#of course the best thing abt fanfics is i get to take liberties of canon interactions n change em a lil bit

[sexysilverstrider]

SGAO | Unrequited Destiny 2

   The sun shined brilliantly above the bright blue skies. People and Pokémon walked about, greeting each other with a sense of familiarity the moment they locked eyes. Some of the older Pokémon lounged about, snoozing away peacefully while the younger ones frolicked in joy with playful human children. The older humans were just as peaceful, minding their own stalls or just enjoying a walk as the cool breeze caressed their aged skin.

   A flock of Starlys chirped as they perched on a roof. Some sang a bit too excitingly, waking people and Pokémon with its ecstatic cries.

   One boy fidgeted in his futon, mumbling incoherent noises as his slumber was quietly being interrupted. The blanket lowered slightly, enabling a warm ray of sunlight that pierced through the window to kiss his squinted eyelids.

   Another grumble. Another mumble.

   Black and purple hair covered most of his face, tickling his nose that made him scrunch woozily. One hand holding the edge of the blanket, he lazily swiped the duo-coloured bangs to the side and nuzzled into the soft pillow. Comfort and warmth pulled his body closer to the futon, and he genuinely considered to sleep a little bit more before starting the day.

   “Kieran, wake up, dear! Breakfast is ready!”

   Alas, the sound of an elderly woman hushed away the final air of his slumber. Though not as loud, it was more than enough to make him stir.

   Slowly, eyelids fluttered open, revealing a pair of hauntingly beautiful yellow eyes.

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   “Are you sure you packed everything?”

   Aoi wondered if she might offend him if she rolled her eyes. “Yes, I did.” One hand holding her Rotomphone, she rested her left elbow on the bus’s window sill. Cheek rested on her curled left fingers. Mouth lazily curled a smile at his deep sigh.

   “I’m just afraid you won’t have enough to eat, you know.” Arven spoke from the other side of the screen. Sounds of Mabosstiff’s barking filled the room, somewhat agreeing with his concerns.

   While not an eyeroll, a snort was instead let out. “I can make my own food. Did you forget about that?”

   “The last time you ‘make your own food’,” his fingers made an air-quote, “the ingredients basically exploded and spilled on the floor.” Shivers ran down his spine at the memory. Never in his life had he seen a person fucking up a sandwich so bad. “Do you know how badly I wanted to curl on the ground and cry when I saw that?”

   “You did, though.” A simple reply.

   “And I don’t want to do it again!” A sharp retort.

   How it always amused her to see her dear friend get riled up over the cutest things. Warmth kissed her cheeks, both from the bright heat of Kitakami’s sun and the silly conversation they were having.

   In truth, seeing Arven getting fussy over such a trivial matter was far, far better than being forced to see hope being snuffed out right in his very eyes the second he saw AI Sada leave through the time portal.

   The corner of her mouth twitched just the slightest.

   “In any case,” she sighed, ridding away the bitter memory deep into her brain, “I know how to feed myself. I heard Kitakami has a lot of delicious food so I’m pretty sure I won’t starve for a month.” Her back straightened. One arm stretched to the side. Black eyes, unshielded by her usual sunglasses, twinkled to see him flash a small smile.

   “Promise me you’ll be fine?”

   Her smile froze.

   It was a simple promise. A simple request.

   Yet her heart ached, constricted painfully at the implications of his words. She knew the hidden meaning. She sensed the gloom within.

   Silence lingered for a few heartbeats. Black eyes looked at the screen. At the young man who returned her gaze, solemn, waiting for her answer that impacted him more than she could ever fear.

   Arven had gone through so much. So much.

   The hand that held the Rotomphone squeezed slightly. “I promise,” was all she said, smile tugged upwards, heavily.

   The smile he returned seemed sombre. It hurt her.

   “I’ll miss ya, little buddy.” Arven laughed softly, deep voice ringing on the screen. “Don’t forget to call me every now and then, alright!” His smile was back, wider and brighter.

