon are strong it’s just… Ty’s my very first pokemon, I-I can’t just bench him, he always loved to battle, he loves it when we train together and go on adventures, he’s just as curious as I am… but it’s dangerous out there, really dangerous, and I can’t… I can’t take a chance like that again.”


“Take a chance on what? Emily just what in the hell has been going on these last few months? Like you hardly call me anymore, you never leave your moms house, you’ve lent out nearly all your pokemon to do other things and you act like your entire career just hit a brick wall.”


Sighing Emily shook her head, rubbing her hands over her face. “Redgie I-I really don’t want to talk about this right now, I mean we came here to have a good time and shop and I just… want to focus on that for now.”


“Emily you never used to act like this before, I’m your best friend you can talk to me about anything. Like I get it if it’s a lot to think about but tormenting yourself and not letting anyone help you out isn’t cool. So just pull up your big girl panties and tell me just what in the hell has got you so freaked out and depressed!”


“I don’t want to lose him ok!?” Emily nearly shouted, thumping her fist hard on the table. “I-I don’t want to take another chance on losing him… I almost lost him once and I-” closing her eyes Emily shook her head, looking to the side as she felt a burning pain in her chest. “I can’t… please just… just drop it ok?”


Redgie sighed, sitting back in his seat. “Ok… I’ll leave it alone.” It was quiet between them for a moment before he leaned forward to rest his arms on the table. “Whens uhh… you’re next therapy appointment?”


Rubbing her face Emily shook her head. “Tuesday… it’s on Tuesday"


“I’m uhh… sorry for pushing, but I want to be there for you ya know? You’ve helped me through my bull shit when it gets rough, I just want you to let me do the same for you, it’s only fair ya know?”


“I got it, Redgie, thank you.” She knew he was coming from a good place, but the thoughts and emotions swirling in her head were getting to be a bit too much for her to deal with in public.


“Oh my gosh is that Emily Verner! She’s the Johto League Champion!” someone could be heard shouting off to the side making Emily grimace, rubbing her hands over her face. “Ms Emily! Hey there!”


“Hello.” she chimes with as much of a smile as she could fake, pressing herself up from her seat. “Well that’s about enough time at the mall for me today, I think I wana go home now… I’ve got a lot to think about.” she says, grunting as Ty hugged her side into his chest. “Yeah, yeah don’t get sappy on me here.”


Shaking his head Redgie pressed himself up, gathering their trash up to toss in the bin. “That’s fair, I think that uhh… this was a good first step, wish I had pressured you a little sooner for this but, glad it happened today… Come on, let’s get you back home.”


The flight back to her moms house was a quiet one, Emily didn’t pay much attention to the scenery, just the ground below as it passed by quickly, and the rolling thoughts in her mind that just would not settle down. Even as they touched down outside her home she only offered Redgie a little wave and a weak smile, pausing only to give Daisy some head pets. “I’ll catch up with you later Redgie… I think I need to be alone for a little while.”


Giving her an uncertain look Redgie nods his head. “Alright, just make sure that you call me if you need me, and I mean that… I want to be here to help you, so let a brotha help out yeah? Come on Daisy, let’s get back to the pokemon center.” he says, watching Emily as the Flygon took off with a heavy beat of her wings.


Watching Daisy slowly disappear into the distance Emily let her head hang. Dropping her bags on the counter in the kitchen she didn’t even bother to put them away, everything just felt too draining and overwhelming as she took off her backpack. Setting it on the floor she didn’t even pay attention to Sebastion who greeted her with his usual ‘Umbre’ simply walked past him and made her way upstairs.


Flopping onto her bed Emily just stared up at the ceiling, mulling over the thought of retirement, the accident, Ty’s current condition, the house, it was all just a big swirling blur. Of course she knew that just because he was injured and couldn’t battle effectively she could still travel, but would that be fair to him? For 17 long years he had been her partner, her best friend, her very first pokemon for crying out loud. Sure she had other pokemon, pokemon she loved just as much, though they didn’t have any crippling injuries that restricted them. Thoughts of the accident creeped through her mind as she draped an arm over her eyes.


