Oscar smiles as Sophia comments on the trio. As usual, Sophia continues to maintain the tough facade although it appears to be softening and breaking down. As she stumbles and stuggles to heal her pokemon, Oscar sighs in disappointment. As soon as Sophia sat down, she gets a tone of agression and starts to interrogate him.
"If you really want to know, I will gladly tell you." Oscar clears his throat and sits up straight. 'I have not seen much of psychics in person but I heard the feats of Tate and Liza, my region's psychic specialist twins. They only accept double battles and prefer synergy between Pokemon and their abilities. They are basically best friends too, do almost everything together and are quite kind and humble gym leaders from what I heard." Oscar takes a quick breather before continuing.
"They are the embodiment of the quote, "want to go fast, go alone. Want to go far, go together." So in short, my image of a psychic is more of a humble person with special abilities that can benefit to others. Ideas and knowledge is useless if kept to one's self."
Sophia frowned. It had been a bad idea to ask. She should have known she'd just get another lecture. "Wait, what are you implying?" she answered. "Is it really so wrong to take pride in such talents? I mean, Caitlin of the Unova Elite Four does, and pretty much everyone admires her. Besides, my mom says my abilities are something to be proud of. Something to make the best of, no matter what the cost. She's taught me so much, I need to take those teachings on board, show her respect before she does the same for me. It's only fair."
Her head drooped, her fingers clenching around a tier of her skirt. Someone who benefits others... That had stung even more than the thought of disappointing her parents. "And... And you think I don't want to help others? You think I haven't wanted to several times over the past few days? It's just..." She trailed off, the words catching in her throat - how could she?
Oscar thinks for a moment. "First, there is a difference between self respect and god complex. Second, I don't disagree that showing your parents is a good thing but you are your own person and you have your own path to walk. Who knows. You can be more powerful than your mother. As for the helping, you can always put poeple first and think about their needs before your own."
God complex? Sophia let out a bitter laugh. That was rich coming from Mr Know-It-All. She opened her mouth, about to tell him this, then thought better of it. If they got into an argument or insult match, that would be a less than ideal atmosphere for the Jangmo-o to come back to.
One logical flaw in Oscar's statement needed pointing out, though.
"You say to put others first," Sophia said, raising an eyebrow, "but you say to put what I want above what my family want? My mom said if I loved and respected her, I'd prove it. I'd repay her efforts by making her proud. Isn't that just reasonable?"
Lacey stared up, shaking her head. "Gothi-gothi!" she squeaked, while the Bronzor drifted to its new trainer's side.
"Look. I know you're worried, all three of you," Sophia replied, "but this isn't too much to take on... at least, it shouldn't be..." She thought back to everyone she'd tried to help, and had only been able to do so much for. Rheese, Alexis, Oscar... Her mother always told her she was above most people and should remind them of this instead of going out of her way for them, but she couldn't deny she'd gone and become somewhat attached to this group. And if she'd been able to do more just now, would the Kommo-o and her other nestlings still be alive?
"Putting others first... Is that always even enough to help them?" she asked, cringing at the waver in her voice. "What good is intention without results? Particularly with everything that's been going on lately? I mean, maybe things could have been different for the dragons. And yesterday, Ray said we need to get stronger, or..." She couldn't finish the sentence.
Instead, she asked another question she knew she'd just get another preachy, long-winded answer to. "If you know so much about psychics, what do you suggest?"
Alexis thought she was going to have a great day today. She met an idol in person, she was TOUCHED by that idol, and she was going to challenge the gym herself with a stronger team this time!...Then she was challenged by a random trainer. A trainer that focused all of his efforts into training his one Pokémon, which turned out to be VERY strong. It didn’t help that it had the advantage. Being a fighting type, it was able to take all manner of physical punishment, and the only Pokémon that was able to do any significant-looking damage was also very squishy. It took her entire team to beat that machop, so now Alexis found herself walking right back to the Pokémon center. She was not a fan of that type of training. She did not appreciate being ambushed by random trainers. And she did not like the fact that she had to go all the way back because of some random encounter that thought they could just show up and fight!
Alexis took a deep breath. She just needed to make it to the Pokémon center, heal them up, and leave. No need for any small talk. Just go...