   It eased some of the pain.

   “Of course.” Her smile grew in sincerity. Left hand was raised, both index and middle fingers positioned close to her winking eye. “I promise to feed myself, bring back some souvenirs, and have a good time!”

   After a few more minutes of casual conversation, they both ended the call. Letting the device zoom back into her backpack, Aoi glanced at the scenery outside.

   Lush green fields filled her vision. Bright blue skies enveloped the world above, accompanied by white clouds that were puffy and soft. Iris twinkled at the sight of Pokémon—both old and new. A part of her couldn’t believe that she got the chance to undergo this field trip. Another part of her somewhat anticipated such luck since the first day she stepped foot in Paldea.

   From receiving a powerful Paradox Pokémon to stopping a literal end of the world, Aoi wondered if fate really had a thing for her.

   Not all were based on luck; she knew that. She worked hard to be where she was. She trained her Pokémon. She studied well. While some say that she was gifted with such battle prowess, Aoi made sure not to let such a thing get into her head. She had her fair share of losses before, usually with Nemona, and even then, she made sure to train and learn so that she could have a fruitful battle.

   Besides, even with her opponents losing, they either thanked her or got excited at the opportunity of battling against her.

   In truth, Aoi found it a bit odd sometimes. She once felt guilty for sweeping a match, but not once had she seen such malice or despair from her opponent. Some even said that they enjoyed battling with her than with Nemona.

   It was a sad blow for Nemona, so Aoi made sure to advise those who said so to give the school president a chance.

   Now, Aoi was considered an unbeatable champion. Even her wins against Nemona herself was faring more than her previous losses. She kept getting stronger. And stronger. And after the whole dire situation in the Zero lab, Aoi made sure to make her team stronger and smarter to prevent any tragedy like that from happening again.

   Now, nothing could stop in her way. She had her team. She had her charm. She had her friends. Whatever she wanted, she ensured hard work would suffice just so she knew she earned the rewards.

   But hey, if fate sometimes fell on her favour, who was she to complain?

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   In life, fate had a funny way of branching its routes.

   If he woke up just a bit late today, he would’ve missed the last pieces of tamagoyaki. If he didn’t sleep under the blankets last night, he would’ve gotten so much Furret fur when it snuggled close to him. If he didn’t open the bottom drawer by mistake today, he wouldn’t have found his favourite headband.

   If he stepped out of the house a few minutes later, he wouldn’t have been dragged by his sister.

   He was supposed to get ready for the introduction of the program. His sister had been pestering him to hurry up, saying that they needed to be at the gate of the Mossui Town’s entrance to ‘greet’ some people.

   The word ‘greet’ held a bit more poison when it seethed through her lips; Kieran knew Carmine was planning to do the exact opposite.

   In truth, he was hesitant on the program itself. He was a still a first year in school. Why on earth would he participate when they were so many other suitable candidates? Kieran knew it was her doing, encouraging the teachers and recommending him to be part of the one-month long activity. Taking advantage of her bossy nature, she managed to sign him up and be where they were now.

   Well, he wasn’t that regretful. Kieran knew his sister was doing it in his favour too. The excursion was in Kitakami this year, and maybe she figured he would be upset if he didn’t get a chance to come back home and visit their grandparents.

   Carmine was a good sister. Harsh and sometimes cold, but loving nevertheless.

   So here he was. Standing in the land he came to know and love. Here he was. Standing near the Mossui town’s gate, hiding behind his sister as a sense of security. Here he was. Nervously waiting for the students from another school with his sister’s spite clouding above them.

   Here he was. Gasping in silent awe at the very person who took his breath away.

   In life, fate truly had a funny way of branching its routes.

   If he didn’t accept the excursion program—in his own hometown, he might add—he would’ve missed out seeing someone who would soon affect his life more than he could ever imagine.