The door to her room creaked open with the soft padding of paws before Sebastian hopped up on the bed beside her shortly after. Seeing her zoned out in a depressed daze for the most part he took it upon himself to flop down on her face making Emily grunt and shuffle around until her nose was poking out enough to breathe. “Sabastion… get off my face.” she muffled through his soft black fur. When she was met with silence she reached up and hugged her arms around the Umbreon, sitting herself up and in doing so rolled him onto his back in her arms as she cradled him.


“Breee, Umbreoooon” he grunted complacently, trying to weakly wallow out of her hold of him. He never liked being on his back, let alone held up off the ground on his back.


“Yeah well you shouldn’t have laid on my face then should you? Always been such a stinker, ever since I was just a little girl and you were just a cute little fluffy eevee, now look at you, you're a whiny little house pet.” she says, getting a flat look back from him in response.


Sighing Emily hugged the Umbreon close to her, cradling her arms around him as she rested her chin on his head, trying to let the thoughts settle. “What am I gonna do Sebastian? I know I need to get a place and stop mooching off mom, it’s bad enough she won’t let me at least pay rent, I feel like a parasite to her, feel like I let down Ty, took away everything that meant anything to him.” A tremble slipped from her as she hugged the umbreon tighter.


Wiggling himself back over onto his paws, Sebastian looked up at her, his gaze softening at the sight of the state she was in. Moving and shuffling his arms around her neck, he rested his head against her shoulder in as much of a hug as he could manage. “Umbre… Umbreon…” he hummed softly, his rings giving a faint glow as he gave little nuzzles against her neck trying to be of some comfort to her.


“Not even the worst part of it, I’m being so selfish and just keep thinking about how all of this has affected me and made me feel… Ive hardly even stopped to ask Ty about how he feels with all this… I know he’s too kind to outright complain about it or hold a grudge against me for it… but I-” A soft paw touched against her lips making Emily pause, her eyes warm with tears that threatened to spill over.


“Umbre… breon, umbre” he states plainly, giving her a sternt look, holding his paws against her shoulders to prop himself upright, sitting in her lap as he touched his nose against hers. “Umreon…”


Sighing softly Emily wiped her eyes. “Yeah I know… of course it was an accident a-andI know it’s not my fault… but it still feels like it is. It was my job to make sure to not let him get hurt… I know battles are dangerous and always have risks, especially high level ones, I get that. But it’s my job as a trainer to know when my pokemon are destroying themselves out of adrenaline fueled determination. I wanted to win. I wanted him, and all my other pokemon to win and be remembered for taking on the pokemon league and coming out victorious.”


“Umbre!” Sebastian gave her a nod, motioning to Ty’s ball. “Umbre, Umbreon!” holding his head up high the dark type held a paw against his chest. “Umbreon, Umbee.” he states with a confident nod, looking over to the pictures and trophies on Emily’s wall. Hopping down from her lap and padding over to the wall, making a show of pointing up at the awards. “Umbreon.”


Sighing, Emily looked over the wall, pressing herself up to follow him to look over the different awards from her long career as a trainer. All the ribbons her pokemon had earned, their certificates and pictures with Emily in varying places around the different regions, even the few magazine appearances they had took place in striking powerful poses together. “I know, we’ve been through a lot together… they all chose to stand beside me and live this life. We worked hard to get here.”


“Umbreon!” giving a firm nod the dark type reached up to poke the button on Ty’s ball, leaving the barger to appear curled up a little with a few blinks, looking around the bedroom. “Umbreon, umbree, Breeon!”


Ty perked his ears, looking to Umbreon as he spoke, though slowly he looked to his trainer, giving Emily a very worried look. “Oh ok, yeah great, just gonna totally rat on me are you? I thought we were having a really cool moment, like I couldn’t hardly understand most of what you were saying but you were being really cool about it” she sighs, rubbing a hand over her face. “I swear you have a vendetta against me, you black little fur ball.”