Oscar smirks at Sophia's attempt to turn his wisdom against him. Good play but don't reveal your trump card early. “That does sound reasonable but would you go against your family's wishes if to help someone that genuinely needs it even if it might tarnish your reputation or would you be an elitist snob that only cares about reputation and appearances?’
”As for helping others, even the simplest gestures can go a long way. Like just helping someone smile or feel good will go a long way. “ As Sophia askes him about psychics, Oscar gives it a moment to sink in. ”See your powers like muscles. With proper training and patience, they will grow like a blossoming flower from a seed.”
"What?" Sophia looked up in shock as it dawned on her what Oscar was saying about her family. "You think... You think it's all about reputation for them? You don't understand! It's more than that! I mean, how would you feel if you went out of your way to help someone and all your effort went to waste?"
She bunched her fists in her lap. "On the subject of helping others, with the way things are going, we'll need more than just smiles. We'll need people with the strength, the skills and the drive to make a difference. Dammit, Oscar, I'm saying we need people like... people like y-" She reined in the last word. No way was she letting that slip to someone who'd insulted her family, to someone whose smug little smirk seemed to mean he was treating this as a game. If so, she wouldn't let him win that easily.
"Ugh, nevermind." She looked away for a moment before turning back and changing the subject. "Training and patience, huh? Yeah, like I haven't been trying that my entire life."
Oscar crosses his arms. "I do understandore than you think for one. As for the strong poeple, anybody can be strong. Poeple just don't want to risk themselves for litte to no reward. I don't expect an immediate reward or even a reward at all. That is my secret."
The nurse comes back with his Pokémon. Oscar goes up to her and exchanges some words. He is happy to hear that he is physically okay but the nurse must keep an eye on him and keep him fed and around others, due to his traumatic stress. Oscar returns to Sophia. "Well, we are all done here. Want to go to the gym?"
Sophia shook her head, unable to stop the anger rising. "No... No you don't understand. You can't even begin to understand. Just because you think you know everything doesn't mean you can judge my family like that! You don't know them! And since when was this any of your business anywa-"
She stopped as the nurse reappeared in the doorway with all three Pokemon. Clenching her teeth and unclenching them when the pressure set off her headache, she took a deep breath. Oscar had overstepped the mark this time, but she'd have to hold back what she wanted to say to him. Right now, the dragon took priority.
"Ita!" Lacey turned and ran towards the dragon. "Ita-gothi-gothi-ta!"
Sophia eased herself up and staggered to the Gothita's side, looking down at the Jangmo-o. He needed a comfortable, friendly atmosphere after his ordeal, and she wasn't going to ruin that.
Turning towards Oscar, Sophia glared, but nodded. "As long as this little one wants to," she replied, forcing herself to stay civil for the Jangmo-o's sake. "And you?" she said as the Bronzor floated over. "How about you, Clarus? Do you want to come along?" The metallic Pokemon closed its eyes and bobbed up and down, in approval of the name as well as agreement.
"Alright then." Sophia glanced around at the Pokemon, then at Oscar, hoping he wouldn't try to continue the conversation on the way. "Let's go."
"Ohh! If you're heading off now, I'll come along!" Rachel piped up. As bad as she felt about leading these trainers into something they were unprepared for, she couldn't pass up the opportunity to find out what those ruins were hiding. "Surely Lan knows what's behind that door!" Such a central figure to this town, who'd lived here for this long, simply had to.
Now she thought about it, another question arose. Why had Ray never mentioned anything about this? There was no way her brother wouldn't have sensed whatever was in the ruins. If she could catch up to him any time soon, she'd have to ask why he'd been keeping this from her.
The dragon does look better on the surface and that makes Oscar feel better but he knows there could be stuff lingering below the surface. "I think you need a name. I think I am going to name you kushala." The dragon thinks for a moment before giving a mostly happy sound. Oscar proceeds to catch him and recall his two canines. "I am ready to go."
On the way to the gym, Oscar seems a little on edge. He is slightly worried about the gym battle as he doesn't know if he will succeed. If he loses he will be stunted as this prevents him getting reputation needed to have any sway to combat team noble. "Uhm. Do you two have anything to help me with the gym battle?"
