IRIDESCENT

When you were standing in the wake of devastation

When you were waiting on the edge of the unknown

And with the cataclysm raining down

Insides crying, "Save me now"

You were there, impossibly alone

- Linkin Park

I

Seth Conklin sat across the street from his house in front of the "Golden Tails Diner," his eyes fixed on two military men who made their way into his house. His gaze was filled with concern, tears streaming down his young face as he clutched his knees tightly. He had heard the stories and rumors that circulated about the looming shadow of the Great War. Kids' parents being called away from their homes, forced to face the battlefield. His father, Edward, had mentioned the possibility of that to him.

One of the army men stood tall, donning his military fatigues with precision. His black glasses shielded his eyes, making it difficult to discern the emotions hidden behind them. He had a muscular physique His spiky, blonde hair stood in stark contrast to the seriousness etched on his face. Beside him, the other army man exuded a different energy. He was older, weathered by the weight of his experiences. His uniform bore the signs of wear and tear. Despite the fatigue that lingered in his gaze, there was a steadfast determination that burned deep within him.

"George, what's on the menu tonight?" a loud voice boomed, drawing Seth's attention to the entrance of the diner.

George, a friendly black man, leaned against the doorframe, a warm smile on his face as he replied, "The wife is making Seared Farfetch'd with Leeks."

Another man, almost twice as large as George and that is to say something, responded, "Oh, thank God your wife is cooking. That means it will be edible!"

The words brought laughter and lightness to the atmosphere, causing Seth's tears to momentarily subside. George joined in the laughter, his genuine joy shining through as he held up a middle finger.

George sat beside Seth. The minutes stretched out, carrying a sense of heaviness that seemed to linger. Finally, George broke the silence with a solemn tone. "I imagine they're coming here next," he said, his words carrying a weight of uncertainty. Seth looked at George, searching for reassurance. "Your dad is one of the toughest bastards I have ever met," George continued, his voice filled with conviction. "Plus, he has that Rhydon of his. He will be just fine." Seth remained silent, his gaze fixed on the closed front door of his home, lost in his own thoughts. "How is your mom?"

"It's getting worse," Seth replied. "The doctors can't figure it out. Dad has been getting really annoyed with all the doctors." He sighed deeply. "Why does my dad have to go? Who gives a fuck about Johto?"

"You know your mom wouldn't want to hear you say that," he said gently, his voice filled with compassion.

"I don't care," Seth muttered.

"Seth, I wish I could say that you would understand when you're older, but truth be told, I don't fully get it myself,"

"Then why go? Dad already said if they come, he is leaving."

George paused, contemplating his response. "Well, for one thing, we really don't have a whole lot of choice in the matter," he explained. "But secondly, he is doing it for you. He wants you safe, and he doesn't know how he can protect his son if we lose this war."

"Protecting me would mean he would stay here. Why is there even a war?" he asked, his voice filled with genuine curiosity.

"Because a bunch of old farts decided, I guess. I don’t think we will ever know the real reason."

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"I still don't get why my dad has to go," Seth murmured, his voice filled with a mix of sadness and frustration.

"I know, and I wish I had an answer," George said, his gaze filled with empathy. "But here's a deal I'll make with you. If I end up leaving, you'll look after Sarah for me and make sure she stays out of trouble, yeah? And if you do, I'll give you and your mom free food every day."

"And if you don't leave?" he asked cautiously.

George smiled warmly. "Well, how about I just give you the food anyway. But you still watch after Sarah. She's a little nutty, that one."

The street buzzed with activity, the sounds of conversations and Pokémon mingling in the air, creating a backdrop of comforting noise. But within Seth, a storm of emotions raged, threatening to consume him. Tears welled up once again, silently streaming down his face as he futilely tried to wipe them away before George noticed. George, clearly seeing, broke the silence. "Hey, do me a favor. Sarah is around back in her spot. Do you and that Mankey of yours mind going to play with her?" His voice held a gentle warmth, a genuine attempt to bring a moment of joy to Seth's troubled heart.

