The blond girl continued to stare at the trainers past the point where some began to avert their gaze from her to avoid awkward eye contact. Autumn and Sylvia, however, continued to examine the girl’s appearance. Her hair was long and curly. It is surprisingly well groomed for its length, considering her hair reached down to her thigh. It would have likely touched the ground if it was straightened. From what Autumn and Sylvia were able to see, the girl’s skin was very fair, almost pale.
Sylvia drew the conclusion that the girl must spend most of her time indoors, or the very least away from the sun. She then proceeded to examine the girl’s face, noting a delicate porcelain-like quality. The ninja girl found herself staring more intently than she should have, for when she began to look into the girl’s eye she quickly turned her head away and faced Mrs. Friedrich.
“Emma?” Mrs. Friedrich seemed to be surprised by the girl’s sudden appearance. “Is something the matter?”
Emma took another glance at the group of new trainers, although she seemed to refuse to actually face them and only looked from the corner of her eyes. “These trainers don’t look like much.” She clutched the cylinder closer to herself, as if afraid that an unseen hand would take it from her. “Are you sure they’re up to the task?”
“Emma…” Mrs. Friedrich sighed with a hint of frustration in her face. It would seem that this wouldn’t be the first time this conversation was had. “I have every bit of confidence that they will see this task through.” Emma didn’t seem to be swayed by the elder’s words.
“Hey girl!” Drake’s voice erupted from the couch as he sprang to his feet and pointed a confident finger towards Emma. “It’s rude for you to be talking down to us like that! Don’t you underestimate us! Just who are you, anyway?”
The outburst had come to a surprise for everyone, especially to the young trainers. Although they shared Drake’s opinions, none would have voiced it in such a boisterous manner. The seated trainers shifted awkwardly in their seats, not entirely sure how to react in the wake of Drake’s actions. Damien would avert his gaze from the situation in an attempt to hide his embarrassment. Sylvia would also look away for a moment before her eyes found her way back towards Emma, curious about the girl’s reaction.
“You really don’t know anything do you?” Emma stared down her nose at Drake. Her voice gave away her impatience but still carried a tone of superiority.
Drake opened his mouth and was likely about to retaliate with another unrestrained comment when Mrs. Friedrich’s voice cut him off.
“That will be enough!” The older lady stood and made her way over to Emma until they stood side by side. “May I introduce my Granddaughter, Emma Friedrich.” The family resemblance became more obvious once they stood next to each other. Emma had clearly been a product of good lineage and wealthy society. “And Emma shall I introduce each of our guests-”
“I already know who they all are.” Emma coldly interrupted her grandmother. “Unlike some people, I made an effort to know something about the people who would be here.”
The verbal jab was meant for Drake, and it struck him as evidenced by how he tensed his stance. However, jab also stuck another target, perhaps unintentionally, but still stung. Sylvia mentally cursed and bit her lower lip. The young ninja was embarrassed that she hadn’t done more to learn about this meeting.
“Emma,” Mrs. Friedrich’s voice snapped both Drake and Sylvia out of their thoughts. “I’m sure you had another reason for coming here, other than to trade barbs with our guests.”
Emma glanced over at her grandmother. “I wanted to tell you that the other guests are beginning to arrive.”
The Senior Friedrich gave the younger a quizzical look. “You could have had Sebastian announce this.”
“He was busy.”
“I see… In any case, I mustn’t keep our guests waiting.” Mrs. Friedrich looked down at the cylinder clutched in her granddaughter's arms. “You need to trust them, Emma.” She said in a low voice, barely above a whisper.
“I trust you gran gran,” Emma replied in an equally low voice before she was gently patted on the head by her grandmother.
“Then trust in my decision.”Mrs.Friedrich offered a warm smile to her granddaughter before turning back towards the group of trainers. “As some of you may have gathered, this is the egg I would like for you to deliver.” She placed her hand on Emma’s shoulder which prompted the younger Friedrich to loosen her arms around the cylinder enough for the group of trainers to have a clear view of what was inside.
An egg was housed in the Cylinder container. It looked like was supported by a device of some sort which kept the egg upright. The egg itself was a solid light pink color, almost appeared completely white from the distance between the trainers and Emma. Some of the trainers tried to discern what kind of egg it was but unfortunately, none of them had the knowledge required.