Noticing how uneasy Oscar seemed, Rachel gave a warm smile. "Well, I'll let you in on something. In Kosei, all of us gym leaders are move tutors. The first move we teach is for free, so if you have any Pokemon who can learn Rock type moves, I'm more than happy to help! And there's quite a range of Normal type moves that can be tutored."
She turned to Sophia, who gaped in shock. "Did you meet my brother, Ray, while he was here?" she asked, unfazed by the younger trainer's expression. "Next time you run into him, that could be something to ask about. Plus, since he's easily the most powerful psychic in the region, it isn't just Pokemon he helps with their skills."
All Sophia could do was stare, open-mouthed. A gym leader. She'd just gone and looked like a complete and utter weakling in front of yet ANOTHER gym leader. Not only that, but this woman had confirmed Ray held the same title. Ray, whose achievements seemed to take him little to no effort.
Straightening her back, Sophia stopped leaning on Clarus. "Oh geez, you've got to be kidding. Both of you, gym leaders? And yeah, I've already heard quite enough of that advice of his." No sooner had she blurted out that last bit than she knew she shouldn't have. Particularly around Oscar. Particularly after she'd already hinted at that complete Tauros crap Ray had told her. Sooner or later, Oscar would want to know more. "But, uhh, never mind about that."
She trailed a short distance behind, glancing over at Oscar. He'd been unusually quiet, and when he had spoken, worry had been clear in his voice. "Wait!" She ran up to him, nearly toppling, and tensed her fists by her sides before searching through her bag. "You say Daisho's going to take part in this..." With that, she held out a disc in a case. The Reflect TM.
"Hmph. Don't you think you're off the hook for talking trash about my family," she grumbled. "Or that you can expect this from me all the time. And remember, if things were different, I'd show you I could get a badge first. But just this once, for the sake of your Pokemon, I'll let you teach Daisho a move. I'm sure he can learn this."
She caught a glimpse of Lacey looking up at her with a wry smile, as if to suggest it wasn't just for the sake of Oscar's Pokemon. Of course it was, Sophia told herself. Why else would she want her rival of all people to win?
After she'd gotten her Pokemon healed and Vivianne had excused herself to report the results of her investigation, Amber sat with her laptop, fingers poised over the keys. The events of the past few days rushed through her head in a way she could barely make sense of, let alone put into words. Recalling Aedre's advice, she sighed and started to type.
Hey Coral,
How are you and Omanyte doing? And about these first few days... Well, I'm going to be honest.
We ran into a few issues. This region, just like any other, has its unsavoury types, and some were causing trouble the other day. Don't worry, I'm alright, and everyone involved will be. The gym leaders are looking into this, and they're not to be messed with. Trust me, I've met a few already. (One even gave me an Anorith, can you believe it? An Anorith this early on!)
The important thing is, I'm not here alone like you were concerned I'd be. I've made some good friends already and we're all sticking by each other no matter what happens. Being a Pokemon trainer has its fair share of challenges, but it's all worth it.
Also, guess who's here after all? Vivie. I mean she probably won't be tagging along, but things aren't too bad between us, and you'd be amazed at how strong her Pokemon are! Seems I've got some catching up to do...
Miss you too, and try not to worry too much, it'll all be fine.
Amber
After rereading the message a few times, she clicked send. There. She'd done it, told her sister the truth, or at least part of it. Her family would undoubtedly want more details, and all she could do was become a competent enough trainer that further bad news to report would be minimal.
She put away her laptop and busied herself stitching up the torn section of her bag, occasionally glancing at Vivianne, who stood talking on the phone. The two were only a few feet from each other, but the distance seemed so much greater. Were they really on decent terms? Would any attempt at rebuilding their friendship end with it falling apart again?
Could anything about this journey "all be fine", like she'd just said?
A flash of scales caught her attention. The dragon, back to travel with Oscar, who stood up and led the little Pokemon out as Sophia and Rachel followed. Standing up to tag along - this would be a valuable learning experience - Amber turned in surprise at the sound of a voice.