Seth nodded, a mix of gratitude and sadness in his eyes. Releasing Mankey from his Pokéball, the energetic Pokémon leaped onto Seth's shoulders. Seth mustered a small smile and softly said, "Thank you, Mr. Erikson."

"No problem at all," George replied with a kind smile. "Now go on, You're scaring my customers away."

The corner of Seth's lips curled up a bit more, appreciating George's attempt to lighten the mood. With Mankey at his side, he opened the side door gate and together they ventured around the back of the diner, leaving the bustling street behind.

As Seth and Mankey made their way to the backyard, they were greeted by a picturesque scene that overlooked the vibrant city of Cerulean.

At the far end of the yard, a magnificent tree stood tall, its branches stretching outwards like open arms, providing shade and shelter. Its foliage, lush and verdant, created a natural canopy that filtered the sunlight, casting a gentle play of light and shadow upon the ground.

The yard sloped gently downward, revealing a breathtaking view of Cerulean City below. From this vantage point, the city's colorful rooftops and bustling streets spread out before Seth. The azure waters of the river that flowed through the city sparkled under the golden rays of the sun, reflecting its brilliance with every ripple.

Beneath the tree's shade, a resplendent Ninetales rested gracefully on the lush green grass. Its pristine coat shimmered with an otherworldly glow. Nine long tails with fire red tips cascaded elegantly around its form.

Seth gazed upwards and spotted Sarah perched high in the tree. "Vulpix, use Sky Drop!" she exclaimed. In an instant, Vulpix soared out of the branches, a brilliant streak of golden fur, and landed on the serene Ninetales below. Unfazed by the impact, the Ninetales simply yawned, displaying a nonchalant demeanor.

"Sarah, Vulpix can't learn Sky Drop," Seth interjected.

Sarah swiftly turned around, undeterred, and leaped down from the tree without a hint of fear or hesitation. Sarah, a vibrant 10-year-old girl, came charging at Seth and Mankey. Seth couldn't help but noticed how she possessed an exuberant spirit that radiated from her every pore. Her luscious afro spilling over both sides of her face bounced around freely as she ran. Her dark skin carried a radiant glow, almost iridescent, as if her skin color changed emitting its own unique warmth.

But it was her smile that truly captivated hearts. With a joyful grin that stretched from ear to ear, she had the power to brighten even the gloomiest of days. Her hazel eyes sparkled with a mischievous glimmer.

"Seth! What's up? Let's have a battle! Mankey, are you up for it?" she exclaimed, brimming with excitement.

“It was like even as kids just being around her just made all my issues not disappear but put in the back of my mind. Her nature was just so loud and fun that being sad or angry just wasn’t possible.” Seth explained.

"That is really cool you got to grow up with your wife," Brian remarked, sitting across from Seth by the campfire.

Seth held Erin asleep close to him, the weight creating a comforting presence. "It's messed up, you know? I'm starting to forget that warmth of hers. It's being replaced by that damn ghost," Seth confided.

Emily, sitting nearby, chimed in with concern. "So you are still seeing her then."

"Every damn second of every day," Seth replied. "Since Pewter City, she hasn't said anything, but she never really leaves me." The crackling of the campfire and the distant sounds of nocturnal Pokémon added a serene symphony to the night.

Curiosity tugged on Brian's thoughts. "What happened to her dad?"

"He died under Mt. Silver, just like my dad, Emily's dad and all the others." Seth replied, his voice tinged with sadness and a hint of bitterness. "Did your dad fight?" Seth asked.

"No, he was a good-for-nothing junkie. They saw that immediately and recruited my mom instead," Brian replied. "Taking one from each household was messed up. My mom didn't even have a Pokémon; they just gave her a low-level one they caught and trained it for five minutes before shipping her off," Brian explained further, clear anger still present.

Emily stood up in front of the dwindling fire. "Guys, we have a lot of miles to cover before we reach Celadon City. Let's get some rest."

The night swallowed them whole. Seth, Erin, and Vulpix huddled inside the tent. There was an eerie blackness in the sky. As if all the stars were silenced. Pitch black except for the faint glow on Sarah's lifeless face, haunting Seth from across the camp in the dim light of the dying embers.