   There, standing a few steps away in the land of Kitakami, was a mysterious trainer who shined bright like a star that had dropped from the sky. Hair a gloriously deep shade of maroon, Kieran watched as she swiped some strands backwards. The sight made him hitch a breath; cheeks then burned foolishly as he kept his gaze on her. The sight of her tanned skin made his heart race, and the image of her hand casually massaging the side of her sweaty neck made his breath hitch. The glint of her sunglasses shined brilliantly under the warm sunlight, and it took her tilting her head slightly to finally see a pair of sharp eyes.

   Strong. Firm. Confident.

   Beautiful.

   “Whoa…” Awe dripped from his mouth. “Way cool…” Hidden behind his sister, Kieran kept his gaze on the mysterious guest. The hands that gripped the back of Carmine’s school uniform tightened just the slightest—and his grip only stilled when he met the mysterious girl’s gaze.

   It was a shade of black. A beautiful brilliance of black.

   He felt like a fool to flinch back behind his sister.

   “I don’t know who you are but I think you’re in the wrong place.”

   Carmine’s voice, snappy and bitter, pulled Kieran from his short trance. Quickly, he looked at her, haunting yellow eyes blinking in stupor at whatever nonsense she was about to pull.

   And by Arceus, she was tugging.

   “Sorry, but I can’t just let an outside like you wander into Mossui Town.” Her hands raised and waved near her chin. A smile curled on her face; the corners twisted in spiteful twists. Yellow eyes glared at the sudden intruder. The second she heard that there would be students from another school to come to her hometown, Carmine knew she had to sign herself up for the program no matter the cost.

   Like hell she would let anyone walk into her home.

   “Um…” She felt a tug at the back of her jumpsuit. “I don’t think you need to—”

   “Hush, Kiki…!” Carmine snapped back; head turned slightly to glare at him.

   That was enough to silence the poor boy.

   Confused by the cold welcome, a frown tugged Aoi’s mouth.

   “Uh…” Where would she start, honestly? The second they arrived at the bus stop, one of the exchange program students got carsick. Due to the fact that she got an easy access to a ride in a form of a Koraidon, Aoi volunteered to seek help in the nearby village. It took her no less than 5 minutes with her Paradox Pokémon to arrive, and she was very thankful for the villagers’ welcoming behaviour despite being shocked by a sudden majestic Pokémon in their presence.

   Well, all were welcoming—except one.

   The taller girl didn’t move a step. Her stance seemed menacing, and her glare was far more terrifying. Neither a smile nor a greet was present. If looks could kill, Aoi swore she would have been on the ground bleeding by now. Though locks of black and red covered the middle part of her face, a glaring shine of dull yellow pierced right towards her.

   Call her crazy, but Aoi might think that this girl hated her guts.

   Okay, Aoi took a deep breath, let’s try this again. “Hi!” she greeted, one hand waved. “I’m really sorry to barge in like this so suddenly, but I have a classmate who’s sick and—”

   “Don’t care.”

   The hand that waved froze and flinched. Aoi wondered if she heard her wrong.

   “Excuse me—?”

   “Don’t care.”

   Okay, she didn’t hear her wrong.

   Stupefied by the cold demeanour, her hand dropped to the side. “Uh…” Confusion spiralled momentarily, twisting her brain on ideas on how to handle the matter. It wasn’t that Aoi hadn’t faced a rude person before; she still remembered Ortega chastising her the second their eyes met.

   Though in all honesty, Aoi was dismantling his hideout at that time, so it sort of made sense that the younger boy was pissed off at her.  

   And then there were extremely evil people. Those who chose to pursue their dreams in blind greed rather than tend to their own flesh and blood. Those whose dreams became the very danger that could cost the lives of many. Those who blurt out their empty love in a form of artificial intelligence.

   Those. Those were people Aoi perceived as evil.

   Tap, tap.