“Now as I said, I must tend to my other guests.” Mrs.Friedrich continued. “Please feel free to make yourselves at home whilst you are here. Perhaps you should try some sightseeing while you’re in Celadon?”
“That sounds like a wonderful idea,” Damien commented as he pried his eyes away from the egg.
“I certainly wouldn’t mind exploring the city for a while,” Sylvia added, although her eyes didn’t seem to stray from egg or Emma.
“Well, I am less interested in sightseeing.” Liam stood up from his seat. “But couldn’t hurt to look for some trainers to battle, now that we’re official trainers.”
A smile spread across Mrs. Friedrich’s face. “That’s the spirit!” There was a joyful pride in her voice. “Now don’t forget your pokedexes and your eevees. I’ll let you spend the rest of the day as you see fit. Just be back before dark if you’re heading out.” She gave each of the young trainers a stern look before she turned sharply towards the door and exited the room. The giant mass of brown fur that was her Eevee followed after her, leaving the room with only Emma and the new trainers.
There was a nervous tension in the room as Emma’s examined each of the trainers. She didn’t seem like she was willing to talk to them but she was clearly waiting for something by the way she watched them.
“So!” The silence was finally broken by Autumn who sprung to her feet with her petilil. Both had been aching to stand even though the couch was comfy. “I suppose if we’re to deliver that egg, then we can take it off your hands now.” She started to motion towards Emma but the girl had taken a step back away.
Everyone in the group looked at each other, startled and confused at Emma’s behavior. “Mrs. Friedrich did say her granddaughter had grown fond of the egg,” Damien whispered to the group.
“Right… it may take some convincing to get her to lease it into our care.” Sylvia replied in a hushed tone.
“Don’t talk about me like I'm not standing here!” Emma yelled at the group, which caused the whispering pair to wince from embarrassment.
“Apologies, Emma.” Sylvia offered a deep apologetic bow. When she raised her head, she found Emma giving her a cold stare that sent a chill down her spine.
“Guys I think we might be overwhelming her a bit,” Autumn stated as she half turned to the group. “Why don't the rest of you guys go on ahead and I’ll stay to have a one on one chat?”
“Sounds like a good idea.” Damien nodded with approval.
“No arguments here.” Liam shrugged knowing he likely lacked diplomatic skills needed to handle the situation. So he wasn't even going to try.
Sylvia was more hesitant on agreeing. She would have preferred to be the one to stay and talk to Emma. The young ninja felt she should start personally handling matters rather than relying on someone else to take care of it for her. But there was something else. She wanted to try to stay behind and apologize to Emma, although she wasn't quite sure why. Was it because Emma was the granddaughter of a family friend and she wanted to try and maintain good relations? It was the only conclusion that made sense to her at that moment.
“Actually I..”
“I’ll stay with you.” Drake interrupted Sylvia just as she began to voice her opinion.
“I don't think that's necessary,” Autumn protested. “I don't want to overwhelm her.”
“Two people shouldn’t be too much.” Drake waved away Autumn’s concern. “You might need someone to back up your argument. Besides, there's a few things I’d like to discuss with her.”
“There you go again,” Emma sighed impatiently. “Talking about me like I'm not here…”
“Sorry, sweetie. We’ll get to the point now.” Drake spoke with what could be described as self-absorbed confidence. So much so that he failed to realize Emma’s cold stare was on him while Sylvia was staring daggers at the back of the boy’s head.
Picking on the tension quickly building in the room, Liam begins his exit after he grabbed his Pokedex off the platter. “I believe that’s our cue to leave.” He paused at the door to look back at Damien and Sylvia, waiting for them to join him. Damien was quick to follow suit, making sure to take his Pokedex as he moved to join Liam, pausing only briefly before crossing Emma.
“It.. was a pleasure to meet you.” The young boy had been sincere with his words, though he had to admit that the young Friedrich made him nervous with just her presence.
Sylvia hesitated for a moment, still wanting to stay behind, but ultimately gave a defeated sigh as she reached for her Pokedex. She silently crossed the room with her vulpix trotting alongside her. Like Damien, she paused before she crossed Emma, but offered no words. Only a deep bow from her waist before she turned on her heels and exited.
“We’ll meet up with you guys later,” Autumn called out the departing members of the group.
“Definitely,” Liam tossed a thumbs up at Autumn and Drake’s direction before turning and leading the other two back through the hallways they originally took when they arrived. The three trainers walked in silence for a good distance until they were sure they were out of earshot. “Do you think those two can get the egg away from her?” Liam figured he’d try to start a conversation with the other two.