"If it's alright with you..." Vivianne strode forward, putting her phone away, black work shoes clicking on the tiles. "I'll come along. I still need to speak to the gym leader."
With a slight smile, Amber nodded. "Yeah. That's... That's all good."
Both women walked in silence as they headed out after the small group.
Oscar's expression soften a little as Rachel told him the golden nugget worth of advice. He even gave a soft smile as she told him. "Thank you but I don't think I need any rock type moves at the moment. Thanks for the offer thou. I think I will wait for some of the other gyms as they will be more valuable." Oscar souned genuine and polite when he refused her rock moves.
However his face hardened again after Sophia ordered him to wait and run up to him. Clearly, she maintains that serving her family is the best and that she is the best one around. It now starting to tick him off now. Whether it is for the Pokémon or not, Oscar's face looks stern, almost like a parent about to tell off a child.
"I will gladly take the tm as it is part of the promise that we made for you to help me train my psychic type. I would not expect you to so selfless all the time other than your family. I understand the prevailing wisdom of repaying your debts and the importance of family bonds but there are families of humans and Pokémon that are in need of our attention as well. Look at Kushala. All he has now is me and my pokemon. My eevee and Growlithe seem to be bonding to the point where they may eventually make family down the road. I am not going to agrue with you anymore. If you don't want to change, don't expect others to change for you" He says this all with a genuine sternness but not of hate or anger but out of a certain kindness and caring.
He takes the tm and walks off before Sophia can fire back at him. For good measure, he releases daisho and Kushala for protection. In more ways than one. When he makes it to the gym, he first finds a lonely place to sit and valm himself. He refocuses on the task ahead and clears his mind from any distractions. The young dragon looks confused at his Adoptive owner in slight confusion with Oscar's sad expression and Oscar notices. "Don't worry about me, Kushala. Just have a tough time getting though to a friend."
Just as Sophia had expected, Oscar still refused to understand. "Look, I know there are other families worth supporting, but... If you say that, you really should understand what family means!" she called, but it was no use. Oscar had hurried off without responding. "And remember I'll want that back later on!" Sophia rushed after him, then stopped as he let out Daisho and Kushala. Huffing, she stayed back. Kushala didn't need this, and she wasn't going to make Daisho take on unnecessary stress.
"Gothiii..." Lacey muttered, making a Pokeball float off of Sophia's belt and pop open. No sooner had the billowing black cloth Pokemon emerged than Sophia felt that frustration evaporate, leaving only a bittersweet feeling behind. No, a mix of feelings. Guilt. Concern. And surprisingly, hope as she watched Oscar storm into the distance. She had a sudden urge to run up to him and wish him the best of luck. Instead, she stepped away from the Shuppet, shaking her head.
"Fantoccino. That's enough." The Shuppet tilted his head in confusion at her words, but she remained firm. "I kind of have a reason to be annoyed." She glanced in the direction of the gym again. "Some people just don't know what they're talking about."
With that, she took the Pokeball and withdrew the Ghost type. Irritation simmered through her again, but the other emotions remained.
"Ah! I was just about to suggest stocking up on supplies..." Rachel called, but Oscar had rushed out of sight. She turned to Sophia with a strained smile. As much as she wanted to help resolve the situation, all she knew about it was what she'd just heard.
"Well, let's stock up anyway and then catch up," she suggested, heading towards a berry shop as Sophia trudged behind. "Even the most basic berries can be helpful in battle." It was only a small way to help, but it would be something, at least.
The sight that greeted Amber as she stepped out was, surprise surprise, Oscar and Sophia mid argument. Of course, it would have been weird not to find them bickering, but this wasn't going to do Oscar's morale any good right before a gym battle, particularly not a clash bad enough for him to stomp off. She hurried after him, Vivianne's footsteps speeding up behind her.
As Oscar sat down in an empty room of the monastery - the kind of peaceful place they both needed right now - Amber slowly approached. "Hey, Aeshna. Come on out." At the click of a Pokeball button, the peppy dragonfly appeared. Noticing the other trainer's expression, Aeshna darted over, flipping in circles and doing all kinds of wacky tricks to cheer him up.
"Oscar... What is it?" she asked, taking a seat next to him. "If you want to talk about it, I'm here."