   The sound of a shoe tapping on the ground snapped her back to reality. Blinking once and twice, the young champion cocked her head forward.

   Rude woman. Right. She guessed it was time to see another new type of person.

   “Look,” she continued, smile curled on her face, “I have a sick classmate. He might die.” The smile eased to a teasing smirk. “I’m sorry for getting in your way, but I really hope you can at least let me get someone to help him and I’ll get out of your hair—”

   “Arceus, are you deaf?”

   Stupor once again held Aoi still.

   Arm crossed on her chest; Carmine tipped her head high. “I said no outsiders allowed.” Firm. Cold. Those were the usual tones she used when she was talking to someone unpleasant. Usually, whoever was talking to her would flinch and end the conversation then and there. The taller girl figured this tactic would succeed again and she could do the excursion program without any hassle.

   Unfortunately, the hassle remained still.

   A deep breath was exhaled. “I’m not deaf.” Aoi smiled again. Patient. Charming. “I’m just…” However, she was never one to be stepped on. “Stubborn.”

   Pink lips pursed to see shock splashed on the tall girl’s face.

   How fucking—Huffing sharply, Carmine clenched her shaking fists. “Who do you think you are?” Voice seething between clenched teeth, she maximized the intensity of her glare.

   Knowing that Aoi had pressed a button, she quickly rethought her next words. As much as this girl was starting to tick her off, she needed to be nice in order to diffuse the situation. “I’m Aoi.”

   Anger had a knack of burning out one’s rationality. And unfortunately for Aoi, her sentence alone—while honest and calm—sounded jeering to Carmine.

   “Well, I’m getting sick of your nonsense!” Seeing red, Carmine unsnapped a Pokéball from her white belt. “If you insist on coming in, you’ll have to battle me first.” The hand that held a Pokéball stretched forward, right towards the baffled Aoi.

   Ah, today was truly a day.

   A whirlpool of emotions swimming in her mind, Aoi finally let out a tired sigh. “I—”

   “C-C’mon Sis… You just wanna battle.”

   Black eyes widened at the sound of a new voice.

   Immediately, Aoi looked at the source, seeing a boy who now stood right beside who she assumed is the sister.

   One hand ruffled through his black and purple hair. “You’re makin’ this big fuss over nothing…” During the girls’ back and forth, Kieran decided to back off a few steps and watch the whole ordeal. After finalizing that his sister could not be rationalized with, he decided it would be best to try and pacify the situation.

   “I told you to hush, Kiki!” Fists raised and shaking, Carmine once again glared at him. Though her voice wasn’t loud, it still held a sharp venom that zipped his mouth shut.

   Arceus, he hated it every time she was like this.

   “Ignore my brother.” For a moment, a smile graced her lips; only a fool could see how utterly fake it was. Without a moment’s hesitance, Carmine released her Pokémon. Bright red light filled the space between them. And in a matter of seconds, a haughty Mightyena stood tall and ready for a fight.

   The longer he looked at the situation, the heavier he sighed.

   “Thank you.”

   He didn’t realize he had his eyes closed, for when he heard that voice—that one new voice—Kieran snapped his eyes open.

   Dumbly, he gaped at her beaming presence. Foolishly, he held a breath at the sight of her smile.

   Unlike what was given to Carmine a few minutes ago, the smile Aoi held now was softer. Kinder. Sweeter.

   A smile for him.

   Ba-dump!

   His legs almost gave out. Almost. One might perceive that his awe came from the radiant Pokémon that came out of Aoi’s Pokéball. The Sun Pokémon shined gloriously like the sun above. It clicked melodiously and fluttered her shiny yellow wings, preparing herself for an enticing battle.

   But no. No.

   While the Pokémon alone was beautiful, all Kieran could see, all Kieran could focus on, was the Pokémon’s trainer who shifted to a much more confident, much more intimidating stance.

   Her words. Her smile.

   It rang louder in his head than the cries of the Pokémon battle.