Sylvia shrugged. “Mr.Daggeri wouldn’t be my first choice to have speak on our behalf.” She made some effort to keep an annoyed expression off her face, though the tone of her voice was a different matter. The other two seemed to agree with her, simply nodding their heads. “That other girl though. She seems capable and respectable enough.”
“Ah yeah.” Liam agreed. “I believe her name was Autumn. I spoke to her briefly while we waited for the bus at the airport. She seems nice, I guess.”
“H-hey, Sylvia was it?” Damien spoke up.
“Hmm?” Sylvia looked over to the shy boy. “Yes, that’s my name. What’s up?”
“Was it true what you said back there?” Damien almost felt very foolish having to ask. “Are you really a Ninja?” He chuckled nervously realizing he didn’t think he ever had to ask someone that question in a serious context.
“I admit, I am also quite curious about that,” Liam added. Suddenly Damien didn’t feel quite as foolish for asking.
“Oh, that.” A proud smile began to form on Sylvia’s lips. “I was being quite honest when I said that I was a ninja.”
Both boys gave Sylvia’s appearance a look over. “I would have thought a ninja would be more secretive with her identity? Or is that not how it actually works?”
“Well… it's complicated. I mean, take Janine for example. Pretty much everyone in Kanto knows that she and her father are ninja but it’s not a big deal since Janine is kinda in the spotlight, with her position in the Elite Four.” Sylvia explained. “As for why I didn’t bother to keep it a secret here? Mrs. Friedrich is clearly aware of my family. I figured that I could trust her and her other guests if you guys were also personally invited by her.”
“Hmm. Makes sense, I suppose.” Liam was satisfied with the explanation.
“So cool to have a ninja traveling with us.” Damien seemed a little confident for the mission ahead of them.
“So do you have any special ninja gadgets?” Liam inquired as he pulled a Pokeball from his bag and continued to fiddle with it like he was on the bus ride. “I would be really interested in learning how they actually work if you don’t mind me taking a look.”
“Erm…” Sylvia hesitated with her response. “Well, I don’t actually use any gadgets. My clan still prefers to use traditional methods. And I wouldn’t too excited just yet about having me along.” She turned her face away from the boys to hide her embarrassment. “I’m kind of ashamed to admit that I have very little experience with the actual world. There’s a lot of training I still need to complete.”
“Hey, no worries.” Damien continued to speak with the same confident tone. “I think all of us are in need of experience. I mean isn’t that the point of going on a pokemon journey?’
Sylvia looked back over to Damien with a small smile forming. “I suppose you’re right.” At this moment the trio finds their way back to the foyer. The Eevees from before were still there. A few appeared to have stopped playing and were trying to rest while most were still pretty active. As the trio descended the stairs, Sylvia spoke with an inquisitive brow raised to Damien. “So what about yourself? From the sounds of it, your family has ties to the Pokemon Tower in Lavender town?”
“Pokemon Tower? What’s that? It sounds like an attraction.” Liam asked, unsure of the local spots in Kanto.
“It kinda was for a while, unintentionally,” Damien answered Liam’s question with a sigh. “The Pokemon Tower is a sacred place here in Kanto. People from all over the region would bury their deceased pokemon there and it was a place meant for trainers to pay their respects to the departed. My family is the caretakers of the tower, so to speak...” The boy grew silent for a moment when they reached the bottom of the stairs. “But then, years ago, people converted the tower to a radio tower. Their reasoning was to ‘modernize’ the region.”
“Tch!” There was an audible sound of disgust that came from Sylvia. “Modernization doesn’t have to come with blatant disrespect.”
“I agree,” Damien replied. “But thankfully Mrs. Friedrich was kind enough to purchase to the tower and allow us to convert it back.”
“So I hear that the caretakers of the Pokemon Tower usually have special abilities.” Sylvia continued to step forward, looking for the Eevee with her name. She spoke in a tone that seemed to infer that she was leading Damien somewhere. In truth she wanted to follow up on the hunch she felt when she observed Damien while on the bus. Now knowing that his family is connected to the Pokemon Tower.
“I see… so maybe Aden wasn’t so paranoid then.” Damien paused and looked at Sylvia.
If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.
“Aden?” Sylvia turned and looked up from a sleeping Eevee to face the boy.