Oscar looks up at the dragonfly but he doesn't show any hint of a smile thou Kushala and Daisho seem interested. Kushala seems to the happiest in a while as he jumps, trying to grab the dragonfly. Daisho seems to observe the Dragonfly with a positive curiosity.
Oscar looks over to Amber. He looks like he is distracted and his mind full of conflicting thoughts. Eventually he gives a sigh of defeat. "I am upset that there are still plenty of poeple that either thnk that they are too insignificant or weak to do anything to help with the problem or they are too focused on the wrong things that they are either blind or busy or maybe important to help those who need it. And those who are helping can't be everywhere or do everything all tbe time. Even gym leaders have limits"It seems that Oscar has put lots of thought into this. He might be a novice trainer but it seems that he know what it takes to be a great trainer.
Oscar decides to release Nomia, Skoll, Aurora and Roadrunner. "If you wanr to cheer me up, I suggest you help me with battle strategies and things or something else to distract me. We can talk more but I prefer not not to currently. I rather occupy my with other things."
After thinking for a moment, Amber gave a soft smile. "Well... We've all been thrown in at the deep end here," she replied. "Of course many are going to feel like there's only so much they can do, but I'm sure they'll surprise themselves. You see, people are like Steelixes. Uh, ones that don't eat rocks, or make giant holes everywhere, and are pretty small with arms and legs, and... well, don't really have much in common with Steelixes at all." She rubbed the back of her neck, glimpsing Vivianne shaking her head. "But what I'm saying is, heat and pressure only make us tougher."
It was herself as well as Oscar she tried to convince. This journey had to bring out the best in them, instead of proving they were in over their heads...
As the other Pokemon appeared, Amber let out Chalcedony and Larimar. The Anorith edged forward, observing the small group in play before joining in. Chalcedony followed, nuzzling his fellow fossil Pokemon. Let's hope the happy times can last, Amber thought as she watched.
"If you want, the two of us could have a sparring session," she suggested. "Or we could find some students for you to challenge."
Although Vivianne tried to remain impassive, a slight cringe ran through her. Part of what Oscar had said resonated with her all too well.
"Focusing on the wrong things..." she muttered, her voice tinged with regret. "Some people just don't realise how much they can push others away doing that." She turned her head a little, so as not to meet Amber's gaze. She could only hope that whoever had skewed priorities wouldn't make the same mistakes she'd made.
"Anyway," she said, in a once again neutral tone, her attention on the disc. "Which TM is that? We could talk through the best ways the move can be used."
"The thing about heat and pressure is that it has to applied correctly and in the correct place or you might actually get tbe opposite attributes. Anyways, as for the move, it says it is the psychic move 'reflect'. I rather spar some students as I will be fighting normal types." Oscar does notice how the two look at each other as he is spending more time with them. It appears that they have a past. A very personal one that might bring very awkward feelings.
He looks at his Pokémon. After a moment or two of hard thinking, he has chosen his Pokémon. "Nomia and Skoll, I want you to spectate with Kushala. RR, Aurora and Daisho, we are going to do some warm ups before the main fight. Uhm, How do I use a tm?"
At Oscar's response to her analogy, Amber gave a solemn nod. "I think I know exactly who you're talking about," she replied. "A certain someone putting the wrong kind of pressure on herself?" So far she hadn't seen Sophia give herself a break once, and it had been impossible not to overhear that defensive yelling about some kind of duty to family.
"It's really not easy when people won't open up, or listen," she continued, "but she reminds me of someone. My sister back in Kanto. I felt like there wasn't enough I could do when she was going through a rough time. Then, know what helped her?" Amber's expression brightened. "Getting a Pokemon. Spending time with her new friend made her realise that as long as there were those who valued her, it didn't matter what others thought. Her dream of becoming a trainer is something she's held on to ever since."
She gave the little crowd of Pokemon a tender look. "That's the great thing about having these companions. And I've seen how Sophia is around her Pokemon. I know it'll take time, and it seems her situation's different, but maybe being a trainer will help her come round like my sister did."