Umbreon turned his head up with a proud snort, prancing his way out of the room only to pause, looking back at her with a worried look, using psychic to slowly close the door behind him.


Rubbing her neck, Emily couldn’t bring herself to look at her pokemon for some reason, she felt ashamed. “Crazy day huh? Thought it was just gonna be a normal little trip to the mall… didn’t expect to get called out like that.” she says, nearly toppling over as Ty snatched her up in his arms, holding her firmly against him as he tucked his head over her shoulder.


As she was embraced Emilly reluctantly hugged him back, pushing her face into Ty’s fur as she held him. “Ty… come on buddy…” she tried to push him back though his hug held strong and unmoving. “Ty I’m ok really, I’m worried about you more than anything… it’s not that serious ya know?” She tried to push him back again, though was met with the same immovable resistance. “I-It’s not like it’s a big deal or anything I just… I don’t want you to suffer anymore than you already have, it’s bad enough I-” her words faultered as a sorrowful whimper slipped from her partner, his body shivered as he tightened his hold on her.


Even without understanding his words she knew exactly what he was trying to say. ‘It’s not your fault’ It was the only words that truly made sense to her at that moment. Relaxing in his grip Emily hid her face in his chest, lightly gripping fist fulls of his fur as she felt the heavy feelings and emotions bouncing around inside of her come to a head. Trembling, she gripped him tighter and tighter, so tight her arms shook and her body nearly gave out.


It was dark outside by the time Emily woke up, opening her eyes to be greeted by a blanket of warm creamy yellow fur, her eyes were a little crusty from crying, her throat dry from screaming. She fought briefly to untangle her arm from her partner just enough to rub the sleep from her eyes, coughing lightly from the aftermath of her mental breakdown. She had no idea when they had made it to the bed and snuggled, or how long they had been like this, all she knew was that she felt completely mentally and emotionally exhausted, though at the same time refreshed in a strange cathartic kind of way.


Ty shifted enough to fix a single red eye on her, his gaze was soft and understanding, seeing it alone made her feel a bit better. Reaching up she strokes a hand along his cheek, petting him as he gives a tired coo. “I’ve been a real jerk these past few months haven’t I? I’m really sorry Ty.” She spoke softly and without restraint. “I feel like I took everything you loved away from you… but I know that’s not the truth… accidents happen, I guess I just felt like I needed to be held accountable for being a terrible trainer.”


Crooning Ty gave her face a nuzzle and her cheek a warm lick. “I know buddy… I know you don’t think that… that you would never think like that… but it was my job to make sure what happened didn’t happen… you were barely standing out there, beaten and to a pulp a-and I just… but you kept on giving it everything you had but I didn’t... I-I should have called it… I shouldn’t have let you keep going and do that to yourself.” gritting her teeth a fresh wave of tears filled her vision as she hissed. “I-I destroyed you…”


Pulling her close Ty held her head, pushing it up against his chest, giving a soft comforting hum. It was peaceful there, always comforting hearing the heavy thump of that strong heart beating in his chest. Shaking in his gentle embrace she didn’t bother holding back her quiet sobs, not that she could even if she wanted too.


Ty’s paw gently rubbed over her back as he pushed her away enough to carefully brush the tears from her eyes, offering her a very gentle smile. Sniffling Emily shook her head. “You know I’m supposed to be the one… comforting you right?” she asks through the tremble in her voice. “Always looking out for me and shit… you’re a big sappy guy.”


Grumbling happily Ty gave her head a gentle lick and a nuzzle, keeping her held close as he nuzzled her. Looking up to him Emily braced a hand on his cheek, leaning in to place a soft kiss on his head. “I love you Ty… thank you so much for everything you’ve ever done for me.” she says, fighting back tears as she pressed her head against his, holding him as much as she could. “You’re my best friend.”