“That’s right, Aden said he saw you watching me back on the bus but I thought he was just being overly cautious.” He then looked over to an empty space of air beside him. “Well, I suppose you can show yourself now.”
In the following moments, the empty air began to shimmer as a candle started to manifest itself. The little candle had a blue flame on top of its head. Along its body, it had a face that was looking between each of the trainers. “Lit?”
“This is Aden,” Damien took the candle pokemon into his hand. “He’s my best friend,” He then petted the candle with his index finger. It clearly appreciated the affection. “But you are right. My family does share a special ability.”
“Oh?” Sylvia waited patiently for more information.
“But I think it can wait until later for a better demonstration.” The boy shrugged and looked around the room for his Eevee. “It's difficult to explain in words and it does require a bit of effort to perform since I’m fairly inexperienced.”
Sylvia nodded knowingly. “I understand.” She was slightly disappointed that she couldn’t see the abilities just yet but still, she revealed in her joy that she was right about her hunch.
“Found my Eevee!” Liam popped up from the other side of the room. He held up the little brown fox in his hands. The pokemon wagged its tail happily as if it knew his new trainer had found him. The name tag on the collar read “Watt.”
Shortly after Damien and Sylvia found their respective Eevees baring their Surnames. Sylvia’s was one of the ones that had stopped playing and was now resting comfortably in the corner of the room. Amelia trotted up to the sleeping Eevee and gently nudged it with her nose. The Eevee stirred from its sleep but remained calm, only lightly wagging its tail upon seeing Sylvia.
Damien’s, on the other hand, was one of the ones that was still playing with its siblings. It took the boy a couple of tries before he was able to pick up the Eevee since it was more interested in playing at that moment than meeting its new trainer.
“Hey, what’s with this blue dot on next my name on the tag?” Liam asked while he inspected the collar, apparently trying to get a look at the previously mentioned tracking devices.
“Huh. Mine has one as well.” Damien looked at his Eevee's collar.
This also prompted Sylvia to inspect her Eevee's tag, out of curiosity. However, instead of a blue dot like she had expected to find, there was a pink dot. “Strange. I have a pink dot.”
“Maybe it's because you’re a girl?” Liam shrugged.
“I don’t think that’s it,” Damien spoke up. “She appears to be the only one with a pink dot. If it’s because Sylvia’s a girl then there should be another one for Autumn right?” This got the other two to glance around the room at the remaining unclaimed Eevees. Sure enough from what they were able to see, none of the other name tags had a pink dot.
“Well, that’s strange…” Sylvia raised her brow in confusion but before she could put more thought into the matter, the scraping sounds of the front gates opening faintly filled the air and alerted the trio towards the door.
Moments later, the door was opened by one of the machoke butlers who held the door open for a man to enter. He walked in with a limp but had a cane which he shifted most of his weight to with each step. From what was visible from his exposed skin, from where his clothing cut off, most of his body was covered in scars. But despite all of that the man sported a sincere smile on his face as he passed through the threshold. Judging from his appearance, the trio concluded that he must have been in his mid to late fifties. After entering the foyer, the man runs his free hand through his greying hair and takes a look at the three trainers before him.
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Once the trio of trainers rounded the corner and are out of view, Autumn relaxes her shoulders a bit more. She was confident that with fewer people in the room Emma would have been more receptive to the idea of trusting her with the egg. Although she still wished that Drake had left with the others. She still believed the task would have been easier to handle in a one on one conversation and she didn’t like the vibe she was getting from the boy. He seemed ready to start an argument but she ignored that feeling for now and gave Emma her full attention.
Emma seemed to have relaxed a little as well when the others departed, though she still held the cylinder tightly. Her eyes were fixed on the two trainers, judging them.
“Just hand over the egg.” Drake bluntly said. This caused both Emma and Autumn to tense up. “Your gran hired us to deliver the egg and we can't do that unless you hand it over.”
He sounds like he's trying to mug her, Autumn thought. “As crudely as he's putting it, he does have a point.” She hoped that the situation could be salvaged.
“I am well aware that Gran gran hired you to deliver the egg.” Emma’s tone had become firm and defensive.
“Then what gives?” Drake’s raised his voice, causing Autumn to resist the urge to slap the boy. He then crossed his arms. “We can’t do the job if you don’t let us!”