Vivianne stepped closer. "Reflect, a wall of psychic energy that defends against physical attacks," she stated, her reversion to businesslike mode an attempt to focus on the matter at hand. "And there are two ways to use a TM. One is to simply hold the disc to the Pokemon, though be careful not to scratch it. The second is to recall the Pokemon and slot the disc into a compartment on the Pokeball." Taking a Pokeball from her belt, she pointed out where the disc was meant to go.
The capsule burst open, a flash of red and blue appearing for a split second, then its form turned back into light as it vanished into her pocket. Snippets of thumping dance music blared through the room, each song cheesier than the last.
"Ahem." Vivianne fished her phone from her pocket and glared at the screen. "That was NOT your cue to go on another ringtone downloading spree." With a giggle of "Pory-hee-hee!", Pixel jumped from the device. Some of the other surrounding Pokemon struggled not to laugh, finding the Porygon Z's antics much more amusing than the trainer did.
"I really hope so. Though I do have my concerns about her true intentions about being a Pokémon trainer. She might genuinely care about them but I worry that their need and wants are secondary to her blood family's ones. I am not saying it is true but it is a possibility." Oscar seems to be unmoving and steadfast in his opinion. He is being as objective as possible.
The computer program Pokémon's antics makes all of Oscar's Pokémon smile and laugh. Oscar smiles weakly at the shenanigans, forgetting about the firgt for a second. He calls Daisho over and holds up the disc to him. He seems to have a erueka moment. He turnes to Amber. "I trust you as a friend. Please keep an eye on Skoll, Nomia and Kushala for me please."
Oscar takes Daisho, Roadrunner and Aurora and battles three students. With Daisho and his new reflect, it was easy but a little long as it was about who can outlive the other's damage. Roadrunner was harder but his speed boost helped in attacking first before fainting. Aurora just sweeped the last student.
Unable to help chuckling at Pixel, Amber nodded. "Good to see that cheered you up. And yeah, it'll be great for these Pokemon to bond a little, they're already getting along pretty well." She gave them another fond glance. This would do them good, especially the Jangmo-o, as well as the cautious Anorith who'd let go of her initial reservations and now skittered around after the others.
"As for Sophia..." She paused as she considered what to say. As much as she wanted to reassure Oscar that what he'd said may not be the case, she didn't know Sophia well enough to confirm for sure that it wasn't. "Well, let's just hope being a trainer teaches her what's important."
She smiled up at Oscar as he headed off. "Ok, later!"
Once more on the path to the gym, Sophia groaned as Rachel addressed her. The last thing she needed was more prying.
"The advice my brother gave you," Rachel continued, the bag of Oran berries she held swinging as she walked. Sophia had to push away the memory of Hammer and the blue mush all over his shirt. "What was it he said?"
Huffing, the younger trainer hunched her shoulders and folded her arms. "It doesn't matter. But... How is everything so easy for him?"
Rachel gave a warm smile. "Who says things can't be easy for you?" she replied. "Sure, I guess he's just lucky, but other psychics go to him to nurture their gifts and work towards discovering their full potential. The important thing is to be kinder to yourself. I know training any skill has its frustrating moments, but too much stress can be counterproductive for psychics. If you focus on what you're doing right and build on that, you'll surely make progress."
Of course yet another person would accuse Sophia of trying too hard. "It's not that simple," she grumbled. "And that's not what I was always told." Now it was her turn to speed up her pace, despite her Pokemon's protests. As soon as she entered the gym, she leaned against the wall. Maybe rushing hadn't been such a great idea.
She raised her head at the sound of a battle. Following the noise, she staggered into a training room to find Oscar wrapping up a fight with his rather confident-looking Riolu. Taking a deep breath, she slowly approached.
"You know..." Her face was stern as she looked him in the eyes. "You still owe me an apology. But I just wanted to say..." For a moment, she fell silent, some of the harshness thawing from her expression before she spoke again.
Oscar turns around to see Sophia. He still sees that she is the same old Sophia.He takes out the TM and offers it back to her. "Thanks and this is yours. Also, I mean what I said. I would apologize if i said something I reject or found untrue which I don't. Now, If you have something to say, you can say it to my face and in front of my pokemon. If not, i would like to get my pokemon healed before the gym battle." he says it with a dead seriousness.