A deep happy rumble vibrated from him, making her smile softly as she pulled back enough to place another tender kiss on his nose. “You’re a goof… I think I’m getting a little too much into my feelings here yea?” she asks, petting over his cheek as he tilts his head, giving a soft coo in response. “You feel the same way too right?”


Grumbling Ty gave her face a little lick, leaving his tongue blepped out as she grunted. “You just can’t keep that tongue in check can you? I’m gonna bite it off, I swear.” she gave a weak chuckle, letting her head rest on the pillow as she pets over his cheek, sliding her hand down enough to rest over the scar on his shoulder. “It… doesn’t hurt anymore… right?”


Shaking his head slowly the badger sat up, rolling his arm to show he had full mobility. “Baa! Bakooo!” he chimed, looking rather pleased as he leaned over her, looking down at her with a happy smile.


“Heheh, glad to see you heal fast.” she says, reaching both hands up to squish his cheeks together a few times. “Tomorrow we’ll start going on our morning hikes… just you and me ok?” she asks moving to hug her arms around his neck, pulling him down closer to her.


“Baa” a simple response, but it was more than enough for her. Holding her arms around her neck she looked at his face, his cute derpy face as he loomed over her. Smiling she reached up and felt over his small ears, along his strong neck, down to his shoulders…


A strange and concerning warmth settled over her as she looked up at him and he looked back down at her, her mouth felt a little dry as she braced a hand on his cheek, leaning up towards him as if propelled by some unseen force. Her mind felt hazy as she gently guided his face closer to hers much to his own surprise. She hadn’t even realised she had kissed him until she felt the fur along his neck and cheek bristling under her touch as the warmth of his lips settled against hers.


A loud knock on the door pulled Emily from her mental haze long enough to grasp what had just occurred. Pulling her head back she shuffled back on the bed and upright out from under him, all the while Ty sat back looking a little baffled if not dumbfounded at what had just happened. “Uhhh Come on in, just pestering the badger.” she called out, feeling a pang of embarrassment and confusion.


The door opened as her mother peeked her head into the room, opening the door fully with a relieved smile. “Hey sweetie, Redgie called and told me what happened today. I just wanted to see if you were up for talking about it, I would have woken you two up earlier but you were snuggled up so tight I didn’t wanna bother you.”


Sighing, Emily closed her eyes and hung her head. “Of course he told you about all that.” She had to wonder if she was surrounded by blabber mouths, then again she did sort of just peace out on him after he brought her home. “I’m ok, I think we worked out some of the feels between us, I’m just… a little messed up from it still, coming to terms with possible retirement all this time… thinking about buying that property down the river so I’m not mooching off you and can get the guest room cleared out of all my junk to have your office back… still beating myself up over the accident.”


“Young lady, you are not a mooch or a bother, so don’t say that again or we’re gonna have problems.” she started sternly making Emily tense up hearing that mom voice she grew up with. “That being said it would be lovely if you bought that house, close by so I won’t worry too much about you, and I can keep a close eye on it while you’re off traveling.”


“I… that’s the thing mom, I don’t know if I want to travel anymore… I-” Emily began only to pause as her mother gave her a knowing look. “Right… Redgie told you that part too didn’t he?”


“He most certainly did.” she hums, slipping into the room to have a seat on the bed beside her. “Honey, I want you to listen to me very carefully.” she says, reaching back to pet Ty's head. “You need to understand that things are going to happen in life that are out of our control, things that we have to learn to adapt to and work around to keep living the way we want too, things that can very well change our entire lives. You’re not the only one hurting in this situation, I’m sure sweet little Tyty here is just as upset knowing that he will never be able to battle as effectively as he could before” she says rubbing his cheek. “But that doesn’t mean he can’t battle or never wants to travel again, or your other pokemon for that matter. It’s not fair to him to make that decision because of what happened, it’s not fair to any of your pokemon, or to yourself to make such a rash decision because you’re afraid of losing him.”