“Gran gran may believe you’re up to the job but I still have my doubts!” Emma raised her voice to match Drake’s. The difference being that her’s carried more of an authoritative tone. It was enough to send a chill down the duo’s spines. “To be frank, all I’ve seen is a bunch of idiots that have no idea what they’re getting themselves into! Honestly, I have no idea what gran is thinking, trusting such an important task to a bunch of inexperienced saps!”
Her words had hit home with the duo. Autumn reflected on what was said for a moment, letting them sink in. Her partner, on the other hand, wasn’t going to let his wounded pride go without retaliation.
“Now listen here you spoiled rich girl!” He took a few steps towards the girl, unsure what he was going to do when he reached her. However, he didn’t get the chance to find out. Autumn had placed a firm hand on his shoulder and managed to pull the boy back with some effort.
“That’s enough out of you!” Autumn glared at the boy. “You’re proving her point…” She then sighed and stepped between Drake and Emma. “You’re right… I can’t really speak for the three others that left, but we are inexperienced. But, nevertheless, we’ll certainly do everything that we can to see that egg safely delivered.”
Emma seemed to have calmed a little but still, her arms held the cylinder tight. Autumn was beginning to believe getting her to part with the egg would be an impossible task.
“How about this then,” Autumn tried to put on her best smile. “Why don’t you come with us then?”
“W-what?” A look of surprise overwhelmed Emma’s face. She hadn’t considered the possibility of joining the trainers on their mission.
“What?!” Drake was surprised as well by the suggestion, although he was far from pleased.
“I mean yeah. It makes perfect sense doesn’t it?” Autumn looked to and fro between the two. “If this job is as important as everyone is making it out to be, then we can use the extra help along the way. Also, Emma can keep an eye on the egg the along the way to make sure it’s okay.”
“Kind of defeats the purpose of hiring you guys to deliver the egg if I’m also coming along…” Emma mumbled under her breath.
“Then think about it this way then,” Autumn smiled brighter with an ever growing positive tone in her voice. “You’re the VIP carrying the egg and we’re your hired escorts.”
Drake mumbled something under his breath, but the other two didn’t seem to hear it or they elected to ignore it.
Emma was silent for a long moment. Her face showed signs that she was giving the idea a good amount of thought before she simply nodded. “Very well. Your deal is acceptable. You and the others are to see me safely escorted to Pewter city, so that I may see to it this egg is safely delivered.” She spoke in a lighter tone now, although still possessing an air of superiority. “I shall discuss this change of plans with Gran gran before dinner.”
“Thank you for trusting us.” Autumn smiled sincerely as she and Emma began walking out of the room together.
“Great… now we have to babysit the princess..” Drake continued to mumble as he lagged behind the two girls. “Just make sure to change out of that Sunday dress. That’s not an outfit for traveling!”
“Don’t you think I know that!” Emma sharply turns head to the boy just as she and Autumn had stepped out of the room. “And whatever I’ve got to wear is certainly going to be more fashionable and functional than those rags you call an outfit!” Just as she finished the doors to the room slammed shut by an unseen force right before Drake’s face, nearly hitting his nose.
“Geeze… She’s just like my little sister…” Drake jumped back from the door that had come so close to breaking his nose. He would then stand and observe the door, wondering if there was a hidden mechanism that opened and closed the door.
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“So you must be the babyfaces that Amelie decided to sponsor.” The man spoke with a gruff but his voice was oddly pleasing to the ear.
Before Sylvia or the boys could answer the man, another figure appeared in the doorway behind him. The creature had bright red and orange scales with a flame lit on the tip of his tail. Its face sported a puckered beak, resembling that of a duckbill. Like the man, its appearance had clear signs of its age. Much of its scales were scared and it seemed to also walk with a bit of a limp, although that could be attributed to large pouch it had strapped to its torso.
“Ah, Pyrocast. Maybe we should have brought some of your brood along to help. Our old bones can’t keep making trips like this without some help.” The older man turned towards the pokemon and helped it readjust the pouch.
“Mag,” was all the fire type replied with before it turned its attention to three young trainers.
“Oh of course. Where are my manners?” The old man turns his gaze back towards the trio. “Name’s Matt,” he pounded his chest twice with his free hand. “Amelie and I go back a ways.” He then paused to examine each of the trainers, noting that the two boys were each holding an Eevee while Sylvia was kneeling next to her’s. “I see that she's already gifted you the Eevees.”
Unsure what to make of the old man the trio was hesitant at first to reply to him. “Pleasure to meet you,” Damien was first to be bold enough to speak up. “I’m Damien Black.”
“I am aware of who you are.” Matt moved towards the trio. “Amelie spoke highly of you lot when she asked me to help breed those Eevees.”
Are we the only ones not informed about everything about this gathering? Sylvia internalized an annoyed grunt before a question surfaced to the forefront of her mind. “Wait I thought Mrs. Friedrich breed these Eevees herself?” She then reached out her arms towards her Eevee, beckoning the small creature to come closer. The pokemon eagerly hopped into her arms and nuzzled its head into Sylvia's cradling arms.
“You’re not entirely mistaken. Those Eevees are bred from her stock,” A prideful grin stretched across his face. “But she did ask for my assistance. She wanted this batch to have...a little something extra for you lot. And not to toot my own horn, but I am one of the most leading breeding experts in Kanto.” He then walks up to Sylvia and holds out an extended finger towards her Eevee, to which the small creature takes a moment to sniff it before nuzzling it affectionately.
“Ah, I see that you’re the lucky one that gone the only female from the litter,” Matt commented as he pulled his hand away.
So that’s what the pink dot meant, the trio each had similar thoughts of realization.
“You said that these Eevees were bred to have something extra special about them?” Liam examined his own Eevee quizzically. “What exactly does that mean?”
“Sorry kid, can’t tell ya,” Matt replied with a chuckle. “If you’re a trainer worth your salt, you’ll figure it out in your own time soon enough. And ‘sides, I can’t go around telling people my trade secrets. Got my reputation to think of.”
Liam was disappointed by the lack of an answer to his question but he wasn’t going to push it any further. Instead, it simply stroked his Eevee’s fur and started to contemplate a name to give it all while still determined to piece together the secrets later.
“Magmar!” The fire type limped to Matt’s side.
“Right, speaking of my reputation as a breeder.” Matt turned to acknowledge his fiery companion, lifting his cane and using it to point at the pouch strapped to the creature. “Lately I’ve been doing a bit of a service for new trainers. I call it the egg roulette.”
“Roulette?” Damien questioned. “You mean like gambling?”
“No,” Matt's voice was still gruff but it sounded more reassuring. “Gambling would imply that there's a chance you’d lose something. What I offer, you’d only stand to gain.”
“Okay, how exactly does this service work?” Sylvia was becoming curious.
“It’s simple. You offer one of your pokemon for me to borrow for one night.” Matt then coughed as he added, “For breeding purposes.” He seemed to get Sylvia and Damien to blush, despite the attempt at discretion. “And in return, you will receive an egg my stock.”
“I take it from the fact that you call it a roulette that the egg is random then?” Liam asked plainly.
“Random enough,” Matt replied with a shrug. “I do have a knack for pairing the right egg with the right trainer.” The proud grin appeared on his face again. “So interested?”
“I’ll pass,” Liam spoke plainly. “I feel like I’ve already gotten enough gifts for today and I don’t think.”
“Very well, your choice kid.” Matt then looked over at Sylvia and Damien. “How about you two?”
“Sounds interesting.” Sylvia nodded. “I guess I can offer Amelia to you for the night.” She gestured to the vulpix resting by her feet.
“I can offer Aiden if that’s alright,” Damien added while the ghostly candle revolved around his head. “They’re not going to get hurt are they?”
“Course not,” Matt breathed out a puff of air that was a single laugh. “I’ll take proper care of them but I don’t need them right at this moment. I’ll come around to collect them later tonight. But for now,” he shifted his weight and braced himself on his cane as he lowered himself to Damien’s eye level. “Let’s have a good look at ya.”
Matt stared deeply into Damien’s eyes as if to study his very soul. The moment felt like an eternity to the young boy as he started to feel awkward having an older man stare silently into his face for so long.
“Right,” Matt finally spoke, breaking Damien out of the trance he wasn’t even aware he was in. He then reached over into the pouch next to him and produced a single light brown egg. “You,” He then held the egg before the boy. “A kind-hearted boy would be a good parent for this cubone.” He handed the egg over to Damien, who had to take it with both hands to have a firm grasp.
“Thank you,” Damien took a second to feel the weight of the egg. “I’ll take good care of it.”
“See that you do, boy.” Matt’s gruff voice grew stern and with the change, in his tone, Damien felt another weight in his hands. The weight of responsibility for the life growing within the shell.