“I… I know you’re right, I do, I just… I love Ty with all my heart and the thought of possibly losing him is… it hurts just to think about it.”


“Of course it does, what happened was an accident, yes, but it is also a startling reminder that life is short and precious, and it can be taken away from us in an instant… that doesn’t mean we stop cherishing it, that doesn’t mean we hide somewhere safe to try and preserve it. Life is meant to be embraced, lived to the fullest so when our time does come we can greet it with a smile and no regrets.” she hums, patting Ty’s head as she smiled. “Besides I’m pretty sure little Tyty here would love to get back out there with you and see the world with all of his friends beside him, isn’t that right?”


Ty gave a quick nod of his head, looking confident as he pressed into the head pets he was given. “Bak, Bakooo!” he chimes out happily.


“B-But mom he… he can’t battle safely anymore… if he uses his hire he could-” Emily began to protest only to pause as her mother gave her a look.


“What about battling? Do you think you can win using attacks that don't involve fire?” Again she asked plainly.


Ty gave a firm nod of his head giving her a determined look. “Bakooo!!” he states with a firm determination in his eyes.


“There’s your answer, it’s just that simple.” she says looking at Emily with a soft smile. “Our pokemon are their own beings sweetheart, they are just as intelligent as people are, sometimes even more so, we must trust in their decisions just as much as they trust in ours. And just as we would each other, if we feel uncertain about something, we need to just ask our partner to see how they feel.”


Looking uncertain Emily rubs the back of her neck, turning her attention back to Ty as he gave her the same determined look he had always given her. For some reason seeing that fire burning in his eyes brought a strange sense of comfort to her, making her smile faintly. “I-I think I get it.”


“Good, because I don’t want to hear about anymore of this moping about or doubting yourself when you can simply ask your partner here if they are having any troubles or doubts of their own.” she says, turning her attention to Ty. “And Ty, if you catch your trainer slipping into despair it’s always good to jar them back to reality, otherwise doubt and unease can easily take over.” Reaching out she pushed their heads together, smiling as she looked between them. “To be partners is to be one, to understand one another, and to trust in each other without restraint and with all your hearts.”


As her head was released Emily fixed her hair back a little, looking at Ty as she nodded. “Yes mom I get it, no more moping around feeling sorry for myself… and if I do Ty can just give me a kick in the rear yeah?” She asks, chuckling as the badger gave her a thumbs up.


“Good, now come downstairs, I’ve got dinner ready and and I need to go over with you how to handle a real estate agent, we can work on a whole finance plan and get that laid out for the property, theirs the repair and activation fees we need to go over, also I know an electrician that can get you hooked up for cheap.” she chimes, making her way out of the room. “Come along dear, you to Ty.”


“I-I wait, hang on a second mom, I-I’ve not even fully decided if I’m gonna buy that place or not, I-I’ve not even been out there to see it yet! Mom? Mom!!”


Sighing out deeply Emily held a hand over her face. “I can’t even with her.” she says, looking back down to the bed. Lifting a hand to touch her lips she hesitantly glanced over at Ty who’s face was a little flushed. “Uhh… that was a uhh… a first huh?” she asks, getting a slow nod from him in return. “Sort of a uhh… I didn’t even… umm…” swallowing hard Emily pressed herself up from the bed slowly. “Ok so… we’ll put a pin in that, and uhh… just leave it there for now until we can talk about that later… mainly cause I don’t even know why that happened or… what I was thinking so umm… yeah.”


Slowly Ty nodded his head. “B-Bakkooo” he stammered in response, seeming just as confused and flabbergasted as she was.


“Right ok so… I’m gonna go down there and take care of that… and let’s just… ok yeah.” she says, turning to leave the room with a heavy breath. She had literally just kissed a pokemon and her best friend, that was cool right? It didn’t mean anything, just a friendly little smooch on the lips. No, that's not a good way to say that, absolutely not a good way to say that, what the hell was she thinking!? Was she even thinking!? Oh God What the Hell Did She Just Do!?


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