The boy took a deep breath as he began to process what he had been given before he carefully placed the egg into his bag. While the boy was busy making room for the egg to sit safely, without the threat of one of his other items damaging it, Matt turned his gaze to Sylvia.
“Now for you princess.” Matt smiled at the girl before he repeated his strange ritual. When he finished his reading he let out a laugh. “You are a very strong-willed child. Under your calm exterior lies a storm.” He reached into the pouch again and produced another egg. However, this egg seemed very different. The color of the egg was cloudy and appeared to have been moving like a cloud in the sky. “I think a castform would be a perfect fit for you.” He grinned as he extended the egg to Sylvia.
However, she did not reach out to accept it. She only looked at the egg, the expression on her face was one that wanted to pose a question and Matt saw it.
“Something wrong, Princess?” He pulled the egg back, seeing that it wasn’t going to be accepted.
Sylvia opened her mouth as if to speak but then closed it before she could get a word out. Her mind raced for the correct words for what she wanted to say. “If…” she started speaking, hoping the words would fall into place as she went along. “If I were to be bold, might I make a request for my Egg?”
“Wouldn’t that defeat the point of the roulette?” Liam commented as he observed the ritual happening before him.
“The boy has a point.” Matt nodded. “A request isn’t much in the spirit of how this works.”
“Oh, I understand.” She then reached her hands out ready to accept the castform egg but Matt did not extend it again. Her eyes widen with the fear that she might have offended the elderly man with her request.
“However,” Matt placed the castform egg back into the pouch. “If you were to make a request, what would it be?” He then raised a brow at the girl and awaited an answer.
Sylvia was quiet, unsure of what was happening. “My request..?” she managed to will up the nerve to answer. “I was hoping for a seviper egg… if you had one of course.”
“Seviper?” Matt echoed before smacking his lips a few times and scratching his chin as he looked over at his companion. “That’s a tall request princess.”
“I understand if you don’t want to-” Sylvia bows towards Matt apologetically but was cut off before she could finish.
“Now hold on. I didn’t say no.” He then rose back to his full height with the assistance of the cane. “It's just not for me to decided.” He reached for his belt and pulled out a Pokeball. “Let's see what Jormungand has to say about this.” He dropped the ball to his side and with a bright flash, a large serpent manifested itself in the room. The creature as massive in size with his body and tail coiling around Matt and his Magmar and could have easily encircled the trio as well if it had a mind to.
The seviper was old as well, like its trainer. The look of its scales told a story of past glory in battle with scars. It looked around the room with one good eye while the other had gone a milky white, likely having gone blind in that eye when it acquired the scar near it.
“Jormungand,” Matt spoke loudly to the serpent, gaining its attention. “This little girl wants to know if she’s worthy of one of your brood.”
With that, the massive serpent turned its eye towards Sylvia. It hissed its forked tongue at the girl a few times and slithered closer to her for a good look all the while exerting an aura of intimidation on the girl. Sylvia could feel the serpent judging her worth as its gaze penetrated her like a spear. It was becoming harder for the girl to breath the longer the serpent stared at her.
Finally, Jormungand pulled its massive head away from Sylvia. Its tail made its way around the group where it raised its razor tail, which had become serrated with age, and it gently patted the ninja girl on the head with the flat side of the blade.
“Well, I’ll be…” Matt’s grin graced his face again. “Jormungand likes you, Princess. And he doesn’t like anyone ‘sides me.” He then reached into the pouch again, digging a little deeper this time, before producing a purple egg. “Here you go.” He handed the egg over.
When the egg was placed in the palm of her hand Sylvia found herself able to breathe normally again as the weight of Jormungand’s intimidating aura lifted from her. “Domo arigato,” She bowed deeply towards the Serpent and its trainer. “I am honored that you believe me worthy of this egg.”
Jormungand hissed a forked tongue at Sylvia in response before retracting its tail.
“Well that’s it for now,” Matt stretched his back, just now feeling the effects of having to bend down to eye level. “Least until the others in your group show up. So what do you kids have planned?”
Liam and Damien were both still in silent awe at what had just happened with the large serpent and Sylvia. It wasn’t until Matt feigned a cough that the boys snapped out of it.
“O-oh,” Liam cleared his throat. “We were planning to check out the city while we were here. Maybe check out the local battle scene?”
“Ah in that case then why don’t you pay a visit to the battle hall?” The older man suggested with an ever-widening grin.